In our Oct. 29 issue, we told you that Box of Cubans restaurant was getting ready to open in the space previously occupied by Mochinut’s New Tampa location at 17512 Doña Michelle Dr., off Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., just north of the BBD exit off I-75 in the area known as Highwoods Preserve.
(Photo by Katherine Baker)
Well, owners Marcos and Oni Silverio and their son, Marcos Jr. (MJ) have now opened their second Box of Cubans location (the other is in Riverview) and everything we’ve sampled so far has been pretty great.
In addition to tasty pressed Cuban sandwiches (left photo), Box of Cubans also offers 14 different varieties of empanadas — from beef & cheese and chicken to banana nutella and guava & cream cheese. My current favorite sandwich is the “pan con bistec,” with mojo-marinated Palomillo steak, Swiss cheese, sautéed onions, crispy potato straws, mayo and a house cilantro sauce (top photo). There also are Cuban rice bowls with black or red beans and your choice of protein, garlic toast and sweet plantains that I haven’t sampled yet, although I did also enjoy Box of Cubans’ black beans and rice.
Box of Cubans also serves a variety of breakfast items, even though it doesn’t open until 11 a.m. during the week and 10 a.m. on Saturday & Sunday. “We sell our breakfast all day,” Marcos told me. “And we already have customers coming in at 6 p.m. on a Tuesday ordering our breakfast sandwiches.”
The bacon, egg & cheese on pressed Cuban bread is delicious and I also enjoyed the ham, egg & cheese empanada. But, my surprise favorite breakfast item is the torrejas, or Cuban-style French toast (right photo), which is topped with powdered sugar and served with both breakfast syrup and a warm strawberry dipping sauce. Incréible! The café con leché is excellent, too, and other hot and cold coffee drinks are available.
To place an order online, visit BoxofCubans.com, or call (813) 632-9021 and please tell them I sent you! — GN
Even though it’s located inside the Kangaroo Express gas station at 17519 BBD Blvd. (in New Tampa’s North Palms Village), don’t be afraid to try the new CAO (which stands for “Cuban American Original”) Bakery & Café — it’s muy bueno!
The Cuban-style bakery, with 16 Miami-area locations and one in West Tampa, features freshly made breakfast and lunch sandwiches (like the bacon, fresh scrambled egg & cheese on roll above), plus empanadas, Latin pastries and Cuban coffee drinks. It’s open Mon.-Sat., 6 a.m.-8 p.m., and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday, and does have inside seating. To order online, visit CAOBakeryCafe.com.
Speaking of bakeries, although we don’t know when, the 20th location of Paris Baguette Bakery (photo below) will open in the former Orangetheory Fitness spot in Highwoods Preserve (at 17515 Preserve Walk Ln.), next to Cold Stone Creamery.
Like Tous Les Jours in the Lotte Plaza Market, Paris Baguette is Korean-owned (with 4,000 locations worldwide, including 200 in the U.S. & Canada) and features a variety of French-style pastries, plus cakes, quiches, salads and breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and a variety of hot & cold beverages. For more information, visit ParisBaguette.com.-GN
Attorney Derek Usman of the Usman Law Firm can handle any type of business or employment law case. (Photo provided by Derek Usman)
With a location near where New Tampa meets Wesley Chapel on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., attorney Derek Usman stands out as a dedicated advocate and litigator in the fields of employment law and business law. Derek moved to Wesley Chapel from Chicago in 2015 to be closer to family and began his journey with a small office on Bearss Ave. In 2018, he expanded to the office on BBD, and has quickly made his legal practice a respected name in the area.
Derek’s journey as an attorney started after he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Business from Indiana University in Fort Wayne and his Juris Doctor (J.D., or Law) degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law in DeKalb in 2001. His is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Illinois, as well as in federal courts, including the U.S. Tax Court, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. This wide reach allows Derek to assist clients across jurisdictions with a deep knowledge of litigation and business law.
Three years ago, Derek expanded his practice to an office in downtown Tampa. As to why, he says, “Many of my opposing counsels have offices downtown, and having an office there makes it easier for me to meet with them and negotiate. I also am closer to the courts.”
Derek’s enthusiasm for the legal field goes beyond standard litigation. “I like the dynamics of this type of law,” he says. “You have to interact with opposing attorneys and judges a lot. The process (of business and employment law) is unique.”
He explains that his clients often deal with complex issues, like defective products. Unlike more clear-cut cases, Derek’s work requires him to prove each element of every complaint — a task that demands analytical skills and a solid understanding of the law.
“The difference between this type of law and other types is simple,” Derek explains. “For example, if there is an accident, everyone knows there was an accident, but with this type of law, I often have to prove that something actually happened.”
Employment Law A Specialty
One of the core areas Derek specializes in is employment law. His work in this field involves representing employees and businesses in disputes centered around agreements and contractual obligations. “This is again something that I have to prove happened,” he explains.
One example is when an employee leaves a company and signs an agreement that might have language that misleads the employee. Derek highlights the importance of finding misleading language and ambiguities, using his legal skills to protect his clients’ rights. “It is my job to prove that it was misleading, to find those ambiguities, and I have been successful in doing this,” he says.
