Bries's Profile
Tampa- Rib Off winner announced!
The sad truth of the matter is that it's a massive amount of work to taste through the product of 64 different restaurants, which is why we tried this format this year. Yeah, it had a few problems we will need to work out, but I disagree about it not promoting the Tampa food scene. A lot of restaurants mobilized their fans and I heard from quite a few people who went out of their way to try rib joints they'd never visited before.
Also, about Jimbo's: I reviewed them a few years back and came down pretty negative on the place. Still, in this instance, the ribs were damn good.
What food do you guys think we should we do in next year's tournament?
Best tacos in Tampa and Pinellas?
Yeah, I screwed up on Maya's, should be fixed from now on. I like Sabor Latino as well, and think they rival Taco Bus for that part of town. I had never been to Cabana del Tio before this competition, but I have to say that eating there is worth every last bit of driving around town I've done for the Tournament.
Still haven't been to Del Valle -- plan to soon because I want to do a write-up on places that didn't make the list but should have -- but don't knock Chico's too much. Their tacos were nontraditional but surprisingly tasty.
Yet again, thanks for all the suggestions. If you have any favorite places that didn't make the Tournament, other than Del Valle, keep 'em coming
Best tacos in Tampa and Pinellas?
Actually, suggestions for Sarasota and Bradenton are welcome, too,, since I'll be replicating for the Creative Loafing paper down there. Thanks!
Best tacos in Tampa and Pinellas?
Brian from Creative Loafing here. Anyone who reads the food section of CL might remember the big March Madness-style tournaments we've held the last two years, with pizza in 2007 and burgers last year. 64 places, head to head, full bracket.
This year is tacos, and I need recommendations. Who has the best tacos in the Bay area, from fine-dining down to corner bodegas?
What's the story with The Table restaurant in St. Pete/Sarasota?
The new owners are Michael Stewart (of 717 South in Tampa) and the owners of the building the restaurant is in. Pedro Flores -- the better chef of the former two owners -- is in the kitchen. The menu is largely the same, but a little less expensive. They don't have a website yet, but I posted a full copy of the menu here -- http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/dailyloaf/2008/11/10/new-menu-monday-the-table-in-downtown-st-petersburg/
Chopstix Chinese restaurant (Tampa)
My web-fu must not be on today, anyone have a full address and telephone number? Thanks.
Best Sarasota Pizza... Dometrio's, El Greco, Valentino's or...?
Shaners is standard midwest thin crust, Demetrios and El Greco are both decent greasy, garlicky greek pies, but the best pizza in Sarasota is without a doubt Panificio on Main Street. Order by the slice -- the extra blast in the oven the slices get is the best way to eat the super-thin semolina crust.
Longboat key/Sarasota
Don't forget Maison Blanche (2605 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 941-383-8088). Best food on Longboat for sure, easily fights for best in the SRQ area. If you're going to the mainland I'd also add Derek's and Canvas Cafe (both downtown) to the list (although I agree with Selva and The Table as well).
Although Euphemia is good, I don't think it's worth the money. I feel that way about most places on Longboat and St. Armand's, although I'd give Pattigeorge's a try, and Cork is damn good on a good night.
Newbie Mexican Restos in Lutz and St. Pete--Anyone have the scoop?
The most important reason is that the Times and Creative Loafing don't coordinate our schedules. Seriously, though, I think we both try to stay on top of the new and interesting places, and we both wait at least a month, so overlap is likely when reviewing new joints.
