Sign of the times...

Seen this morning at Frankies at 909 W. Kennedy Blvd. in South Tampa:

"Come in and eat or we'll both starve!"

Riverside Cafe in Tarpon Springs opens as special-events venue

After years of multiple owners and uncertainty, the Original Louis Pappas Riverside Cafe has new owners committed to reviving the historical location as a special events and wedding venue.   

The Original Luis Pappas Riverside Cafe was established in 1925 by Louis M.Pappas and his wife, Flora. With a handful of employees on sawdust floors, they specialized in Greek-American cuisine and the fabled Louis Pappas Greek salad. After more than 75 years of success in Tarpon Springs, Louis L. Pappas, grandson to Louis M. Pappas, expanded the family business into the current structure, smaller cafe-style restaurants. The family then sold the Riverside Café to family cousins in 2002 and it ultimately closed in 2005. 

The local community has been speculating for years as to what will become of the huge facility. Although current owners Mike Lowe and Victor Holcomb have new visions and renovation plans for the facility, their current plan is to preserve the history and open the structure as a special events center. To book an event, call (727) 935-4866.

The Nest opens in Ybor City

The Nest (1430 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, (813) 247-7500) had a soft opening mid-January, but hosts its grand opening on Saturday, 5 p.m to close. This special dinner is $30 per person and includes a choice of soup or salad, any three tapas off of the menu and a complimentary bottle of Russian River Chardonnay or Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Brandon Foundation, a not-for-profit organization serving the Greater Brandon area.

The Nest, owned by Sidney Sakho and Sam Brownell, has opened where the Silver Ring Café was located. Its exterior was preserved in its original historical condition, and the interior was completely remodeled with contemporary décor. The menu includes 20 modern Mediterranean tapas (averaging $7) and entrees drawing influences from France, Morocco, Italy (try the polenta crab cake, a signature Italian dish) and Spain, all created by award-winning Washington D.C. chef Tino Buggio. The Nest also carries an extensive list of old and new world wines that will complement any dish. Tapas average $7.

Earlier in the day on Saturday, chef Buggio will judge the 5th Annual Flan Fest in Centenniel Park (Eighth Avenue and 19th Street) in Ybor City.

In the can? Dear John?

Oh, the title options are endlessly entertaining for this one. Nominations are now being accepted for Cintas Corp. America's Best Restroom Awards. Nominations can be submitted here through March 31.  Also, visit the America’s Best Restroom YouTube Channel here to post comments, view and share videos. Facebook subscribers can locate and join the fan site by typing “America’s Best Restroom Awards” into the search bar. Up to 10 finalists will be announced in June, at which time the Internet public will be asked to cast their votes. The winner will be announced in August and receive the coveted ABR plaque of recognition from Cintas.

The contest is open to any non-residential restroom that is free of charge and open to employees, visitors or the general public. Nominators are not required to have a professional relationship with the business or staff that manages the facility, but personal experience is encouraged. Past champions have boasted breathtaking skyline views, unique décor and sparkling fixtures

Some readers of this blog might recall that our own tbt* staff did some research to come up with their list of the top places in Tampa Bay. And local blog Sticks of Fire is also weighing in on the issue.

Anthony's opens in Tampa

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, the South Florida-based concept that features authentic coal-burning ovens to create “well done pizzas” has opened its first Tampa-area location at 13020 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Carrollwood. This marks the restaurant’s 14th location since its inception in 2002. The popular South Florida chain has plans to open restaurants in Clearwater and Orlando by the end of the year.

ACFP launched its first restaurant in Fort Lauderdale in 2002 and and partners include founder Anthony Bruno and Hall of Fame football legend Dan Marino. The expansion to West and Central Florida is in partnership with former Outback Steakhouse president Ben Novello.

Known for its high energy atmosphere and signature menu items, ACFP uses 800-degree anthracite coal-burning ovens. Anthracite is known to be the ‘cleanest’ of coals, the pizzas cooking in just four to six minutes. Anthony’s is also well known for its popular coal-oven-roasted chicken wings topped with grilled onions and signature Italian-style salad.

Hours of operation are from 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. In addition to dining in, patrons have the option of take out by calling (813) 226-3385. 

More cheap stuff--Burrito Boarder, Dunkin' Donuts, Maggie Mae's

Thank you regular contributor Jimbo for this one: "Just got back from Burrito Boarder in downtown St. Pete (17 3rd St N) and they have signs everywhere declaring every Tuesday after 2pm, every taco is just $1. Figured the readers would like that deal as much as I will tomorrow."

Tomorrow is the third “Free Hot Coffee Wednesdays” at all area Dunkin' Donuts. No purchase necessary, free medium cup-o-joe.         

Maggie Mae's, both locations, Waterfront and The Bluffs, is offering their banana walnut pancakes and 2 strips of bacon for $4.95 (and hey, if you sign up for their e-mail list, you get an extra buck off), Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Restaurants rolling back prices

Placy's Italian Beef & Sausage Restaurant (1359 South Ft. Harrison Ave., Clearwater, (727) 443-0444) unveiled a new, lower-priced menu on Friday. Owner Placido Anatra says, "Placy's is trying desperately to be part of the solution. We've lowered ALL prices on our menu to help President Obama with his "we can" program. Our profit is the lowest in town for our fare and we intend to keep it that way." That means Italian beef, sausage, meatballs, home-cut fries, Vienna hot dogs and such at very modest prices.

Jimmy Stewart over at Spoto's Steakjoint (1280 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 734-0008) is rolling out a "Dunedin Dinner Stimulus" Tuesday night of filet mignon or shrimp scampi with a soup or salad, baked stuffed potatoes, bread and veggie and chocolate mousse for dessert, all for $14. And 99-cent well drinks between 4 and 5 p.m.

That's Amore Ristorante (700 Harbour Post Dr., Harbour Island, (813) 221-9889) is offering a post-Valentine's special that your wallet won't mind: For $14.95 per person, you get a Caesar salad, rack of lamb with broccoli and a side of tortellini Aurora. Also, live entertainment by Rose Bilal.

Staff of life going AWOL?

Colleague Mary Jane Park asked a good question the other day: Had I noticed now that a lot of restaurants will remove the bread basket after appetizers have been served? She cited recent experiences at The Palm and Ocean Prime as evidence. I mulled it over for a bit and, indeed, I have begun to see that trend. You're chatting, you're nibbling your salad and--whoosh--the bread has been whisked to an undisclosed location.

Makes sense. Restaurants are hurting and here's this product they give away for free, day in and day out. Instead, give them a little at the outset, when customers are crazy-hungry (and apt to be crabby), but then let 'em fill up on the stuff they pay for. Maybe more desserts get sold this way. Anyone else seeing this?

(Photo from Forno Bravo)

New deli in St. Petersburg

Plant City Nursery and Produce (2850 58th Ave. N, corner of Haines Road) has sprouted something new. They've just had the grand opening of PCN Deli. The menu includes a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, wraps, smoothies, deli meats and cheeses by the pound and party platters. A lunch special is offered daily, with favorites like a hot-pressed Cuban or a meatball sub. The deli offers takeout and free delivery (in the area), or you can relax in the peaceful outdoor café surrounded by lush tropical plants and flowers, trickling water fountains and beautiful statues. Hours are Monday to Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hmm, GoodFoodNearYou seems like a misnomer

I got a press release today about a new website that seemed right up my alley. It's called GoodFoodNearYou, and the idea is simple. Stick in your zip code or address and it magically comes up with healthy options near you. According to the release, the site has compiling over 220,000 U.S. restaurant locations so far.

Fine, I'll give it a whirl. I type in my zip code and the first four things that come up are Dunkin Donuts, Steak and Shake, KFC and 7-Eleven. I eat donuts, I eat the occasional microwave beef and bean burrito, I admit it. But whaaa? Good food, near me? They say this site will "empower consumers to incorporate healthy dining decisions into their everyday lifestyle." Each restaurant listing gives you ideas for healthy selections. Let's see: at 7-Eleven it's a 1/3-pound hotdog, at KFC it's an original recipe drumstick.

Shameful.