I had some time to kill at the University of Tampa (downtown Tampa) last week and went looking for a place to get a bite. I discovered probably the best hot dog I have had in recent memory at a little college hangout called Frankie's. The place is a haven for UT students as you can imagine and prices and the food are terrific if my meal is any indication. They are foot-long beauties and they serve them in a gang of varieties. Fries and sides were great also and they had lots of icy beers on tap. I opted for the Chicago style dog and it was wonderful. When you bite into the dog you get that longed-for "pop" and the inside is super tender and juicy. It reminded me of a wurst I tried in Copenhagen from a kiosk on a walking street some years ago. They were called "polsers" and Frankie's are the closest thing I have found in the states. Frankie's is located at 909 W. Kennedy Blvd. just around the corner from the UT main entrance. I also noticed they have nightly specials aimed at the student wallet. Lots of TVs around for sports fans. I liked the dogs so much I bought a 5lb. bag (35.00) and took the little beauties home. Enjoy!

I just realized I had left off the "E" in " Blue " while posting this recommendation. I am a stickler for that sort of thing, usually. Hope you enjoy the restaurant if you get down this way. Cheers, GD.

If you enjoy the show-stopping skill of a Japanese Steak House chef and the fresh, exciting cuisine served by those masters of the knives as I do, please make a date for dinner at Blu Fugu, a little hard to find, but worth it. It is ensconced on the second floor of the Dolphin Shopping Center on St. Pete Beach at 4615 Beach Blvd., not far from the famous Don Cesar Hotel. It is on the east side of Gulf Blvd. as you drive south on that strand. The sign is hard to spot because of the mature trees and vegetation in the center, but once you find it, you will return again and again as I have over the last 10 years or so. The ace of the hot table chefs is a gentleman named "Rolle" (as in roly-poly) who will entertain you with his rapid-fire moves and his fun repartee . A call to 727-367-6762 ("Hostess "Mickey" answers the phone) and you can check on Rolle's availability that night. His fellow chefs are almost as much fun as he is, so don't worry, it's still fun. If you prefer sushi or a quieter dining experience, BF has a beautiful and romantically lit dining room and elegant sushi bar with all of your favorites available. A full liquor bar also awaits. You will thank me the first time you try this wonderful place. This is my first post and I hope all of you who love the hot table experience will give my favorite place a try. Thank you, Chowhound for the opportunity to tell your members about this little treasure in St. Pete. Respectfully submitted, Gooddiner.