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

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. ($$) ...more

September 12, 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

Bruce Whiting smiled and shrugged after emerging from the first round of tryouts Tuesday for the TV game show "Jeopardy!" ...more

January 16, 2008

Tampa will benefit from a $5.25 billion project to double the Panama Canal's capacity by 2014 and expand container cargo shipping for many U.S. seaports, industry officials agree. ...more

January 11, 2008

Office workers and downtown dwellers, grab some popcorn and a blanket. A regular movie night could soon come to a downtown park in Tampa. ...more

October 4, 2007

A Virginia-based hotel operation company has agreed to purchase the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel and invest $6 million in upgrades, adding 4,500 square feet of meeting space and other improvements. ...more

September 11, 2007

TAMPA - A Virginia-based hotel operator has agreed to purchase the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel and invest $6 million, adding 4,500 square feet of meeting space and other upgrades. ...more

September 10, 2007

With plans to build a $40 million, 2.2-mile Riverwalk through downtown, one lingering question is what to do with the rowing crew graffiti, insignia or urban art along the sea wall and bridges. ...more

September 3, 2007