“I highly recommend Mr. Usman, who ensured our process was transparent and thoroughly explained every detail, which was crucial for our non-locally based business with significant operations in Florida. We required someone trustworthy, a rarity nowadays, but I’m delighted to have found Derek Usman’s law firm, exemplifying integrity, honesty, genuineness and a strong work ethic. Mr. Usman demonstrates expertise and efficiently completes tasks, even with challenging parties. For that I am grateful and will continue to do business with Usman Law Firm.” — Alexandra Ciles, Flores Ciles Contractors, LLC
Another area where Derek offers assistance is in fraud cases, including often-complex issues like mail and wire fraud. The stakes in these types of cases are often high, and clients depend upon Derek’s expertise to guide them through the legal process. “This area includes anyone who may have embezzled funds or has committed any type of fraud that includes money,” he explains.
And, when these cases involve the use of the internet or wire transfers, they often have to be tried in a federal court, so you need an attorney who has the ability to do just that. His experience in these cases ensures that his clients receive knowledgeable support, whether their cases are settled out of court or go to trial.
The Usman Law Firm charges clients by the hour, although in some cases, such as those going to court, he works on a contingency basis. This flexibility allows him to serve a wide range of clients, from individuals and small businesses to larger entities with significant legal needs.
One of the distinguishing features of the firm is the personalized service Derek offers.
“When you go to one of the ‘large’ law firms, you are never sure who will be working for you,” he explains. “If you ask for one of the partners, you should be ready to pay a very high hourly rate. However, with me, you get the one person who has all the experience.”
At the larger firms, he adds, cases are often handed off to junior associates or teams. For Derek, being the primary point of contact means he can ensure each case receives the same high standard of dedication and expertise.
“We were looking for great representation for our business and personal legal advice and I cannot express how much of a headache we had until we met Derek Usman. No other attorneys would call back or have time to listen and assist with our business needs. As our business attorney, Derek has been excellent, and I certainly recommend him to anyone. He knows exactly what our needs are, is very professional, intelligent and provides the best advice. Derek is very detailed and pays very good attention to our needs. My experiences with Usman Law have been and will continue to be stupendous through and through.” — Jose Ferrer, CEO, Mor-Stor Medical
Although he operates a solo practice, Derek notes that he doesn’t work in isolation. He participates in bar associations and networks that allow him to connect with other attorneys and brainstorm when needed.
Commitment to Community Service
Outside of his legal work, Derek is deeply involved in community outreach. He is active with the Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hyde Park and participates in the Rotary Club of Tampa. Through these organizations, Derek has engaged in a variety of service projects. “I have participated most recently in the Food Pantry,” he shares, highlighting his desire to make a difference both inside and outside the courtroom.
For more info about Derek Usman and the Usman Law Firm call (813) 377-1197. You also can visit UsmanFirm.com or email derek@usmanfirm.com. His offices are located at 20701 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite 207, and 505 E. Jackson St., Ste. 305, in downtown Tampa.
Co-owner John Nguyen (on the phone) invites the residents of Wesley Chapel and New Tampa to visit Noire Nail Bar, located across S.R. 56 from the Tampa Premium Outlets. (Photos by Charmaine George)
With its premier location on S.R. 56 across the street from Tampa Premium Outlets and its owners’ commitment to customer satisfaction, Noire Nail Bar has been a go-to destination for nails and skin care since it first opened in 2018.
Owners John and Vanessa Nguyen say the location, next to Mellow Mushroom, makes it the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon or evening of relaxation, pampering and enjoying all of the amenities nearby. John says there are several more restaurants that will soon open in the area, making the location even more attractive.
Noire Nail Bar offers manicures and pedicures, spa treatments, waxing and eyelash extensions.
“The most important thing to us is to have the best customer service,” John says. “We keep the salon clean, constantly update our nail polish collection with new colors and keep up with what’s trending in nail design.”
In fact, he says, any nail design you can find or think of, the technicians at Noire Nail Bar can create for you. Just check out the salon’s Instagram page at @noirenailbar_wesleychapel to see some of the many unique and intricate designs they have done for their clients.
Whether you’re looking for the trendiest nail shape and design, or a more traditional or professional look, the happy nail technicians at Noire Nail Bar are always willing to accommodate you.
John says many clients now prefer a fairly new service called Gel-X.
While gel polish goes over a person’s nails, Gel-X is an alternative to acrylics that extends the length of the nails.
“It’s a healthy product,” John explains. “When you wear it, you feel like it’s lighter for your nails and more comfortable. It doesn’t get heavy like acrylic nails.”
And, he says, its much healthier for your nails than other options, since it’s not likely to cause nail damage or skin irritations.
However, Gel-X is far from the only option at Noire. For those who prefer dipping powder, gel, or even acrylic, Noire Nail Bar offers all of those options.
In addition, Noire also now carries magnetic nail polish (photo above), which gives nails a fun, textured effect by using metallic particles that can be activated and moved into unique designs by using a magnet. You really have to see it to understand how magnetic polish works.
