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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 21, 2008

AMERICAN

THE BALLYHOO GRILL, 7604 Ehrlich Road, Tampa (Citrus Park); (813) 926-2149. The Ballyhoo serves its seafood with a Florida flair, but that's not the only reason folks keep returning to this Citrus Park eatery. Daily lunch specials and a comfortable atmosphere make the Ballyhoo Grill a popular escape for seafood and steak lovers. The restaurant is a raw bar, too, offering oysters and steamed clams. Sandwiches, salads and hearty pastas also are served. ($)

BAHAMA BREEZE, 3045 N. Rocky Point Drive E., Tampa (north side of Courtney Campbell Parkway); (813) 289-7922. This restaurant in the Darden Restaurants Inc. chain, which also operates Olive Garden and Red Lobster, is a Tampa magnet. The outdoor bar is packed during the weekends. The restaurant offers a hearty selection of all-American staples - seafood, chicken, beef and pork - with a Caribbean accent. Large portions and moderate prices keep customers returning. There's live music seven nights a week. ($)

BAR LOUIE, 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa (at International Plaza); (813) 874-1919. Watching the Bucs implode isn't such a bad thing if you are chowing down on a burger and sipping a Guinness stout. Even without the football, consider it a done deal at Bar Louie in International Plaza. High-end television screens and good grub are the ticket here, including the Muffaletta sandwich, the PLT, and the gut-busting Black Angus burger. Beers on tap are musts: John Courage Amber, McEwan's, Sierra Nevada, Kirin, Pilsner Urquell, Yuengling and Boddingtons. ($)

BOB HEILMAN'S BEACHCOMBER, 447 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach; (727) 442-4144. The Beachcomber is a hit with both tourists and locals. Seafood is usually a wise choice, but the house specialty here is a traditional fried chicken dinner. ($$)

CABANA BAR & GRILL, 1590 Gulf Blvd., Sand Key in Clearwater; (727) 595-1807. Romance isn't on the menu, but with a setting like Cabana Grill & Bar, it's inevitable. The beachside restaurant offers music, spectacular sunsets and a view of the water. Tables are yards from the Gulf of Mexico, but diners can get even closer by opting for outside deck seating. Start with six grilled flatbreads served with a trio of toppings including oysters, Crimini mushrooms, goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. As far as entrees, the pan-roasted Key West Snapper is a winner: a delicate, perfectly cooked fillet topped with passion fruit beurre blanc sauce and accompanied by asparagus. ($$$)

THE CAPITAL GRILLE, Bay Street at International Plaza, 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa; (813) 830-9433. The Capital Grille's menu is eclectic and contemporary, emphasizing steaks, seafood and poultry. The restaurant prides itself on serving prime, dry-aged meat, prized by steak aficionados because it gives the beef a more intense flavor. The signature 24-ounce porterhouse is served on a heated platter with a splash of au jus. For lunch, you can't go wrong with the half-roasted chicken. ($$$)

THE CHART HOUSE, 201 Gulf-of-Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; (941) 383-5593. If you want a spectacular waterfront view, this is the place on Longboat Key. Spacious tables and cozy booths dot large dining rooms with high ceilings and plenty of natural light and wood. Few restaurants in the area offer such a kaleidoscopic salad bar, which includes exotic fruits, caviar, Caesar salad, crunchy vegetables and numerous other tantalizing goodies. The kitchen charbroils choice-grade, corn-fed beef from the Midwest. Expect crowds on weekends. ($$$)

THE COLONNADE, 3401 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa; (813) 839-7558. This restaurant is a Tampa tradition. It is the place where generations of families have gone for Sunday lunch, and young diners might go to impress a first date. It has arguably the best view of Hillsborough Bay and downtown Tampa of any restaurant in the city. The family-owned establishment has been in business since 1935, and it shows with their successful formula of consistent food, fine bar and good service. The menu is large; try the oysters Rockefeller, the grouper Oscar and the fresh-baked Key lime pie. ($$)

THE COLONY RESTAURANT, 1620 Gulf-of-Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; (941) 383-5558. The huge dining room at the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort offers something for everyone - beef, lamb, pork, veal, chicken, duck, snapper, tuna, grouper, shrimp, salmon, lobster, pompano and swordfish. The view of the Gulf of Mexico is lovely, though you'll share it with a roomful of people. Intimacy is all that's missing here. Still, your stomach will keep loving you. Your wallet may have second thoughts. ($$$)

