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Best places to eat in Tampa

Java Ingram takes us on a tour or an excursion, if you will, of two Tampa venues that house several restaurants in one location- Sparkman Wharf and Armature Works.

TAMPA, Fla. — If you are in town ahead of football's biggest night, arguably one of the world’s biggest sporting events, and you’re looking for somewhere to snag a meal, Great Day Live has you covered. Tampa Bay is filled with countless diverse eateries, but sometimes it can be hard to find a restaurant that pleases all the members of your dining party. Today, Java Ingram takes us on a tour or an excursion, if you will, of two Tampa venues that house several restaurants in one location- Sparkman Wharf and Armature Works.
"It is amazing that you can put a 1-acre park on the water, have a beer garden outside, have food containers and dining outside 365 days a year and the weather is perfect," said Susan Martin, the Vice President of Retail for Sparkman Wharf. 

The open-air dining destination has enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest eater in your dining party.

"We offer everything from local coffee to cheesesteak sandwiches, hand scooped ice cream, tacos, tequila, tequila and more tequila. We also have farm to table bowls, the healthier version, pizza, whatever you’re craving we have," said Martin.

From Channelside to the historic Tampa Heights neighborhood. Armature Works offers visitors sweeping views of the Hillsborough river and a foodie’s paradise inside.

"Armature Works has a very nice upscale food hall inside. We refer to it as Heights Public Market and you can find everything from barbecue to sushi to Mediterranean and everything in between. It is a really great variety. I see it as more of a culinary dining experience. You get to come on property and choose from nineteen different vendors. We also have three full-service restaurants and one of them being really cool, is our rooftop M.Bird bar. You can go up their grab a great cocktail and see a beautiful sunset and just enjoy our property," said Anthony Liakakos, Director of Operations at Armature Works. 

Hungry patrons are asked to wear a mask while inside. However, after you order and pick up your food you’ll find countless places to sit, unmask and eat both inside and outside of the building.

"As you can see, there is an amazing outdoor property here with beautiful river views and tons of outdoor seating and the Florida winter. We have a sunny winter here in Florida. So come down take advantage of our outdoor seating. Go inside grab some food come out with your family and enjoy our space out here," said Liakakos.

For more information on both venues visit sparkmanwharf.com and armatureworks.com.

Tune into “Great Day Live” weekdays from 9 to 10 a.m. on WTSP-TV.

Hosts Kendall Kirkham and Java Ingram bring you the latest in what everyone’s talking about, from trending stories, lifestyle and entertainment news, buzz-worthy, pop culture moments, and all things fun and exciting happening around Tampa Bay.

Whether it’s people making a difference, talented artists and musicians, delicious food, fun activities to do and make with the family, lovable animals, entertaining events and big names coming to town, we’ve got you covered. We hope to bring you a wealth of information to live your best life and start your morning right!

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About Kendall: 

Kendall Kirkham joined “Great Day Live” in November 2017 from Memphis, Tennessee, where she served as morning co-anchor for WMC Action News 5. Prior to her stint in Memphis, Kendall served as co-host of "Tulsa Live" at KOKI in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kendall also worked at KETK in Tyler, Texas, The Dallas Morning News and started her career as an intern for “The Ellen Show” and E! Entertainment.

Kendall has interviewed countless celebrities and notable figures, from Bob Woodward to Arsenio Hall, John Travolta and Paula Deen. She’s hit 9 Gs with the U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds, raised money for various charities in three local “Dancing with the Stars” competitions, and even played a gangster on stage for a traveling Broadway show. Kendall is most proud of her work with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She continues to support the hospital in various capacities today.

Kendall is a proud Texas native. She grew up in the Fort Worth area and graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Radio/TV/Film.

Kendall is thrilled to join the “Great Day Live” team and is having a ball highlighting this thriving community. She hopes to bring a smile to viewers at home every single day. In her spare time, Kendall enjoys exploring the countless sights, sounds and eats of Tampa Bay with her husband Jason and son Knox.

About Java: 

Java Ingram is a New Orleans native/Texan and is excited to call Florida home! Prior to joining the “Great Day Live” team, Java served as host of a lifestyle-entertainment show in Birmingham, Alabama. She also woke up dark and early, weekday mornings to help drivers make it to their destinations safely as a traffic anchor.

Java started her on-air broadcast career in the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo, Mississippi. In Tupelo, she served as morning news anchor, producer and reporter.

Javanté is an award-winning journalist, having been recognized by the Associated Press for Best Anchor, Best Reporter and Best Franchise Reporting, just to name a few.

When she's not working, Java is very passionate about giving back to the community, having served on the corporate boards for The Boys and Girls Club of North Mississippi, The Civic Ballet Company, The Doniphan Dance Project and the Leadership Council for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama. She has volunteered also with a number of civic organizations.

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