TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

A Taste of the Stew

ADVERTISEMENT

By JEFF HOUCK | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 2, 2007

STOP US BEFORE WE PODCAST AGAIN: The past week offered a ton of interview opportunities, so we recorded each for a Table Conversations podcast.

Ingrid Hoffman of "Simply Delicioso" on Food Network discusses the Miami food scene and her upcoming appearance in Tampa. Robert Irvine, whose show "Dinner: Impossible" was shot on location during a Florida cattle drive last season, talked about the growth of the food scene in Tampa and St. Petersburg. (His restaurant Ooze and Schmooze is scheduled to open in St. Petersburg in January.)

Alice Waters, who nurtured the organic-sustainable food movement from her Berkeley, Calif., restaurant, Chez Panisse, chatted about her new book, "The Art of Simple Food" (Clarkson Potter, $35). And, for contrast sake, we caught up Thursday night with the "Bad Boys of the Bering Sea," crab fishermen John and Andy Hillstrand of the Discovery channel documentary series "Deadliest Catch." The Hillstrands appeared with fellow fisherman Phil Harris at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to promote the opening of the resort's Council Oak steakhouse.

You can listen to the podcasts by going to my blog at The Stew. You also can subscribe and download the podcasts on iTunes.

TAKE A BITE OUT OF EPCOT: Escargot Persillade en Brioche in France. Spicy tuna roll sushi in Japan. Kefta beef pockets in Morocco. You can eat your way around the world again at Disney World's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

The best deal among the food booths? Maybe the cabbage roll with spiced beef at the Polish kiosk. The large serving was only $3. My favorite flavors? Probably the Mofongo at the Dominican Republic stand near the World Showcase entrance. The mashed yuca, pork cracklings and shrimp were a great start for the gastronomic tour.

The festival continues through Nov. 11.

CELEBRATING WANDA: On Friday, Mise en Place will host "Wandabration," a jazz-themed evening of fine dining. The event benefits the University of South Florida Suncoast Alzheimer's and Gerontology Center. A $125 ticket includes admission to the Michael Ross Quintet's performance in the "Jazz Club." Patrons dining in the restaurant Friday will get in for $75.

The event is named for Mise en Place co-proprietor Maryann Ferenc's mother, Wanda, who recently passed away after suffering with Alzheimer's. "Wandabration" honors her life. Proceeds from dinners served Friday will also be donated.

For dinner reservations or tickets, go online to miseonline.com or call (813) 254-5573.

CATCHING UP: In May, I profiled innovative chef Grant Achatz for Flavor. In April, I got a chance to interview him in person at his Chicago restaurant Alinea, which Gourmet magazine named the best in the country and the prestigious Mobil guide gave it its highest rating of five stars.

In July, I reported on The Stew that Achatz, 33, had been diagnosed with an advanced cancerous tumor inside his tongue. Three doctors had told the nonsmoker the only cure would involve cutting out part of his tongue and destroying his ability to taste.

Recent news reports have said his cancer is about 70 percent reduced. He soon will undergo more intensive combination of chemotherapy and radiation treatments that could slightly dull his ability to taste.

You can find links to more information about Achatz on my blog, The Stew.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT