Turning tables in Tampa Bay

I bid a fond farewell to Italian dessert spot La Casa Dolce Café on South Howard in Tampa, one of the city’s best gelaterias. Sadly, parking was apparently a major problem, as was a lack of kids (notorious ice cream eaters) in the neighborhood. They’re looking for another space, but will ditch the wine and beer and focus strictly on gelato, desserts and coffee. The vacated space has been taken over by the owners of MacDinton’s Irish Pub and Restaurant across the street.

Bamboo seems to be a new buzzword of sorts. This weekend marks the opening of Twisted Bamboo in Bay Arbor Place at 3687 Tampa Road in Oldsmar. The concept is all the familiar tropical drinks (plus the increasingly ubiquitous mojito and martini menu) paired with a menu of fun pan-Asian dishes in a lively atmosphere. While over in Tampa, Bamboozle is packing them in downtown at 516 N. Tampa St. Quick and healthy Vietnamese fusion has charmed office workers at lunch (breakfast and dinner are possibly on the horizon), with classic pho and traditional noodle salads, followed up by the oh-so-sweet Vietnamese coffee lush with sweetened condensed milk.

Another grand opening this weekend takes place Saturday starting at 7 p.m. at the new Partners Sports Café, located at 2924 5th Avenue N. in historic Kenwood. According to owners Alain and Emerson Grainger (formerly of Velvet Underground on 4th), the menu is overseen by Wolfgang Puck alum and former chef at Race Rock in Orlando, Lisa Robinson. Gourmet sandwiches and homey dishes like lasagna make up the menu, with a dance area, game room and regular live music enlivening the dining room. For more information, call (727) 321-0088.

A big congratulations are in order for Jose Luis Pawelek, chef/owner of Elements Global Cuisine  Restaurant in Gulfport. He won the Salvador Dali Look Alike Contest held on Saturday, May 10 at St. Petersburg's Dali Museum. In celebration of the artist's 104th birthday, dozens of entrants sent in a video depicting their interpretation of either Dali or one of the artist's surrealistic works. While the video was judged by famed filmmaker John Waters, the in-person contest was judged by local celebrity and publisher of Citilife Magazine, Sterling Powell. "I chose Jose Luis as the winner since he stayed in character during his video as well as throughout the evening." Judge for yourself: 

Comments

[Tampa Local Guide]

If you are a tourist about to visit Tampa, don't forget that what you eat also adds to the experience of being in another place. Don't just focus on the sights, sounds and activities – give your taste buds some adventure too! Tampa restaurants are one of the best in the world!

[STOP Drinking the Kool-Aid]

"Tampa restaurants are one (sic) of the best in the world!"

You've GOT to be kidding!