Florida Avenue Brewing Company — So Much More Than Just A Great Local Brewery!

Photos by Charmaine George

I remember being so pumped when Florida Avenue Brewing Company first opened its second location (the original is still in Seminole Heights) in the former location of Sports + Field on S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel near the end of 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic was winding down. The on-site brewery (more on that below) wouldn’t be operational for almost another year, but it was exciting to me that Florida Ave. was a big, non-chain real restaurant with an elevated, better-than-sports-bar menu that included items that became instant favorites of mine — such as Chinese sticky ribs and Korean-style bibimbap bowls, to name just two. 

But, the restaurant was just really finding its way at that time and has since been through, “I believe, five executive chefs since then,” says general manager Monroe Brown (left in top photo), who was a server and mostly bartender at the location when it first opened. “But, we’re really happy with the most recent version of the menu and our current executive chef — Baxter McManamy.” (right in the same photo) 

I’ll have to second that, even though both of those early favorite dishes of mine are no longer offered. And, despite having been with Florida Ave. for about a year now, Baxter isn’t taking credit for most of the new menu items, although he will say that he’s tweaked some of the recipes and given his sous chefs an opportunity to present new ideas to make the menu better, too. 

All I can tell you is that the new formula is working. Jannah and I honestly avoided Florida Ave. the last couple of years because it seemed like it was turning into just another sports pub, but…. 

Check It Out Now! 

If you check out the food pictures on this page, I think it’s pretty clear that Baxter, Monroe, the Derby family — Anthony, Amanda and their mom, Toni — and Florida Ave. are definitely back on the right track food-wise. 

In the top photo on this page, Monroe is holding a super-tasty new Rice & Bean Bowl, with adobo rice, “Rollin’ Derby” black beans, avocado and pickled red onions with “bistro steak,” Baxter says. “It’s a little tougher than filet mignon, but has a flavor similar to NY strip.” 

Speaking of Baxter, he’s holding a tasty double-patty Florida Ave. Smash Burger, with sautéed onions, bacon, American cheese and roasted jalapeño aioli on a brioche bun and a side of loaded hand-cut fries. Every burger on the menu also is made to pair with one of Florida Ave.’s beers, including the burger I mentioned, which the menu says should be paired with a Flipa American IPA, but that’s really up to you. 

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, perhaps try my favorite new menu item that photographer Charmaine George and I sampled on our most recent visit — the Gulf Coast mahi Fish ‘N’ Chips (left). I’ve never seen any restaurant use mahi for fish & chips, but it was beer-battered (“We beer-batter a lot of our dishes,” Baxter said. “Why wouldn’t we?”), super-crisp and snow-white inside. Oh, and it was frickin’ delicious, too. It didn’t even need the house-made tartar sauce served with it. 

Speaking of fresh, before we move on, Monroe and Baxter invited me into Florida Ave.’s super-clean kitchen and showed me that while there are two huge, walk-in refrigerators in there, the freezer is about the size of one of the little ones you’d find in your neighbor’s garage. 

“We just really don’t freeze anything here,” Baxter said. “We make most everything fresh.”

Another one of my new favorite options is the General Tso’s cauliflower (right). It’s served crispy outside, tender inside and the General Tso’s sauce is sweet and a little spicy. I probably will order the spicy aioli on the side next time, just to keep the cauliflower at its peak crispness. 

Another new favorite of mine is the new French onion dip handheld (below left). It features shaved ribeye, mozzarella and provolone, with a zesty horseradish cream on a toasted Amoroso roll. But, the big difference is the French onion broth that really gives this particular French dip a flavor all its own. 

That same delicious onion flavor is encased in Florida Ave.’s tasty crock of French onion soup (above right), which properly covers the broth and toasted bread with a combo of melted mozzarella and provolone cheese, which almost mimics the more traditional taste of French gruyere. 

