sstinso01's Profile
Heading to Orlando, St Petersburg/Clearwater and Tampa – looking for healthy everyday eats and chow-worthy hole-in-the-wall finds
Here are a few of my faves:
Tarpon Springs: Rusty Bellies (seafood)
Ozona: Molly Goodheads (seafood/Old Key West style American)
Dunedin: Casa Tina's (Mexican)
Palm Harbor: Napoli's (pizza); Amarit (Thai); Casa Ludovico (Italian)
Clearwater Beach: Island Way Grill (new American)
Indian Rocks Beach: Salt Rock Grill (Best Steaks ever! Crispy on outside, juicy on the inside)
Atlanta: Christmas Dinner?
Can anyone recommend some restaurants in the Stone Mountain, Decatur, Dunwoody , Ashford-Dunwood areas that are serving dinner on Christmas day? Thanks.
Dunedin: Sam's Seafood?
Ozona, thanks for the reply.
My husband and I went last night. The people were very friendly and the service was decent. While I found the food to be very fresh (Sam sets his own traps for everything), I found it to be a little lacking in flavor. They definitely do not use a lot of seasoning.
Sam's serves mullet. I found this interesting, because I've always heard about Ted Peter's in south county for mullet, but have not found anywhere else that serves it.
I thought their prices were a little on the high side for the specials. My husband and I both had the crab cake special, which came with one other seafood item (your choice), 2 sides and some hushpuppies for $19.95. Our bill for two (including two softdrinks) was around $50.00.
My personal opinion is that Rusty Bellies in Tarpon Springs is a little better in terms of the flavoring for the food. Granted, their service is not always that great. However, their seafood is also always fresh.
Dunedin: Sam's Seafood?
Has anyone tried Sam's Seafood in Dunedin? What was your experience? He was on vacation for the past month, but has recently reopened. This restaurant does not have a website. Thanks!
Searching for good Indian in Tampa Bay
I will add a 3rd to Raga. Their food and service is really quite good. We were very surprised.
Steak on or near Clearwater Beach
You can try Island Way Grill which is closer to the bridge that goes over to Clearwater. However, my favorite place, handsdown for steak is Salt Rock Grill on Madiera Beach. It's a bit of a drive, but the food is great. The steaks are good because they char them on the outside but they're still juicy on the inside.
HELP! Looking for First Date Place in Countryside/Palm Harbor
You have a couple of options.
1) Casa Ludovico on Alt. 19 in Palm Harbor. They have awesome Italian food. It's a little pricey (expect to pay $15-$20 for an entree) but the food is authentic, the portions are generous, and the service can't be beat. 1710 Alt 19, Palm Harbor, FL 34683, (727) 784-7779
2) Rusty Bellies. Ok, this is a little north of Palm Harbor, but only about 7 miles. The seafood is great. We've never had a bad experience there. 937 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, (727) 934-404.
3) Amarit Thai, Palm Harbor. The food and service is consistently good here. 328 E Lake Rd, Palm Harbor, FL 34685. (727) 789-9186
4) Ivory Mandarin Bistro, Dunedin. This is a little west of Countryside mall. They have good Chinese food. The service here is a little slow at times, but the food is consistently good. http://www.ivorybistro.com/
5) Joto's, across from Countryside mall (where TJ Max, Kirklands, Shoe Carnival are located). Good place for authentic Japanese food and sushi. My husband works with several Japanese people who say this is the only Japanese place they will go. Food and service are consistently good. 2549 Countryside Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33761, (727) 796-2022
6) In Ozona, which is west of Palm Harbor, there is an Old Florida, Key West restaurant called Molly Goodheads. This is a little dive bar, where the girls wear short shorts and the beer is always cold. If you're looking for super casual, this is the place. The other place like this is in downtown Palm Harbor, called Thirsty Marlin. They're a little pricey for the type of food they serve, but it's a fun place.
Clearwater Indian Food Rave: Raga Indian
My husband took me here this past weeked. I was a little skeptical when we went, but I'm glad he took me there.
We had 1 apps, 2 drinks, 2 entrees, bread and a dessert for $50!
We started with the Paneer Pakoras - Homemade cheese cubes dipped in seasoned chickpea batter and deep fried. I wasn't sure how these would taste. They came with two sauces (a sweet and a savory) and were quite good. They were fried well, firm and very tasty.
I ordered some naan (indian bread baked in a clay oven) to go with the meal. Although I've never had it, it was quite good. It was a little crispy around the edges, but soft in the middle. Very tasty.
I ordered the Chicken Makhani for my entree, which is boneless pieces of white meat chicken marinated tandoori style, cooked in a rich tomato cream sauce. I asked for a mild spice, which was just enough. I couldn't believe how tender the meat was. I was able to cut it with a fork. The tomato sauce was excellent over the rice that was served with the meal.