DOCKSIDE DAVE'S BAR & GRILL, 13203 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach; (727) 392-9399. The menu at this neighborhood restaurant offers an array of grilled sandwiches, fried appetizers, soups, salads, seafood and pasta dinners. Sandwiches include Philly steak, hot roast beef, Italian sausage, pork tenderloin and burgers. For dinner, try the Martinique plates: scallops, shrimp or a combination of both sauteed in lemon garlic butter and mushrooms and lightly topped with grated Parmesan. ($)

FRESCO'S WATERFRONT BAR & GRILL, 300 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg; (727) 894-4429. If location is everything, Fresco's should stay afloat for a long time. Formerly the Black Opal and Apropos, the building sits on the edge of the city marina, a stone's throw from the Vinoy resort and Museum of Fine Arts. Outdoor tables overlook a waterscape of sailboat slips, and diners enjoy cool evening breezes. Salads are deftly prepared and benefit from subtle homemade dressings, including the Insalata Della Casa. Entrees worth devouring are the Osso Buco, a large braised veal shank drenched in a wine reduction with mushrooms; fresh halibut with mashed potatoes and artichokes; blackened ahi tuna; and a whopping 21-ounce pork chop. ($$-$$$)

THE FRONT PORCH GRILLE, 5924 N. Florida Ave., Tampa; (813) 237-5511. This cozy eatery serves Sunday brunch as well as lunch and dinner. The menu features all-American favorites such as pot roast, burgers, pasta and salads. Then there's a bit of international flair with shepherd's pie, Cuban pork with black beans, chicken or eggplant parmigiana, and Thai chicken pizza. ($-$$)

GATORS CAFE & SALOON, Kingfish Wharf on the south side of Johns Pass, Treasure Island; (727) 367-8951. To some, Gators is a nightspot famous for loud rock music, drink specials and a gathering place for local University of Florida fans. For others, it's a place to bring their Northern friends when they visit. For boaters, it's a favorite stop for a burger and brew thanks to a handy dock. The extensive menu features 15 appetizers, including Buffalo shrimp, chicken wings and gator nuggets. Sandwiches and burgers are a sure bet. Got a big appetite? The smokehouse cooks baby back ribs and smoked chicken, served with salad and fries. ($)

GREEN IGUANA, 1708 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 248-9555. On weekend nights, this place is packed with youthful beer drinkers and loud rock 'n' roll. But weekdays, the Iguana is a good choice for lunch or a beer and burger at the bar. Appetizers make up about one-third of the menu. They include staples such as wings, nachos, and peel-and-eat shrimp. The more adventurous can choose from coconut shrimp, cheese-filled fried jalapenos, gator bites and crab cakes. ($)

GRILLSMITH, 2539 Countryside Blvd., Clearwater (in Countryside Square), (727) 726-6061; 1108 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, (813) 250-3850. This casual restaurant features American food (the menu was created by Mise en Place's Marty Blitz) cooked on a fire - a gas grill for steaks, baby-back ribs, salmon and chicken with applewood smoked bacon. The eclectic menu also features grouper sandwiches, cheeseburgers, salads and dishes made with Creole sauces, Latin seasonings and Mediterranean mushrooms. Chocolate Cheesecake with raspberry sauce and whipped cream is a grand finale. ($$)

HARVEY'S 4TH STREET GRILL, 3121 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 821-6516. Harvey's 4th Street Grill is the cool, comfortable alternative to Tampa Bay's fast-food wasteland. And its top-notch cuisine - at surprisingly affordable prices - will keep you coming back time and time again. Harvey's is always concerned about quality, and even the appetizers are prepared with care. Harvey's isn't just a restaurant. It's a casual and friendly neighborhood tavern that's perfect for watching the big game or gathering with friends for happy hour. There's even a late-night menu for those on the go and a Sunday brunch for late-risers. ($)

HATTRICKS, 107 S. Franklin St., Tampa; (813) 225-4288. Business folks are leaving their brown bags at home these days and heading to Hattricks for lunch. Shepherd's pie is Hattricks' pride and joy. Served piping hot, it's chock-full of ground sirloin, carrots, mashed potatoes and Guinness Stout gravy, topped with sizzling cheese. Daily specials also are popular. And there's plenty of sports action on the overhead monitors. ($)

