The blueberries add a nice flavor. ...more

September 7, 2009

A rich and delicious seafood pasta. ...more

May 25, 2009

A key lime cake baked by Helen Shevel of Avon Park took the top honors in the adult division of the Highlands County Fair Cooking Contest. ...more

January 29, 2009

For several years a standout in a vibrant downtown scene, the old Z Grille eventually seemed to be bursting at the seams. Not just because of the eatery's cozy confines, but also because enough creativity simmered in chef Zack Gross' kitchen for two restaurants. ...more

January 15, 2009

CARIBBEAN ALFRESCO, Renaissance Vinoy Resort, 501 Fifth Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg; (727) 894-1000, Ext. 2144. The culinary theme under this attractive gazebo is Floribbean, a mix of Florida and Caribbean styles that blends tropical fruits, piquant relishes, aromatic herbs, translucent sauces and quick, fat-free grilling. Starters worth biting into are the Conch Fritters with curried remoulade sauce, or the Coconut-Fried Shrimp with a tangy citrus mustard sauce. A good bet for light eating for less than $10 is the Caribbean Chicken Caesar with pineapple relish. The limited entree selection includes slow-roasted Island Spiced Ribs with guava barbecue sauce and grilled Florida Spiny Lobster with charred tomato sauce and toasted cumin seeds. ($$) ...more

November 28, 2008

PACIFIC RIM THE BAMBOO CLUB, International Plaza, 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa; (813) 353-0326. Pacific Rim favorites are steamed, sizzled, woked and flash fried. Don't miss Woked Vietnamese Shrimp and Chicken with a zesty cracked pepper and soy sauce. Thai Spicy Shrimp with green beans gets zip from crushed red peppers. Squid fans should order the Spicy Crackling Calamari Salad. Bamboo Club also serves wonderful fried spinach, crisp woked beef and lemon grass shrimp. Three noodle dishes can be served as soup or woked entrees. ($$-$$$) ...more

August 29, 2008

We were having dinner with friends and food aficionados Robert Masson (executive chef of 717 South in Tampa) and Susan Miller (president of JB Hendry Steak Co. and a former classmate of Greg's. She has the yearbooks to prove it). ...more

August 13, 2008

NEW AMERICAN/FUSION ASHLEY STREET GRILLE, 200 N. Ashley Drive, downtown Tampa; (813) 226-4400. A riverfront view and nouvelle Floridian cuisine make this a strong contender in the downtown restaurant market. Located in the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, this attractive eatery simmers with culinary talent. The chef's signature appetizer is Lobster Strudel - shiitake mushrooms, Boursin cheese and fresh lobster in phyllo dough with truffle bechamel sauce. A popular entree is Seafood St. Jacque - green lip mussels, sea scallops and sauteed shrimp in a bechamel sauce topped with piped potato. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. ($$) ...more

May 30, 2008

NEW AMERICAN/FUSION ASHLEY STREET GRILLE, 200 N. Ashley Drive, downtown Tampa; (813) 226-4400. A riverfront view and nouvelle Floridian cuisine make this a strong contender in the downtown restaurant market. Located in the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, this attractive eatery simmers with culinary talent. The chef's signature appetizer is Lobster Strudel - shiitake mushrooms, boursin cheese and fresh lobster in phyllo dough with truffle bechamel sauce. A popular entree is Seafood St. Jacque - green lip mussels, sea scallops and sauteed shrimp in a bechamel sauce topped with piped potato. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. ($$) ...more

January 16, 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. ($) ...more

November 14, 2007