My husband ordered lamb curry. Although he asked for medium spice, apparently that goes a long way! It had quite a kick to it. Like the chicken in my dish, the lamb was very tender and flavorful.
For dessert, we had gulab jamun, which were homemade dumplings in a sweet sauce. The sauce tasted like it was flavored with rosewater and cinnamon. The dumpings were soft in the middle but crispy on the outside. I really enjoyed the sauce, and was trying to eat every last drop from the bowl.
I should add that the service was excellent. I wish that I could take our waiter we had there with me to every restaurant. He was attentive with being overly so.
There's also a little gift shop inside as well.
Overall, a great meal, with great prices.
You can find them at:
Raga Asian Indian Restaurant
www.ragaflorida.com
16080 Us Highway 19 N
Clearwater, FL 33764
(727) 531-6400
is there german food in florida???
There's an excellent German restaurant in St. Pete called Cafe Vienna. Their food and service are both good.
is there german food in florida???
Cora, my inlaws are German and we took them to the Schnitzel Factory in Ocala on Sunday, August 10th.
While the food was excellent, the service was atrocious. First of all, our waitress got fired. We sat for over an hour after she had taken our order, waiting on our food. And, when we placed the order, we were told we couldn't have any veal dishes because they ran out of veal.
When we were finally able to flag a different waitress down after we had placed the order, she apologized and told us the waitress was fired. It was 1.5 hours before we received our food. During this time, their soda machine broke, as well as the beer dispenser. The only thing they had left to drink was water and tea.
Then, during that time, they had to close the place down because they ran out of most of their food. They also ran out of rolls. We went about 11:30 on Sunday and didn't leave until 1:45.
The lady at the front apologized and said that 1) they had run out of food and 2) their kitchen only had room for one cook which was why it took so long to get the food.
I would add that this place has the ambience of an upscale McDonalds. The tableclothes are plastic (and torn at that) and there are very few things on the wall.
I would try them again, as I understand they just opened. But, it will be 6 months at least before I do. They clearly do not have the kinks worked out.
Need Tarpon Springs Rec's
I know you're looking for greek, but I have to mention a seafood place at the end of the sponge docks called Rusty Bellies. Great seafood!
Need Tarpon Springs Rec's
I don't recommend Mykonos after seeing abc action news dirty dining report at http://www.abcactionnews.com/content/news/specialreports/dirty-dining/default.aspx
They had 50 critical food violations (along with Mama Greek's and Hellas). Hellas is not mentioned in the report, but if you click on the map, it shows 87 critical food violations. Mykonos has 56 food violations with 31 critical ones. Which is too bad, because their food is decent.
Good Seafood in Clearwater area?
We're looking for something that is different from Frenchy's, Palm Pavilion, Molly Goodhead's and the Thirsty Marlin. No to Bonefish too.
Anybody have an recommendations?
Thanks!
What are your personal faves in the Tampa/St Pete/Clearwater area?
Laurie, I completely agree with you on E&E. I thought that their food was entirely overpriced when compared with some other, better places. I also agree with you on Mystic Fish. When they first opened, I would beg my husband (then boyfriend) to take me there. Now, after several bad experiences with either food, service, or both, I haven't gone back!
New to Savannah: Looking for good NON-chain places
OOOOHHH--I almost forgot Johnny Harris BBQ--fabulous!
New to Savannah: Looking for good NON-chain places
I'd second Old Pink House, Vinnie Van GoGo's and Jazz'd. We also liked Cotton Exchange and the Casbah Moroccan Restaurant.
St Pete Beach/St Petersburg
I saw Keegan's Grill on a recent episode of Food Networks "Diners, Driveins and Dives." Their website is http://www.keegansseafood.com/index.html I've heard that Chris Sherman, a retired food critic for the St. Pete Times also liked this place. I've always loved the steaks at Salt Rock Grill--they're crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
If you go to Tarpon Springs, I recommend Hellas. Their greek salads are awesome! In St. Pete, I recommend Bella Brava for Italian. Haven't been anywhere else you mentioned.
Gaylord Palms Resorts Sunday Brunch?
I've only been here once for brunch, but it was quite good. The service is lacking, however. Also, at the waffle and omelet bar, there tends to be a bit of a wait. However, they have a good selection at brunch and the food is good. I don't recall how much it was, but I do recall it was in the range of what you pay for any standard brunch.
Italian food Clearwater St. Pete area
I highly recommend Bella Brava in St. Pete. We were there this last weekend and the food was phenomenal.
St. Petersburg: Bella Brava Review
Hi Joan--
We spent about $50 for two, and that included 2 soft drinks and an appetizer. The entrees average about $16. If you don't eat a lot, two people can split an entree. With the appetizer, we ended up bring more than half of each of the entrees home. The portions are quite generous!!