Another recent addition is the Seasonal Grazing Board (left). For March, this selection of artisanal bites included Irish-style sausage, pretzel bites, kalamata olives, two kinds of cheese, red onions and a chunky tomato chutney. The seasonal board is made to pair with a four-beer flight. If you’re a beer drinker (I’m really not), this is a great way to start your meal, especially with a group of friends. Of the four brews shown with the grazing board, my favorite was the Dead Parrot light lager, but Charmaine preferred the Luminescence Hazy IPA. 

And, although I’m not a big salmon eater and can’t eat shrimp, Charmaine raved about both the BLT salad (below right) — with chopped romaine hearts, candied bacon, blue cheese crumbles, heirloom cherry tomatoes, chives, ranch dressing and balsamic glaze — which she had topped with blackened salmon that she said was flaky and delicately spiced; and the grilled Coastal Lime Shrimp tacos (top left). She loved the tequila lime aioli slaw and the fresh pico de gallo on top of the tacos, too. 

Even though we didn’t have room for dessert, we both still made room because the two house-made Florida Ave. desserts we sampled were both just so good! 

Charmaine’s favorite was the warm coconut cake (below left), which swims in a pool of delicious rum sauce and is topped with grilled pineapple and whipped cream. Decadent. 

But, my new favorite dessert is the Basque (Spanish-style) cheesecake (below right). The menu calls it “irresistible” and that’s pretty spot-on. The tender crust has a delicious char, but the cheesecake itself is as creamy as a true NY-style, but not as dense, and as light and airy as an Italian-style ricotta-based cheesecake, but with a better texture and flavor. It didn’t need the fresh berry coulis, but the end result was spectacular! 

But, What If We Want To Drink? 

I’m so glad you asked. Jannah and I always sit in the comfy high-top bar chairs at Florida Ave., which has a big advantage over most other breweries in that it has a full, premium liquor bar, not just beer and wine. So, even though neither of us are partial to the interesting selection of Craft Cocktails on the menu (she would get the “That’s My Jam,” with Tito’s vodka and a tropical syrup flavor, but would substitute club soda for the Regatta ginger beer it comes with), she has had excellent Cosmos at the bar and my Jameson on the rocks is always perfect. However, you Old Fashioned lovers will probably flip for the variety of “Cask Crafted” Old Fashioneds. 

Florida Ave. also recently added a “Taproom Brunch” every Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with items like warm French toast bites, avocado toast, a breakfast flatbread (with sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, borracha salsa and shredded mozzarella, topped with micro cilantro) and more. The brunch menu also includes bottomless mimosas and “bromosas” (OJ with your choice of Florida Ave.’s Dead Parrot, Luminescence Hazy IPA or You’re My Boy Blue). There’s even a mimosa flight served with four different kinds of juice. 

For lunch every weekday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Florida Ave. offers a “Pint & Plate” lunch, with your choice of soup or salad, paired with one of five different main courses (a flatbread, smash burger, tacos, a chicken Caesar wrap or a chicken parm or Milanese Brew Pub Sub) and one free draft beer, or soft drinks or coffee, for just $15. 

For “Hoppy Hour” (Mon.-Fri., 3 p.m.-6 p.m. and all night on Wed., from 3 p.m.-close), Florida Ave. offers its year-round draft beers for $5.25, specialty rotating draft beers from $6.25, sparkling, white or red house wines for just $6 and well & specialty cocktails for $7. There’s also a variety of Hoppy Hour “bites” for $5 (for cheese curds, loaded fries, crispy cauliflower & more), for $7 (for flatbreads or chicken wings) or for $9 (for tacos or Nashville chicken sliders). 

And, of course, Florida Ave. also has a great fenced-in open area out back, with its own bar and table service, as well as arcade games inside for the kids, plus private indoor areas for catered meetings and events. 

Now, let me see…what I am forgetting? 

Of course…BEER! Not only is the Wesley Chapel Florida Ave. one of the largest independent breweries in Florida, which provides cans of its now-famous brews, ciders and seltzers to other bars, it offers a huge variety of its rotating, house-brewed beverages to its happy customers. 