JIMMY GUANA'S, 401 Second St., Indian Rocks Beach; (727) 595-8356. This casual waterside eatery offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a tropical atmosphere. Shrimp is a specialty here. Peel and eat Shrimp Margaritaville comes boiled in a spicy seasoning. The delicious Island Coconut Shrimp is dipped in an orange-coconut batter and deep fried. Sandwiches include mahi-mahi and chicken (grilled or blackened) and an unusual yet tasty hoagie-style portobello cheese sandwich with sauteed mushrooms, peppers and onions. You'll also find pizza, pasta and salads. ($)

LIME 'N COCONUT BAR AND GRILL, 118 1/2 Arfaras Blvd., Tarpon Springs; (727) 945-0602. This bright, airy eatery is just around the corner from Tarpon Springs' famous sponge docks, Greek restaurants and bakeries. The kitchen shows off with a Key West-influenced menu featuring seafood, chicken, beef, pasta and sandwiches. For starters, try the plump mussels, drenched in a white-wine cream sauce. Entrees of note include Mojo Pork with a garlic citrus marinade and Lime 'N Coconut Chicken, a grilled breast finished in a brandy cream sauce with mushrooms. The paella, a Cuban version of the Spanish classic, is chock-full of shrimp, clams, mussels, conch and chicken. ($$)

MAGNOLIA GRILLE, 600 Alternate 19 N., Palm Harbor; (727) 789-5464. This small cafe in old Palm Harbor specializes in Southern cooking. The menu features all types of scrumptious dishes, including fried chicken and fried green tomatoes, along with lumpy mashed potatoes and collard greens. Made-from-scratch desserts include peach, cherry and apple cobbler, pecan pie and hot fudge cake. ($-$$)

McDIVOT'S, 10706 Countryway Blvd., Tampa; (813) 814-9394. This seafood and raw bar has a sports motif and more than a dozen televisions. The menu is not extensive but offers a decent variety and a children's menu. Burgers and grilled sandwiches are generous and served with deliciously spicy curly fries. The deli sandwiches are whoppers, too, such as a piled-high grilled Reuben, baked ham and cheese, hot pastrami and BLT. But McDivot's specialty is wings, which come with your choice of 13 sauces, from honey barbecue to sweet and sour. Raw bar choices include oysters, steamed clams, peel and eat shrimp and Alaskan snow crab legs. ($)

MICHAEL'S GRILL, 11720 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 964-8334. This is a friendly spot for fresh, high-quality seafood appetizers and entrees. Chef-owner Michael Reilly's personal touches make this restaurant a fine stop for savory crab cakes, She-Crab Bisque, Dream Baked Scallops and Chicken Little. Attractive desserts are too good to pass up. ($$)

MIDTOWN SUNDRIES, 200 First Ave. S. at Second Street South, downtown St. Petersburg; (727) 502-0222. This trendy yet casual restaurant and bar has plenty of billiard tables and lots of TV sets for sports fans. Start with Nachos Supreme with chicken or chili, a Grilled Chicken Quesadilla or grouper nuggets. Specialty sandwiches include Smothered Chicken, a juicy fillet topped with grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms and provolone cheese; French dip; Cajun chicken; and grilled tuna steak. If it's a full dinner you're after, you won't be disappointed in the entrees, from steak and ribs to seafood and pasta. ($)

MIMIS CAFE, 11702 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 265-4460. Mimis serves all-American fare with a sprinkling of Crescent City dishes. The kitchen charbroils a 14-ounce rib-eye steak, braises meat loaf with hickory barbecue sauce, roasts turkey with cornbread dressing, and grills beef liver with mushrooms. There are six different burgers, plus sandwiches, pastas and salads. The West Coast Reuben is topped with tangy coleslaw instead of sauerkraut. Chicken Stir Fry comes in both Chinese and Thai style. Chicken Pot Pie is a favorite, with a tender pastry blanket. ($)

THE OAKS BAR & GRILL, 108 S. Lithia Pinecrest Road, Brandon; (813) 685-5257. Kick back and enjoy steaks, seafood, sandwiches, salads and pub grub at this casual, tin-roofed eatery. Fans swirl above diners on the enclosed wrap-around porch, and the bar sits at the center of the large, rambling Key West-style house. The specialty is a half-pound grouper sandwich on Texas toast, served fried, blackened or grilled. Lighter appetites should try the tasty Caribbean chicken salad, topped with pineapple rings and the restaurant's own Caribbean sauce. ($)

