Always Positive, Sometimes Right

It seems that people, unlike Gaul, are divided into two groups when it comes to the red sauce on pasta at local establishments. Our very close friends choose a sweeter version of the ubiquitous red sauce; Joan and I prefer one that is less sweet. The Tampa area has fine examples of both varieties and, in fact, the four of us visited a relatively new establishment near the intersection of Countryway and Race Track Road a while ago and I discovered a good neighborhood Italian (more. . .)

OK, you have been on Atkins or South Beach for a while and your carb hunger has taken over your life. I can think of no better way to make up for a carbohydrate deficiency than an order of fries at Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries on Fletcher Avenue just east of North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. The fries are of the “boardwalk” variety, popular “up north”. They come in two sizes and on our first visit, we erred in choosing the larger. (more. . .)

A northern New York staple has come to Tampa, the “beef on weck” sandwich; the area is better with the sloppy, messy and oh so delicious treat. The new venue is Honey’s on North Dale Mabry Highway and it is very welcome.

I was born, raised and went to school in New England, mostly in north-eastern Massachusetts and the New York City area, before moving to the much warmer and snow-free Florida. During these years of living and traveling, I have come to recognize that some (more. . .)

A neighborhood success in North Tampa, Marchello’s is a treat

It is only fitting that Marchello’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, at the corner of North Dale Mabry and Van Dyke Road, is in the same strip center as the gym to which Joan and I had belonged and had visited nearly every day before I fell and fractured my kneecap.. Our first visit to this restaurant was just after they had opened; we were resigned to an establishment leaning its way and an inexperienced wait staff. What (more. . .)

The search for the best breakfast continues.

I think my favorite meal of the day, whenever I’m away from home or when I feel like treating myself to an inexpensive but luxurious meal is breakfast. There are in Tampa a number of places that serve elegant brunches; Oystercatchers springs to mind. But that is for, on my budget, a very special occasion.

I had been urged by my granddaughter, Jessica, to have breakfast at Mom’s Place on North Dale Mabry Highway, in Tampa, a bit north (more. . .)