But, don’t take my word for it. Florida Ave. has more than 1,200 5-star reviews on Google, including Sabine M., who wrote, “This has to be one of the best breweries in the area. Every beer is delicious….They have amazing lunch deals…really cool space. A great place to meet up with friends.” 

And, every Saturday, you can even bring your group on a tour of the brewery for just $12 per person, which includes a beer and a souvenir pint glass. You must be 21 for the tours, all sales are final and they should be booked in advance. 

As Monroe says, “If it’s been a while, come give us another try!.” 

Florida Ave. Brewing Co. is located at 2029 Arrowgrass Dr. For more info, call or send a message to (813) 452-6333, visit FloridaAveBrewing.com or see the ad below for a FREE “Fourcaster” Appetizer Sampler!

Art Of Drawers Turns Kitchen Frustrations To Joy With Quality Solutions


Why should you have to choose between beauty and functionality when doing a kitchen remodeling job? Why not get both? When you choose Art of Drawers, whether for installation of drawers, refacing of your cabinets or both, everything can be customized to your specifications. (All photos provided by Sid Kinghar) 

If the dark corners of your kitchen cabinets seem to swallow up the things you need, the designers at Art of Drawers want to get to know your frustrations and come up with a solution that will make working in your kitchen a little more joyful, with beautiful, high-end, perfectly customized drawers that will make finding items in your kitchen a lot easier — and look a lot more elegant. And, in addition to erasing problems with your kitchen cabinets, Art of Drawers provides custom solutions for pantries and bathrooms, too. 

“Art of Drawers offers premium quality, a lifetime warranty and really solves everyday problems for customers in their homes,” says Sid Kinghar, owner of the Tampa Bay-area franchise. 

He says his company is not about selling drawers. “We offer solutions to increase your storage and give you more accessibility and better organization,” he explains. 

While that is helpful for anyone, it is particularly beneficial for those who may be struggling to reach items in their kitchen, sometimes due to aging. “It can be a game changer for people who have accessibility or mobility issues,” he says. “For customers with back pain or who can’t bend down, this makes life a lot easier.” 

He adds that, because everything is custom made, each project is completely unique. Art of Drawers can provide solutions for cabinets where there also is plumbing or other obstacles, because the drawers can be fully customized to fit around those items. 

“We can install drawers where you would never think a drawer could be,” Sid says. “We also have drawer heights from two-and-a-half inches up to nine inches. Whatever it needs to be to fit your pots and pans, with dividers to stack lids, no two solution are exactly the same.” 

(Right l.-r.) Sid, Inaya, Faiza & Amani Kinghar of Art of Drawers. 

However, he says, what is consistent from job to job is Art of Drawers’ quality. In addition to a lifetime warranty on all product installations, the company offers an “elation guarantee,” promising that if you’re not thrilled within the first three days after your installation, you can receive a refund. 

But, he says, that just doesn’t happen. 

In fact, most of Sid’s customers enjoy their upgrades so much that they want to have Art of Drawers improve additional spaces, whether it’s more cabinets, a pantry or even bathrooms. 

“All of our drawers are handcrafted in the United States, with solid wood construction and soft-close, undermount rails,” he says. 

That high quality is what attracted Sid to the Art of Drawers brand, when he wanted to transition from corporate America to working for himself as an entrepreneur. 

Sid previously held roles in finance and management for two decades. Originally from India, he came to the U.S. and earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Business Management, Finance and Marketing from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Binghamton in 2005. In 2013, he earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from Babson College in Wellesley, MA, a school known as a leading college for entrepreneurship. 

Sid’s background in both management and working for his family’s retail company in India has helped him serve his Art of Drawers customers well. He says that serving his neighbors throughout the community was another key reason he decided to become an Art of Drawers franchise owner. 

Sid and his wife Faiza, who is an oncologist, have lived in Tampa Palms for the last six years. They have two young daughters, Inaya, who is six, and four-year-old Amani. 