PALM RESTAURANT, 205 WestShore Plaza, at West Shore and Kennedy boulevards, Tampa; (813) 849-7256. High-end steaks and seafood grace the menu at this upscale chain. Indulge in huge Nova Scotia lobsters, prime aged steaks, chops or Italian favorites such as Veal Marsala. All Palm locations are decorated with caricatures and photos, from local politicians to pop-culture icons. ($$$)

PRESS BOX, 222 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 876-3528. One of Tampa's best sports bars, with big-screen TV, huge Home Run Burgers, lots of cold beer and zesty service. Relief Pitcher specialities include a darn good Texas-style Hearty Chili, and the Buffalo Wings are appropriately spicy. Hearty sandwiches are killers. ($)

THE RACK, 1809 W. Platt St., Tampa; (813) 250-1595. A night at The Rack blends billiards with barbecue and pool cues with crab cakes. This quaint restaurant on Platt Street isn't a pool hall with grub but a classy kitchen that caters to players and gourmands. The owners adhere to the tapas mentality, appetizer portions and prices to match. Favorites include the Bank Shot, a generous portion of blackened chicken breast, bacon, spinach and mushrooms tossed in a very spicy tomato-cream sauce. Also consider the slow-roasted pork ribs, sliced beef tenderloin with five cheeses, and the Featherweight, a bowl of bow-tie pasta tossed with zucchini, squash, red peppers, asparagus, spinach, herbs, wine and olive oil. ($-$$)

THE RINGSIDE CAFE, 2742 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 894-8465. Originally a boarding house and later a boxing club, the Ringside Cafe has blossomed into one of St. Petersburg's more popular attractions. The Ringside boasts some of the best cuisine you'll find at any Tampa Bay area nightclub. Its extensive, eclectic menu offers an array of mouthwatering dishes. Nearly all the items at the Ringside are homemade, including the soups, pot pies and even some of the salad dressings. ($)

SALT ROCK GRILL, 19325 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores; (727) 593-7625. Chef Tom Pritchard has found the formula for packing in the crowds. Giant steaks and seafood cooked over a wood-fired grill keeps them coming back. Order the Fire Roasted Lobster Tail or the Flair of the Grill (filet, pork, shrimp and lamb chops). Much of the seating (and the patio) offers a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. A dock offers space for those who visit by boat. ($$)

STONEWOOD TAVERN & GRILL, 17050 Palm Pointe Drive (in The Pointe at Tampa Palms), Tampa; (813) 978-0388. The menu at this bustling chain restaurant will please fans of seafood and juicy red meats. The plump New York Strip, filet mignon and other steaks are hand-cut and aged three weeks or more. Other finds are Pacific Cliffs Salmon, Pork Adirondack and Herb-Encrusted Lamb. Save room for dessert: Mint Chocolate Crepe (homemade crepe and ice cream), Florida Key lime pie with kiwi sauce and Creme Brulee Cheesecake guarantee happy endings. ($$)

STUMP'S SUPPER CLUB, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa; (813) 226-2261. Part of this restaurant's draw appears to be its decor: Stump's tacky taste mirrors a 1970s Holiday Inn lounge. The owners share their sense of fun with a classless cornucopia of kitsch from flea markets and novelty shops. Much of the menu, however, tastes purdy darn good, grub that sticks to the gut without denting the wallet. Don't come here expecting haute cuisine. Stump's serves Southern supper, bodacious barbecue, fried (and otherwise) chicken, beef and fish. And, hey, the Southern Caviar is really pimiento cheese dip, so stuff your expectations in the cornbread and wash them down with a cold beer. ($-$$)

TAMPA ALE HOUSE, 14803 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 969-0020 (check the telephone book for other locations). This is one of north Tampa's most popular sports bar-restaurants. Start out with the Cajun egg rolls filled with blackened chicken, cheese, peppers, corn and cilantro; Shrimp Jammers stuffed with cheddar; or Thai chicken skewers marinated and served on wild rice. Entrees of note include the Barbecue Chicken & Rib Combo; Chicken Florentine atop fettuccine and spinach Alfredo sauce; and Chicken Marsala served with sauteed mushrooms and Marsala wine. You'll also find typical sports bar favorites such as burgers, sandwiches and wings. ($)

TAMPA PITCHER SHOW, 14416 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 963-0578. Sure, this combination first-run movie theater and restaurant serves popcorn. But the menu also features baked ziti, Cuban pork, nachos, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and salads. You can wash it down with beer, but we recommend the killer sangria. ($)

