Write Around Tampa

Raining Berries

10633 Sheldon Road

Westchase

This little gem is next to Sprouts and not far from Jeremiah’s. Inviting and bright and complete with an awesome soundtrack (Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, James Arthur, sombr) this is a vibrant place. How does it rate for a writer needing some inspiration and conducive work environment? Of course I’m going to tell you:

Quality and pricing of food and drink:
Westchase quality ingredients expensive. A grilled cheese with pesto and a bottle of apple juice was almost $14. I’m going to get a smoothie midway through my work, there goes another $10. I will say the grilled cheese was acceptable—good flavor but there wasn’t enough cheese—it was actually two sandwiches cut into four halves and a bounty of potato chips, so at least I’ll get to eat the rest tomorrow. Bring a writer friend and you can split it.

Are there enough outlets?
Yes, but they’re in the floor instead of the wall so watch where you’re walking. If you’re working, watch where others are walking so your computer doesn’t end up on the floor.

How’s the wifi?
Password protected and fast.

Will my muse come out?
She will. The atmosphere is sunny and bright, the chairs relatively comfortable (they don’t look like they will be, but they are) and again, love the music. Bring a book; when you’re finished working you may want to settle on the couch or a cozy chair, have a smoothie and read.

How long can I park it?
Open to close, which is 7-8:30 except for Sundays when they close at 6:00

Final rating: 5 out of 5 laptops

Rachel Remick’s fiction and non-fiction stories have appeared in various magazines, among them Rosebud, Bluestem and ellipsis . . . literature and art. A frequent contributor to women’s magazine Sasee, her writing has also been published in several volumes of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series of books. She lives in Tampa, Florida.