A Little History… 

Art of Drawers launched nationally in 2019 and opened a corporate location in the Tampa Bay area in 2022. That location was sold in 2023 as a franchise, which Sid then bought last year. There are currently 43 Art of Drawers locations nationally, including three other Florida locations. 

The local Art of Drawers franchise includes three designers who work throughout the Tampa Bay area, from Wesley Chapel to Sarasota and from Lakeland up to Brooksville — and everywhere in between. Sid says the team includes two installers who execute the designers’ plans to perfection. 

Designers and installers are trained by Art of Drawers to be certified in the company’s products, so you can be confident that anyone working in your home will always meet the company’s high standards. 

The process starts with a free in-home consultation. A designer will come to your home to create a personalized design that is unique to both your home and your individual needs. 

Once the designer provides an estimate, you choose what to move forward with, whether it’s an entire kitchen upgrade or a smaller job to solve the problem you may be having with your most frustrating space. 

An installer will come out to verify your measurements — down to the millimeter — before everything is custom-built for you. It typically takes about six weeks for the drawers and organizers to be built, but then everything is installed in one day. 

“As the owner, I go back to make sure everything went smoothly,” Sid says. “We go on a ‘Wow’ tour so they can show off. I always want to make sure my customers are 100% elated.” 

Refacing, Too! 

Art of Drawers can transform your pantry from a cluttered mess into a neatly organized drawer system to make accessing the far reaches of the pantry a breeze.

In addition to adding functionality to your kitchen cabinets, pantry or bathroom, Art of Drawers now offers cabinet refacing, too. 

“You keep your existing cabinet boxes, but we can provide drawer faces, doors, and hardware,” Sid explains, adding that it’s a much longer-lasting solution than simply repainting cabinets, and Art of Drawers has about 200 options available. “It’s about half the cost of new cabinets and can be done in just two or three days. You can still use your kitchen while the work is being done.” 

He says customers who are looking to improve both the beauty and the function of their kitchens will appreciate that they can do both with Art of Drawers. Cabinet refacing also is available for customers who don’t also want to add drawers. 

Judy Cochran recently hired Art of Drawers to solve issues in her kitchen. 

“It’s been several years now that we’ve been frustrated because we couldn’t find anything in the pantry and it’s hard to get to stuff in the very back of the cabinets,” Judy says, “so we decided to seek out someone to do pull-out drawers for us.” 

She says Art of Drawers was recommended to her, so she called the company for an estimate. “Sid came out and was very efficient and explained everything in-depth,” she says. 

After taking a few days to think about it, she decided it would be worth the investment. 

“I’m very pleased,” she says, “We did the pantry and lower cabinets, and it was great.” 

She also says that Sid provided ideas for her that she hadn’t thought of herself, such as including a pull-out drawer for her trash. She was happy with the follow-up and customer service, saying Sid always either answered her calls or called her back right away. 

“I’m so glad we did it,” Judy says. 

Art of Drawers is licensed and insured, and comes to you for a free in-home estimate. For more info, visit ArtofDrawers.com or call (813) 548-6866.

Wesley Chapel Estate Planning Attorney Celebrates 100 5-Star Reviews & 2nd Location

Special to the Neighborhood News 

Now with two locations — one off S.R. 56 in Wesley Chapel and the other on Gunn Hwy. in the Carrollwood area, attorney Paul J. Monsanto of the Law Office of Paul James Monsanto specializes in wills, trusts & all aspects of estate planning. (Photo provided by Paul J. Monsanto) 

Life changes — sometimes in wonderful ways, sometimes without warning. A new child, an unexpected illness and other major transitions can shift everything. While we adapt to life’s changes every day, many people avoid planning for one certainty we all share: What happens when we’re no longer here? 

Who will protect our families? 

What happens to our assets? 

Will our wishes actually be carried out? 

Estate planning isn’t an easy topic — but failing to plan can leave families overwhelmed, stressed and navigating legal complications during the most difficult moments of their lives. 

That’s exactly what attorney Paul J. Monsanto seeks to help families avoid. 

At The Law Office of Paul James Monsanto, P.A., Paul and his team emphasize clarity, protection and peace of mind. The firm focuses on wills, trusts, probate and comprehensive family planning and also assists with long-term care planning, special needs planning, asset protection and trust administration. 

Avoiding an overcomplicated, one-size-fits-all approach, Paul believes that estate planning should be straightforward and built for real life. He believes this practical, common-sense approach to solving complex issues has fueled his firm’s reputation and growth. 

Since opening its doors in 2021, Paul’s law office has reached 100 five-star reviews on Google, a milestone that, he says, reflects consistent client satisfaction, trust and results. 

“Thanks to everyone who took the time to give us their feedback,” Paul says. “Positive word of mouth has been a crucial part of our success. I’m so happy and honored that my past clients have had such positive experiences.” 

Accompanying the reviews, clients comment that Paul thoroughly explains complex legal concepts in a clear and understandable way. Reviewers highlight the friendly, empathetic and responsive demeanor of Paul and his staff, noting that clients felt valued and understood. They also mention that documentation and processes are organized and high-quality. Paul’s clients appreciate his law office for its transparency about pricing and reasonable costs for excellent service. They add that Paul tailors estate plans to their specific needs rather than recommending unnecessary services. 

“Many people assume they need a complicated plan because of something they read online or heard from a friend or a neighbor,” Paul explains. “For most families, that simply isn’t the case. Simplicity, when done correctly, is powerful. I believe providing simplicity and value is what is driving the growth of our law practice.” 

Now With Two Locations 

Part of that growth now includes a second location. With proud roots in North Tampa Bay — the law office will mark the five-year anniversary of its Wesley Chapel location this summer — the Law Office of Paul J. Monsanto has added a second location in Carrollwood to better serve that community. 

“It’s a natural next step,” he says. “Like Wesley Chapel, Carrollwood is home to families, retirees and professionals seeking convenient access to quality estate planning services. We are going to fill that need.” 

Paul’s expertise has grown as well. He now brings more than 16 years of legal experience to every client relationship. He is licensed to practice law in both Florida and New York, holds a Finance degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville, and earned his Juris Doctor (J.D., or law) degree from the Duke University School of Law in Durham, NC. He practiced as a litigation attorney for major banks and insurance companies in New York City before returning home to Tampa to serve individuals and families. 

Paul’s diverse experience has shaped his understanding that no two families are alike. 

“I’ve helped single individuals, large families, blended families, same-sex couples, unmarried domestic partners, people without children, people who are on their first marriage, second marriage, third marriage — you name it!,” Paul says. “Every situation is different and every plan should reflect that.” 

The personal aspect of estate planning is what drew Paul to the practice area and why he plans to continue to practice estate law for years to come. “After practicing commercial litigation for big banks and corporations, it’s been so refreshing to help everyday people,” he says. “Speaking to my clients and hearing about their lives and their families is my favorite part of the job.” 

He adds, “The legal services industry has become so impersonal and disconnected, but dealing with a death, major illness or catastrophe is very personal. My staff is like family, and we bring that same personal touch to our clients. I hope that comes across.” 

To schedule a consultation with attorney Paul J. Monsanto, call (813) 997-5290 or visit PJMAttorneys.com. The Law Office of Paul James Monsanto, P.A., is located at 26852 Tanic Dr., Suite 102, Wesley Chapel. The new Carrollwood office is located at 3808 Gunn Hwy., Tampa. 

The North Tampa Bay Chamber Has Had A Busy March 2026!

Broadcaster, Author & Professor Mike Nabors Tells The NTBC: ‘Don’t Quit, Pivot!’ 

As a fellow University of Florida College of Journalism grad, I’ll freely admit that Florida Southern College (in Lakeland) professor Mike Nabors (above), who earned his Master’s degree from USF, has had a pretty unique career. 

After more than 30 years in the broadcasting business, where he has been on-air for the New Orleans Saints (his first book, called The Brees Way, is about the career of retired Saints QB Drew Brees), the Tampa Bay Lightning, ESPN and several TV stations, Mike told nearly 100 members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) on Mar. 4 about his new book — Don’t Quit, Pivot. It tells how he was able d to pivot his own career at age 50 to become a college professor. 

“I loved being a broadcaster,” Nabors said. “But I found out that I really love teaching. I never thought I’d be on Spring Break at my age, but I can’t wait to get back to the classroom and to my students.” 

In order to become a college professor, he had to go back to school to get a Master’s degree and he admitted that he felt like Rodney Dangerfield in the movie “Back to School” — “a reference that none of my students had even heard of” — and that writing a thesis was harder than writing a book. 

“I’ve found that there are three types of working people — people who are passionate about their jobs, people who tolerate what they do and people who genuinely dislike their jobs but continue to do them for the paycheck. If you’re not passionate about your career, you shouldn’t be afraid to change it up. And, my book can show you how.” 

Nabors also started his own TV production company, the Nabors Media Group, which has produced sports documentaries, as well as videos for a number of nonprofit companies, including the Moffitt Cancer Center and Humane Society of Tampa Bay. 

For more information about Mike Nabors, visit MikeNabors.com. For the NTBC, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com or call (813) 994-8534. — GN, all photos by Charmaine George 

NTBC Ribbon-Cuttings — Woodie’s Wash Shack, Comprehensive Foot & Ankle & Dr. Rosh 

The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) continues to help local businesses announce they have arrived in our area with well-attended ribbon-cutting events. Among those in the last 45 days include the new Woodie’s Wash Shack — The Grove (next to the new Target at 5618 Oakley Blvd.) on Feb. 20; and, on Mar. 5, both Dr. Bryan Raymond’s Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Specialists (at 2816 Windguard Cir., Ste. 102, Wesley Chapel) and the new location of Dr. Roshni Ranjit-Reeves’ Doctor Rosh Oculofacial Specialist at 18311 U.S. Hwy. 41, Lutz. 

Woodie’s, which is now up to 17 Tampa Bay-area locations, hosted a great, crowded event with free car washes all day, plus free Chick-fil-A boxes, lots of free merch and more. For more information, visit WoodiesWash.com. 

Podiatrist Dr. Bryan Raymond, DPM, who moved from a smaller office on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa, provides custom orthotic shoe inserts, digital X-rays, sports and regenerative medicine, non-invasive vascular testing, Softwave technology to reduce inflammation, minimally invasive surgeries performed in-office and more. 

For appointments & more info, visit CFASDoc.com, call (813) 344-1932. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Rosh — whose original office location was on S.R. 54 in Lutz (next to Brunchies), has been in her much more spacious new location for nearly two months. 

Dr. Rosh specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstruction of the eyes and their surrounding structures, including the eyelids, eyelashes, orbit, eye socket and lacrimal system. 

“We also are now able to offer in-house IV anesthesia and our surgeries in our new location,” Dr. Rosh says. “But, this place really feels more like a spa than a medical office.” For more info, call (813) 303-0123 or visit DoctorRosh.com. — GN 

More NTBC Events — Optimum Health & Wellness, Ginger Health & AdventHealth WC 

It’s been such a busy few weeks for the NTBC that we have another whole page of events to show you that were held on Mar. 12 & Mar. 18. 

Ginger Health 

On Mar. 12, Ginger Health, the office of Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Ginger Le (at right in near photo), located at 27553 Cashford Cir., Suite 102, in the Summergate Professional Park in Wesley Chapel, held a very cool NTBC Open House event, with demonstrations of an Emsella Chair (below left; sitting in it is like doing thousands of kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor of both men and women), a Sensory Chair (not pictured) to help regulate your nervous system), Shockwave Therapy (below right; a non-invasive device using high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing), massage and traditional PT exercises to an appreciative crowd of attendees. 

We gave bonus points to Dr. Le for serving delicious pasta and sandwiches (bottom left) from Pasta di Guy (4839 BBD Blvd. in Wesley Chapel), plus large shrimp, cold cuts and more. 