WATERCOLOUR STEAKHOUSE AND GRILLE, 1201 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach; (727) 596-1100. This tastefully appointed space on the ground floor of the Marriott Suites on Sand Key focuses on a handful of seafood and beef dishes at the dinner hour, and is a welcome relief to the tourist fare along the beaches. Top choices are the 12-ounce Chilean Sea Bass, certified Black Angus filet mignon (aged 18 to 24 days), Sesame Crusted Tuna, and Cashew Encrusted Grouper. ($$-$$$)

WILD WING CAFE, 9210 Anderson Road, Tampa; (813) 890-9453. Boasting 33 different flavors, this place is almost like an ice cream shop for wing lovers. Indecisive diners can try the 25-piece Wild Wing Sampler Platter, which includes five different flavors in groups of five meaty wings each, or they can stop by during lunch for the all-you-can-eat buffet. Hardcore hotheads will want to go straight for the Braveheart wings - they'll make you glad Wild Wing offers washcloths in place of napkins; you'll need 'em to wipe the sweat off your brow. Ribs, wraps, soups and salads round out the menu. Try the outdoor deck, outfitted with a full bar, when the weather's nice. ($-$$)

WINNERS GRILL, 12060 Anderson Road, Tampa; (813) 963-3200 (check the telephone book for other locations). This casual neighborhood restaurant features nearly 20 TVs, a large bar and walls adorned with vintage sports memorabilia. The hearty burgers are half-pounders and come in several combinations. If you prefer chicken, go for the Buffalo Birdie Sandwich, a fried chicken breast smothered in tangy barbecue sauce and blue cheese. Other favorites are Shepherd's Pie, a crock of seasoned ground beef topped with mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy, and Blackened Chicken Pasta. Rounding out the menu are a half dozen salads, from Chicken Caesar to Cobb and Taco. ($)

YACHT STARSHIP DINING CRUISE, 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa; (813) 223-7999. The StarShip is a good place to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, and the cruise offers waterside views that change by the minute. Diners are served a three-course meal, with an entree choice of chicken, beef, lamb or seafood. Best bets include moist Mediterranean Salmon, accented with basil and garlic and served over wilted spinach; and Seafood Fra Diablo, shrimp, scallops and mussels in a spicy marinara sauce atop fettuccine. ($$$)

FRENCH

CAFE LARGO, 12551 Indian Rocks Road, Largo; (727) 596-6282. Cafe Largo stands out for its inspired kitchen and presentation, plus personal service from a friendly staff. Strong entree choices include veal scallopini, rare beef tenderloin and rack of lamb with three complementary sauces; and veal kidney flambe with cognac and Dijon mustard. Don't leave without trying the cafe's trademark souffles au choix, made with orange liqueur, chocolate, Frangelico and fruit. ($$)

LA COTE BASQUE WINEHOUSE, 3104 S. Beach Blvd., Gulfport; (727) 321-6888. Cozy place to go for traditional country French fare and quiet conversation. From French onion soup to chocolate mousse, the menu focuses on old-style cooking. Duck, scampi, lamb chops and veal are among the entree choices. ($)

LE BOUCHON, 796 N. Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs; (727) 585-9777. Casual and unpretentious, this one-room restaurant feels like a neighborhood diner in Provence, where the locals come to digest whatever the chef deems fitting and fresh that day. Recommended are the crepes, country pizzas, Tournedo Poivre Vert and Roasted Duck Breast. Also consider the wine dinners. ($$-$$$)

L'EDEN, 500 N. Tampa St., Tampa; (813) 221-4795. We applaud this little French gem, where quaint dinners unfold on weekends and creative lunches during the week. Owners Gerard and Anne Marie Jamgotchian hail from Marseille, France, and their skills with la cuisine du monde is evident in most every bite. Although steeped in traditional French ingredients and techniques, the menu follows a nouvelle style by eschewing rich and heavy sauces for herbal bases and healthful broths made by reducing rather than thickening. ($)

MEXICAN/ SOUTHWESTERN

ALGUSTO TORTILLA & SALSA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 912 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 250-3500. This colorful, casual cafe in the Hyde Park area has good guacamole, pork enchiladas and other Mexican fare. Its green mole is extremely hot. The place recently expanded with a second dining room. ($)

