Restaurant sees less Super Bowl business than in 2001

TAMPA -- On Sundays, business isn't usually hopping at Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse on North Dale Mabry Highway.

But thanks to a Super Bowl promotion and tailgate party, the restaurant's marketing manager said, "We did better than the typical Sunday."

"We definitely benefited because the Super Bowl was here today," said Jordana Marzano, regional marketing manager for Sam Seltzer's.

She said, however, that overall sales inside the restaurant were down.

"For us, it was less than it was 8 years ago when the other Super Bowl was here," Marzano said. "I would just say [it's] the economy. Not as many people are out spending money because of that."

Rodney Thrash, Times staff writer

Jordin Sparks dinner: what's on the menu?

Tonight at 6:30 is the first of two charity events hosted by American Idol season 6 winner Jordin Sparks. The event, at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion restaurant across from International Plaza, will include an intimate performance by Sparks, an auction and of course dinner by chef Roy Yamaguchi and staff. Check out the menu below. Tickets are $100 general admission and $200 VIP, which includes a private meet-and-greet with Sparks. Get details at sparkscharities.org.

VIP menu
Kalbi Style Beef Short Ribs & Kim Chee Vegetables
Big Island Ahi Poke   Heirloom Tomatoes, Cucamelons, Inamona Jus, Crispy Wonton
Kobe Beef Sliders - Sweet Maui Onions
Edamame & Truffle Dumplings   Sesame Ginger Soy
Tempura Green Beans
Mini Crab Cakes   Togarashi Aioli
Kona Kampachi Nanbazuke   Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette
Mongolian Beef Maki   Avocado, Yamagobo, Kabayaki
Lakanilau Roll   Spicy Snow Crab, Tempura Asparagus, Kobe Beef, & White Truffle
Thai Style Shrimp Ceviche   
Fennel Crusted Filet Carpaccio Canapés      
    
General admission menu
Jasmine Fried Rice   Madras Curry Foam
Shrimp Potstickers   Firecracker Soy
Spicy Ahi Sushi Roll   Cucumber, Kaiware, Mango Puree
Lemongrass & Chili Infused Calamari
Vietnamese Pork Spring Rolls    
Indonesian Chicken Satays
Crispy Japanese Pork Belly   Coriander Chili Glaze
Smoked Salmon Cornets   Crème Fraiche

Desserts for all
Chocolate Butter Cream & Macadamia Nut Macaroons
Mini Coconut Haupias
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Curry Milk Chocolate Truffle
Kona Coffee “Cappuccino”   Pot de Crème
Dulce de Leche & Pistachio Petit Four

-- Dalia Colon, Times Staff Writer