For more info about Ginger Health, which also has a Temple Terrace location, call (813) 631-9700 or visit GingerHealth.com. 

Optimum Health & Wellness 

Later that same day, Optimum Health & Wellness (23031 Tabak Ln.), the office of psychiatric nurse practitioner Heather Hughes, MSN, ARNP (in pale blue in both upper far right photos), held its NTBC ribbon-cutting event to introduce her spacious new office located less than a mile from of the intersection of Collier Pkwy. and S.R. 54 in Land O’Lakes. 

“At Optimum Health & Wellness,” Heather said, “we believe true healing means caring for the whole self, not just treating isolated symptoms. Your journey may include nutrition, lifestyle support and integrative practices that bring mind and body back into alignment.” 

Optimum Health & Wellness also offers “Insight through Testing,” because, as Heather said, “We know that ental health is deeply connected to what is happening within the body. Functional lab testing helps uncover nutrient, hormone and inflammation imbalances that may be influencing how you feel.” 

For more info, call (813) 856-1515 or visit OptimumHealthandWellness.org. 

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Coffee Social 

Then, on Mar. 18, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (AHWC) hosted the NTBC’s monthly Coffee Social, which moves around to different member venues every month. 

The coffee event was supposed to be held outside, in the hospital’s beautiful healing garden (below), but was moved indoors because of cold weather that morning. 

The Social was instead moved into a packed employee lounge and conference room inside the hospital, but none of the 60-70 people in attendance really seemed to mind avoiding the cold. 

The hospital’s chief operating officer Zachary Crane (above, front) thanked everyone for coming and the rest of the time was spent mingling, networking and enjoying the free coffee, mini-quiches and pastries. 

The NTBC’s Coffee Socials are networking opportunities only, with no set agenda or program and you don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend. 

For more information about Advent- Health Wesley Chapel, visit AdventHealth. com. For more info about the North Tampa Bay Chamber and its events, call (813) 994- 8534 or visit NorthTampaBayChamber.org. — GN

You’re Entitled To Your Opinion, But I Think NY NY Pizza Is Wesley Chapel’s Best!

The first time I ever had New York New York (aka NY NY) Pizza, my friend Suzi had just finished her set at an Open Mic night at The Improv in Ybor City in 2007 and all of the comics went to NY NY’s take-out window on 7th Ave. for a slice. 

As a native New Yawka who had moved to Wesley Chapel 14 years earlier, I was impressed enough with the crust, sauce, cheese and overall flavor of that first slice that when I was told, in 2012, that NY NY was opening a location in Wesley Chapel, I was excited to meet the owner, Freddy Mamudi, and tell him how much I enjoyed that first slice (with pepperoni and Italian sausage) and just how much I was looking forward to his 2013 opening on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. 

NY NY has been in my top two or three favorite pizza places in Wesley Chapel (or New Tampa) ever since, at one point just behind the former La Prima Pizza (which originally opened as the second location of Pizza Suprema) in the Target shopping center, and neck-and-neck with Amici Pizza on Wesley Chapel Blvd. 

When La Prima closed in 2019, NY NY became #1 in my book, especially once I sampled NY NY’s “Grandma’s pizza” (left), which most NY-style pizza places now serve but which wasn’t even a thing yet when I left the Big Apple in 1993. 

In my opinion, NY NY’s crisp, thin crust is the closest to true NYC pizza locally and the sauce and mozzarella cheese are spot-on. But, the garlicky sauce and fresh basil on NY NY’s Grandma’s pizza has made it competition for my favorite, along with the restaurant’s pepperoni and sausage pizza. 

These days, the Wesley Chapel location is one of nine that Freddy at least co-owns. He keeps his hand in every location because he insists that all of his partners — like his cousin Disi Musa (at right in the top photo, with Freddy) — have worked at another of his locations for years before giving them the opportunity to partner in their own locations. Disi worked for Freddy since 2008 in Ybor and was a partner in the Carrollwood location since 2014. 