CARMELITA'S, 5211 Park St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 545-2956. Carmelita's has been cooking since 1983, and for good reason: The down-home casual atmosphere, inexpensive menu and hearty fare keep customers satisfied. Consider the generous, sizzling mound of ideally marinated beef that makes up the fajitas, along with fresh guacamole. The same goes for the delicious and filling Tacos al Carbon, the meat tender and laced with flavor. The kitchen creates a Del Rey wet burrito drenched in a heady ranchero sauce, and mixes scrambled eggs and Mexican sausage in the chorizo burrito. ($$)

CASA TINA, 369 Main Street, Dunedin; (727) 734-9226. Tiny Casa Tina ambitiously attempts Mexican authenticity and variety, plus nongreasy dinners and a decent beer selection. The menu includes Enchiladas Verdes, Enchiladas en Salsa Roja, Tostada Vagabunda, Chiles Rellenos and Pollo en Mole Verde, among others. ($)

CHIHUAHUA MEXICAN GRILL, 4101 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa; (813) 837-2138. This smartly designed spot in south Tampa blends the hot and cool primary colors of Mexico's flag around the motif of its namesake dog. The clean, cubistic decor enhances the fare: Generous, reasonably priced appetizers and entrees that reflect American tastes. Purists may nitpick, but the menu is pleasantly varied, the product fresh and flavorful, and meals presented without drowning in grease. Consider the Mexican Fajitas, served sizzling with sauteed veggies on a cast iron skillet, accompanied by a cilanto-lime infused rice, Monterey Jack cheese, fresh guacamole, sour cream and a pile of flour tortillas. ($$)

EL TACONAZO, 913 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa; (813) 232-5889. Seminole Heights' beloved "Taco Bus" serves up fresh, hearty Mexican favorites at a price that can't be beat. The colorful atmosphere is matched by the friendliness of the staff and the bright flavors of fresh cilantro, lime juice and sweet red onions in the chicken burrito. For starters, don't miss the shrimp ceviche. Who needs air conditioning? ($)

GUADALAJARA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 4502 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa; (813) 879-4096. This colorful eatery is attracting a large lunch crowd with a weekday special that includes two tacos (soft or hard), tostada, enchilada, rice and beans. The separate dinner menu includes beef or chicken fajitas, Carne Asada (grilled beef skirt steak), Mariachis (beef or chicken kebabs served on skewers with green pepper, tomatoes and onions) and short ribs. ($)

MIGUEL'S, 3035 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 876-2587. Good Mexican is hard to find around here, but this unpretentious little spot is a contender. The product is fresh, the kitchen creative, and the price doesn't sting. Nachos a la Miguel, beef or chicken, are good, as is the hearty Taco Salad. Miguel's offers five lunch specials for about $4 each, all of which cut the mustard nicely. ($)

MOE'S, 3810 W. Neptune St., Tampa; (813) 258-4560. Among the "fast casual" Mexican chains, this is the one with fish or tofu tacos, and the widest array of salsas and hot sauces, all made on site with fresh ingredients. Also, they holler at you (in a nice way) when you come in. ($)

RED MESA, 4912 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 527-8728. The menu here is surprisingly large, with enough options to satisfy most tastes. Start with Queso Fundido, a Oaxaqueno-style cheese fondue with rajas de poblano, onions and mushrooms; Empanada turnovers stuffed with sirloin picadillo, salsa and sour cream; Cedar Roasted Salmon; and Enchilada de Marisco, shrimp and crab meat sauteed and rolled in corn tortillas, topped with smoked gouda creme. ($)

TIJUANA FLATS, 10019 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 849-6900 (check the telephone book for other locations). Chain restaurant provides tasty Tex-Mex fare at reasonable prices. The buffet of hot sauces is not to be missed, nor is the cookie-dough burrito. Just don't mix them together. ($)

VALLARTA'S RESTAURANTE MEXICANO, 13731 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 264-7691 (check the telephone book for other locations). This cozy, family-friendly restaurant boasts more than 100 items on its menu. In addition to combination plates with three to four choices, diners can order sides and a la carte plates. This means you can design your own dinner, choosing from tacos, tostadas, chiles rellenos, quesadillas, chimichangas and fajitas - you name it. The Dale Mabry location offers a daily lunch buffet. ($)

Feeder's Digest is a weekly compendium of Bay area restaurants visited anonymously and recommended by Tribune restaurant critics. Prices are per couple for three courses, with a glass of wine each (where applicable) before tip and taxes.

$ means $30 or less

$$ means $30 to $60

$$$ means more than $60

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