St. Petersburg: Bella Brava Review
I recently had a chowhound (dmfnole) recommend Bella Brava for an anniversary dinner. This restaurant was phenomenal!
They bring bread to the table that is very good. The dipping oil had roasted garlic in it that was to die for! The garlic was smooth and buttery and did not have a garlic "bite" to it.
We started with the calamari. It was perfectly fried, and the breading was not heavy at all--very light.
We also had the Sedanini alla bellabrava. This dish was a feast for the eyes. It comes in a huge dish that is covered in pizza dough, lightly browned. Beware, this dish is a bit spicy! Still very good though.
We also had the special, which was bucatini. I'm very picky with Italian food, especially pasta, because it is usually overcooked. The pasta in both dishes was cooked al dente, and they had obviously salted the water slightly, because the pasta was not bland. The veal meatballs with the bucatini were quite good as well.
The service was pretty good as well. The server kept our drinks filled.
Overall, I highly recommend this place!! We'll definitely return. I would recommend reservations, because by 6:30, they were getting very busy and had a bit of a wait.
Bella Brava
515 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 895-5515
www.bellabrava.net
St. Petersburg--Need Anniversary Dinner Recs
Hi Noice--
We had planned to go before the show. Probably about 5:45 or 6:00. We've been to Cafe Alma before and Pacific Rim. I thought Pacific Rim was overpriced, and on the night that we went (also before a show), the food was sub-par. Cafe Alma is good, not great, IMHO.
R.I.P. Bob Mervine
My condolences to the family. He was a great poster and friend to to those on the Chowhound Board. RIP.
St. Petersburg--Need Anniversary Dinner Recs
I'm taking my fiance' for an anniversary date this Saturday in St. Pete at the Mahaffey. Can someone recommend a good restaurant in the area that is reasonably priced and delicious? Thanks!!
Sherri
I hope I am not breaking etiquette... Italian subs
This is somewhat off topic, but I have such a beef with their name! We have a LaSpada's in Clearwater that is out of Delaware County, PA. I have been a long-time patron there. If this is the same place, the ORIGINAL LaSpada's Cheesesteaks and Hogies in CLW had to change their name to DELCO, even though they were in business before any other LaSpada's in FL. Anyway..haven't tried S. Florida LaSpada's as I don't get down there. BUT--
If you want a REAL philly cheesesteak, and you're in the area, go to DELCO. They also have pizza steaks and hogies. DELCO (formerly LaSpada's) is in Dunedin on SR 580.
Spring Training in Clearwater - need recs
Make sure to make reservations for Salt Rock and Island Way--it's easy to get shut out if you call the day of or day before. Also, you need to get to Lenny's by about 8:15 on the weekends or else you will wait forever and a day.
Spring Training in Clearwater - need recs
Well, my dear BF works for the Phillies. The players tend to frequent places around the stadium, like Lenny's (excellent for breakfast!!!) Lenny's also caters to the Phillies.
For Mexican, we like Casa Tina's in Dunedin. Avoid Caramba's Mexican at all costs--overpriced, poor service and mediocre food.
For pizza, Umberto's in Dunedin (on Patricia) is excellent and can't be beat Alternatively, Cafe Milano on Ft. Harrison in Downtown Clearwater is good. The guy there is a bit like the soup nazi from Seinfeld in that he doesn't like you to make changes to his pizzas. But, he is from Italy and the pizza is quite good.
For steaks, you MUST make your way to Salt Rock Grill on Indian Rocks Beach.
For beach vibe, check out Cooter's (food is good, service is hit and miss) on Clearwater Beach.
For barbeque, check out the Ozona Pig in Ozona. Their BBQ is pretty good.
For Chinese, make your way to Ivory Mandarin Bistro in Dunedin (www.ivorybistro.com) They are one of the top 100 Chinese restaurants in America. If you're really going for authentic, be sure to ask for their Chinese menu.
Also, be sure to check out this article at
http://www.sptimes.com/2006/12/28/Weekend/A_menu_worth_100_help.shtml
This was written by Chris Sherman, the local food critic for the St. Pete Times. He stepped down in December, but not without first doing this list.
Hope this helps!
Rehersal dinner
My assistant is looking for a place to hold a wedding rehersal dinner in Palm Harbor or Clearwater, preferably along the US 19 corridor, that is relatively inexpensive ($10/head). Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!
Looking for chow worthy places Tampa Bay area
I second Salt Rock Grill. They have the BEST steaks. Their crab legs are also awesome. They cut them through the middle so that you can pick the meat out. Depending on when you're coming, you may want to call and make reservations. Go to: http://www.saltrockgrill.com/
Thanksgiving in Atlanta?
Ok, sorry for the repost, but we're trying to make plans quick.
Are there any good restaurants in Atlanta that are open for Thanksgiving and are reasonable in price? Thanks!!!