“It’s all about quality control,” Freddy told me on my most recent visit with photographer Charmaine George. “If everyone puts their own spin on our recipes, it’s no longer the NY NY pizza our customers have come to expect.” 

When you visit NY NY Pizza for the first time, instead of a pie, I suggest trying four or five different slices — since most or all of these are available every day in the display case next to the cash register. Get one Grandma’s; one regular cheese; one pepperoni, sausage or meat lovers slice; one of whatever your favorite specialty slice may be and one square Sicilian slice (definitely the most authentic crust and flavor of any Sicilian that I’ve sampled in the Tampa Bay area; more on this below). I’ve never been a big fan of “white” pizza or veggie pizza, but if these or other “Gourmet” slices are your go-tos, definitely give them a try here, too. 

Speaking of Sicilian, as I was preparing to write this story, I happened to be in downtown Tampa and decided to check out Tampa’s most storied (and busiest) pizza place — Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza on E. Twiggs St. Although I honestly thought Eddie & Sam’s (which I hadn’t visited in years) was good, neither its Grandma’s nor its Sicilian slices could touch NY NY. I’m fine if you disagree, but I say try both places for yourself and tell me which you really like better. 

Other Stuff, Too 

Although it’s hard for me to venture away from NY NY’s pizza, I do enjoy a lot of the place’s other menu items. 

The chef’s salad, with rolled ham, turkey and cheese and lots of fresh veggies, is good, as is the big portion of lasagna. I told Freddy and Disi that I’d prefer to see a little thicker sauce on the lasagna, but the amount and flavor of the ground beef and ricotta cheese stuffing were both spot-on. I also enjoyed the penne alla vodka, to which I added grilled chicken. Both the lasagna and the penne were served with tasty toasted garlic bread on my most recent visit, because the usual yummy garlic knots on the menu weren’t made yet that day (Charmaine and I were there fairly early). 

We also were genuinely impressed with both NY NY’s baked crispy and zesty mild Buffalo wings (which also are available in hot, hot garlic, teriyaki, garlic parmesan, sweet chili, BBQ & hot BBQ, lemon pepper and mango habanero). The wings are available as extras in NY NY’s “Family Meal” deals (see below and the ad below for details). And, even the extra-crispy French fries are really excellent. 

But, while I’ve never had a calzone or stromboli at NY NY (I really don’t love those anywhere), I have enjoyed NY NY’s properly oven-baked meatball and chicken parmigiana subs. What I didn’t expect, to be honest, was how much I’d appreciate NY NY’s Philly cheesesteak, although I definitely won’t claim that it’s authentic Philly-style — and that’s what I like about it! I’ve had both Pat’s and Gino’‘s and a couple of others in Philadelphia and I prefer NY NY’s oven-crisp sub rolls to the traditional, soft Amoroso rolls in Philly and you can give me the real mozzarella over that city’s usual cheese sauce every time. NY NY’s grilled onions and peppers were properly sautéed to tender and the overall flavor was outstanding. 

Meal Deals & Specials 

In the previously mentioned ad below, you’ll find a number of “meal deals” and specials that will please your wallet nearly as much as they please your appetite. The Family Meal Deal includes one extra-large one-topping pizza, 10 wings and six garlic knots for just $39.99, or upgrade it to two XL pizzas for just $59.99. 

The Pasta Special includes two baked pastas and six garlic knots for just $25.99, while the Pizza Special is one medium one-topping pizza and one hot appetizer for $19.99. There also is a Sandwich Special (2 hot or cold subs, with fries, for $25.99) and Every Day Slice Specials with a drink ($8 for two cheese slices, $10 for pepperoni and $12 for two Gourmet slices). 

And, if you mention the Neighborhood News when you call or pick up, you’ll save 10%. 

Try NY NY for great pizza and great people! 

NY NY Pizza (3757 BBD Blvd.) is open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-9 p.m., & 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fri. & Sat. For more info, call (813) 528-8771 or visit NYNYPizzeria.com. Online ordering and delivery are available.