Nails & Packages For Every Occasion
John says that Noire Nail Bar also is perfect for any special occasion, such as a wedding, prom, holiday party, or other event. Noire’s nail techs can create nails and designs that will stand out and give just the “vibe” you want.
If you’re coming in with friends or family, the salon is designed with pedicure chairs in small groups to facilitate better conversations, rather than your group being spread out in one long line. This provides privacy and intimacy for those who want to enjoy the experience together. The salon also can host all kinds of parties, from weddings to bridal showers to birthdays.
For children under 10 years old, the salon offers manicures, pedicures, nail polish and nail designs at special (reduced) prices.
Noire Nail Bar recommends appointments to ensure a leisurely experience, especially on busy weekends, but walk-ins are always welcome.
Men and women can take advantage of Noire Nail Bar’s packages that include Basic, Deluxe, or Signature spa treatments. For example, a “Sport Spa Pedicure” includes a callus treatment and sugar scrub to improve blood circulation, plus a massage to relieve muscle tension and tightness.
Noire’s “Citrus Spa Treatment” is energizing, while the “Cucumber Treatment” is purifying and revitalizing, and “Milk & Honey” is for anti-aging. An “All-Organic Pedicure” includes nothing but certified-organic products, and the “Luxury Six-Step Collagen Pedicure” provides the ultimate in detoxification and anti-aging treatments to rejuvenate and moisturize your feet. Hot stone and hot candle wax massages can be added to any pedicure, as well.
John also says that Noire guests are always treated to a relaxing experience in an upscale atmosphere. The salon is a quiet and calm place, where the technicians are focused on their customers, not on chatting with each other. The serene environment helps to enhance the experience of the spa treatments Noire Nail Bar provides. And, guests always are offered a complimentary glass of wine (for ages 21 & older, with proper ID), soda or water to enjoy during their treatments.
Beverlee Bench, who posted a five-star Google review after she got a manicure with nail art and sculpted nails at Noire, says, “Customer service from start to finish was impeccable. Definitely will be back!”
Noire Nail Bar now offers eyelash extensions, too, and also offers waxing of eyebrows, upper lip, legs, arms and Brazilian bikini waxing.
“I love this nail salon with a passion!,” Jessie Maher says in her five-star Google review. “The staff is always amazing, kind and patient when I bring the kids with me.”
She adds, “The reason I go back time and time again is because of the incredible service, as well as the sense of feeling welcomed, and knowing I will be taken care of and come out with flawless nails.”
Readers of the Neighborhood News receive 10% off all services on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays by bringing the ad below with you to the salon, or by mentioning the ad when you check in.
Noire Nail Bar is located at 25682 Sierra Center Blvd in Lutz, and is open Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sun. To make an appointment, call (813) 536-0161. Visit NoireNailBarWesleyChapel.com or follow @noirenailbar_wesleychapel on Instagram to see the salon’s huge array of possible nail designs.
In the Dec 10 issue of New Tampa Neighborhood News (see below), we said that both Shake Shack and Chicken Guy! Were expected to open by one day this weekend, but as of today, both restaurants have told us that the expected openings of both fast casual eateries is now not expected until one day next week, with exact opening dates not yet set by either one until they receive their Certificates of Occupancy from Pasco County, pending final inspections.
Stay tuned to our Facebook page and the December 24 Wesley Chapel and January 7, 2025, New Tampa issues of Neighborhood News for updated opening dates for these hotly anticipated eateries.
Chicken Guy! & Shake Shack Both Expected To Open On Or Around December 13-14!
The long-awaited opening of the Tampa Bay area’s first-ever Chicken Guy location was scheduled at our press time on or around Saturday, December 14 (please check our “Neighborhood News” Facebook page regularly for a more precise opening date). Chicken Guy (top photo), founded by celebrity chef Guy Fieri and restaurateur Robert Earl, currently has a dozen locations, going up quickly to 18, including our “Cypress Creek” location at 25769 Sierra Center Blvd.
The “Mayor of Flavortown” menu features hot and “O.G.” mild crispy (or grilled) chicken tenders (and “Big Bite” sandwiches), plus salads, fries, American slaw, mac & cheese and shakes (sound familiar?), although it does also sometimes feature “Limited Time” offers — such as pepperoni chicken parm sandwiches and chopped cheese & chicken egg rolls, fried chicken dumplings and more. The “Boss of Sauce” also offers everything from Nashville hot honey to avocado crema and many more sauces created by the Chicken Guy himself!
Now with an expected opening on or around Friday, December 13, less than a 1/4-mile from Chicken Guy, is the Wesley Chapel/Lutz location of Shake Shack, in the former slot occupied by Wendy’s, at 25600 Sierra Center Blvd. (photo left). In addition to its variety of burgers — from black truffle to avocado bacon — as well as 100% Vienna® beef hot dogs, Shake Shack also offers (surprise!) crispy chicken sandwiches and bites, crinkle cut fries and shakes (including limited time shakes like Christmas Cookie and Apple Cider Donut), but with the added bonus of vanilla or chocolate frozen custard, which also can be included in your root beer or Creamsicle® float.
For more info, call (813) 696-6752 or visit ShakeShack.com. — GN
