For generations, people have argued about where to find the best Cuban sandwich in Ybor City. Southern Living magazine has entered the fray. ...more

October 3, 2009

Outback Steakhouse debuted a new look for its restaurant Thursday night during a media dinner at its South Tamiami Trail location. The 6,300-square-foot restaurant, which was built in 1989 as the third in the Outback chain, was demolished in May and rebuilt in less than four months with a new interior design and layout that better supports curbside customers. ...more

September 5, 2009

On July 20, 1969, people crowded around black-and-white TV sets to watch Neil Armstrong take man's first steps on the moon. ...more

July 16, 2009

"Heard it Through the Grapevine," by Matt Skinner (Mitchell Beazley, $24.99) ...more

March 29, 2009

HOLIDAY: ROUND 2 (CAPITOL) **½ It's not likely J. Holiday will ever top his debut babymakin' music hit, "Bed," but it seems the success of that instant classic has compelled him to switch lanes from R&B thug to R&B crooner. ...more

March 27, 2009

SILI TONGS You know how it is. Your toaster decides to take your slices hostage and you stand there wondering whether your utensil surgical skills are good enough to both pluck the bread from the slots and steer clear of electrocution. If only you had a set of Sili Gourmet Stand-Up Toaster Tongs. Not only do they let you play Operation without running a stream of 120 voltage through your body, the tongs also stand on end. Which, we're told by reliable sources familiar with the tongs, is convenient for storage. Also for use with other food, but toast rescue appears to be the primary purpose. The 12-inch tongs cost $15. Available starting at the end of the month from William Bounds at www ...more

March 22, 2009

ROAST YOUR OWN This just in: Not everyone likes their coffee the same. One way to find your own coffee groove, other than perverting it with sweeteners and half-an-udder of cream, is to roast the beans yourself. The i-Roast 2 from Hearthware Home Products lets you do just that. The result: You add the level of flavor boldness you want and save up to $5 to $6 a pound by buying green coffee beans. Yes, the price for the gadget is steep at $199, but you make your money back over time, and you enjoy your coffee more. Available online at www.sweetmarias.com, www.burmancoffee ...more

March 15, 2009

"Coffee Love," by Daniel Young (Wiley, $17.95) Yes, the title of the book sounds like the name of a Barry White album. Notwithstanding, this book gives java fans a cup of loving text to warm their hands over. In addition to taking readers on a journey from Ethiopia (home of coffee) to Seattle (home of the Coffee Revolution), Young offers tips on selecting coffee beans as well as storing them, grinding and, of course, brewing. The 50 recipes for coffee drinks are nifty, too. Can't wait to try the Thai iced coffee. ...more

March 8, 2009

"Almost Meatless," by Joy Manning and Tara Mataraza Desmond (Ten Speed Press, $22.50) ...more

March 1, 2009

BIG HONKIN' PICKLE We've been in the news business long enough to know there are some things you just don't ask questions about. For example, this giant pickle. We're curious about why someone would want a plastic mega-dill that measures 42 inches long, but we don't actually want to know the reason. We're satisfied that whatever the root cause, it's best that it remains private. Cost: $97.77 each. Available at the appropriately named www.GreatBigStuff.com. ...more

March 1, 2009