peanut's Profile
Great Christmas Dinner in Downtown Tampa?
For cocktails try Malio's, Bamboozle is a newish place and casual but great food, Spain features tapas and Spanish and excellent (all are downtown Tampa). Not sure what the holiday hours might be but Amore over on Harbour Island is excellent, beautiful setting overlooking the water and Cafe Dufrain is good, also offers outdoor seating and waterfront views. Wouldn't recommend any of the downtown hotel dining spots. But cabs should not be a problem from a hotel.
If you can get to Hyde Park Village, the Wine Exchange or BT's might be of interest as well.
Pelagia is well worth the cab fare and is open year round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I know friends staying there over the holidays looked into the schedule and found out full menu available throughout the holidays with some special holiday dishes featured.
Business Trip to Tampa
Another South Howard suggestion is Circles - it is a little hidden just off of Howard on Azeele but well worth finding. Sort of an eclectic menu and the setting is inside a house so an intimate not institutional feel to it.
Also love Restaurant BT's at Hyde Park Village - French Vietnamese and Asian-influenced very cool, contemporary vibe, indoor and outdoor seating which can be nice this time of year.
Chez Bryce, Davis Islands (Tampa)
Sadly I had high hopes for this establishment. Great space, indoor/outdoor seating, a chef with a very impressive background and experience.
But the reality is that I have tried again and again to have a satisfactory experience there and failed.
The service is pitiful - no one seems to know what they are doing and, even worse, no one there seems to care.
I have yet to see the chef interact with patrons in a positive manner. I have witnessed him being rude and even send messages back by third party when a patron has asked to speak with him directly. Oh and the message was that he was too busy to step away from the kitchen.
If everything else was perfection, the food consistent and the service spot on, I could almost accept the arrogance.
But I don't and won't and can't imagine ever going back.
Best of Tampa - Chowhound Favorites ?
Have enjoyed some new discoveries lately and still remain a fan of some familiar favorites.
Grass Root Organic Restaurant on North Florida Avenue (www.eatgrassroot.com) is small, service can be flawed but the food and drinks (no alcohol) are really fresh and flavorful.
Soho Oasis Cafe transcends its location and makes you feel you are really in a swanky city and that late night crowds on weekdays are the norm. Best hummus I've ever tasted. Wine list is limited but can't go wrong with the beer. Again amazing flavors in the food. Elegant atmosphere (the outside tented dining area is like being in a dream) and a fun menu I can't wait to get back to explore.
Always a favorite for flavors of the Mediterranean is Pelagia (International Plaza next to the Renaissance Hotel). The soups (try the Bouillabaisse) to the pizzas are simply delicious but the staff really shines with its entrees.
Pizza picks
Joined a friend for lunch in Orlando this week and tried a locally based place, American Pie Pizza Co. Music videos and games gear it to the younger set but the really extensive menu, lighter bite choices (flatbreads on a thin crispy whole wheat cracker, salads, wraps) and nice range of draft beers definitely make it appealing for adults.
Wondered what others think of it and how it rates among picky pizza eaters!
Salads for lunch - Tampa Bay
Other salad stops on South Dale Mabry include Wright's Gourmet - huge, fresh and priced right and Grillsmith (a regional chain), I think it is the Napa salad with tangy cranberries, walnuts, gargonzola and a generous serving!
Brazilian-style steakhouse coming to Tampa
It seemed a little high to me at first but when they brought out the warm cheese rolls, fried plantains and potatoes and then when I checked out the spread on the salad/appetizer buffet (fresh veggies, Brazilian potato salad, huge beautiful red tomatoes, mozzarella, smoked salmon, rice and black beans) and then when they kept circling with the lamb, filet mignon, chicken wrapped in bacon and pincanha, I felt I got my money's worth. You can skip the grilled stuff and just enjoy the sides/salad/appetizer for $25 but tough to resist those tasty meat treats.
Brazilian-style steakhouse coming to Tampa
Those waiting and wondering about Boizao (Brazilian-style steakhouse opening soon in Tampa) I discovered the website is now accessible. Go to www.boizao.com.
Brazilian-style steakhouse coming to Tampa
Nope, not a chain.
Different cuts of roasted meats (filet mignon, top sirloin etc.) as well as chicken, pork, lamb and sausages. The other aspect of this type of dining is the amazing array of fresh greens, imported cheeses and Brazilian accompaniments that are featured in the salad buffet.
Brazilian-style steakhouse coming to Tampa
Tampa's restaurant scene is definitely getting more interesting and enticing. Boizao Steakhouse is a Brazilian-style fine dining experience unlike anything currently in this market that will be opening soon in the Westshore area (near airport, Raymond James Stadium/Legends Field, International Plaza, major bridges, etc.). Florida may be known for its seafood but that's not all that's on its menu!
Come on Tampa!!!!
Pelagia Trattoria at International Plaza is a real treat - fresh ingredients, quality meats and seafoods, creative, inventive chef, energizing atmosphere.....and watch out for Boizao Steakhouse, also in the Westshore area. Not yet open but soon. Should really shake things up. A dining experience that's in its own category. Another one of a kind find.
Pelagia Trattoria in Tampa question
I've dined there on occasion and look forward to returning. The chef has inventive ideas and some outstanding dishes. Love the look, feel, vibe of it as well. Usually an interesting mix of diners and good energy. Enjoy Fabrizio Schenardi's work while he's here cause he's destined for lots more in his career.
