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Let's Hope There Are Other Fish In The Sea

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By DAVE SIMANOFF | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 25, 2007

Tampa without grouper sandwiches? It may be as unthinkable as Philadelphia without cheesesteaks and New Orleans without muffalettas. But in 2007, it actually happened. With Florida-caught grouper in short supply last summer, some eateries – including the iconic Columbia Restaurant – took the fish off the menu. Others turned grouper from a regular feature into a special item or notified diners they get another fish as a substitute.

And in some cases, substitutes made their way onto people's plates without their permission. The attorney general's office has fined several restaurants, and it is investigating suppliers and distributors. (The moral: You don't mess with grouper dishes in the Tampa Bay area.)

Grouper appears to be more plentiful now, but high prices and strong demand could mess with menus and sandwiches in 2008. Columbia CEO Richard Gonzmart says he's still searching for a reliable supplier that can meet his grouper demands. "It's my family's reputation on the line," he says.

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