Donât Miss The 2018 Taste Of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel!
At Florida Hospital Center Ice, This Sunday, March 25, Noon-4 p.m.!
Bring The Family To New Tampa & Wesley Chapelâs Premier Tasting Event In Just 2 Days, As 45 Local Food & Beverage Providers Will Serve Thousands Of $1-$3 Samples To Raise Money For Local Nonprofit Groups!
NOW, THIS ONE WILL BE FUN!
Considering that we estimated the crowd at the 2017 Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel at just about 2,000 people total, I know a lot of you missed last yearâs event. But, thatâs OK. Those of you who did miss it but know someone who attended are probably thinking you should be there this time around. And youâd be correct.
Yes, the premier tasting event in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel returns to the cool (but not at all cold, somehow), comfortable confines of Florida Hospital Center Ice today, noon-4 p.m., as the Rotary Club of New Tampa takes its second stab at hosting the Taste. The only difference is that this year, New Tampaâs original Rotary Club (which has been meeting at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club for more than 20 years) is hosting the event in conjunction with the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce (the new name of the former Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber).
The event itself, which will again have around 45 restaurants and food and beverage providers, will again raise funds to benefit the Rotary Clubâs own Foundation, which donates thousands of dollars to about two dozen charitable nonprofits each year, as well as the Chamberâs high school scholarship fund.
As youâre reading this, you can ONLY buy $1 Taste tickets in $25 packs at the door, but visit TasteofNewTampa.org for more infoDonât kick yourself for missing it this year!
Because we shook up our annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest and it had so many new categories, and it took a little longer for us to tabulate those results, the release of my 2017 Dining Favorites in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel was delayed by an issue.
Dempsey’s porterhouse steak and cheese grits
The only thing that hasnât changed is just how much I disagree with our readers when it comes to dining in our two distribution areas. Yours truly agrees that many of the new restaurants (yes, gulp…including some of the new chains) that joined our dining scene in 2017 deserve to be at or near the top of my list, but thatâs where the similarities end.
I will say that I did change my own format for this year â these are my top-50 favorites in our distribution areas, regardless of whether theyâre located in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel.
After the top 30, however, the final 20 include some favorite dessert places and even individual items I found myself addicted to at some of the places that couldnât crack my top 30 (of more than 100 eateries I considered)!
One thing I can tell you is that I love the feedback â even some of the negative comments weâve gotten from readers who didnât participate in this yearâs Dining Survey & Contest, but have still taken the time to post some unflattering comments about the choices of the readers who did vote on our Facebook page.
But, while I agree with some of those reader rants, the fact is that while we still donât have enough top-level mom-&-pop places in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel, we do have a lot more variety from which to choose today than we have in years past. â GN
1. Dempseyâs Steak House at Saddlebrook
I also decided that this year, I would rank my favorite restaurants in order, regardless of price, which meant that only the place with both the best Cowboy ribeye steak (above) and best fresh fish in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel could be voted #1â and that place is Dempseyâs. No, I donât often feel a compulsive need to plunk down more than $50+ for an outstanding steak (and there are plenty of overpriced steak houses in Tampa for that), but whenever I do, Dempseyâs never disappoints me.
2. Noble Crust
I should really call Noble Crust â1B,â because if you have to take price into account, thereâs no better value for the money than this two-location chain â especially considering itâs in an upscale mall. Noble Crustâs constantly changing fish and steak specials (and ambiance) keep me coming back, despite the fact the menu isnât extensive, but from the fried chicken parm (photo) to the meatballs to the kale Caesar salad to the unique pizzas, this was my favorite newcomer for 2017.
My friends Jessica and Carl Meyers continue to add new items based on customer requests and their addition of the best veal parmigiana in our area (and beer and wine; try Grandmaâs sangria) in 2017 was enough to keep them in my top-five in our distribution areas, even though the restaurant is technically in Lutz.
Stonewood.
5. Stonewood Grill & Tavern (Tampa Palms)
Another restaurant that benefited from me picking favorites when price is no issue, Stonewoodâs addition of a great lunch menu in 2016, including excellent bowls like bruschetta chicken and tuna poke, moved it up for me last year. Steaks, pastas and fresh fish are a little more pricy for dinner, but Stonewoodâs bar service is always top-notch.
6. Ciccio Cali
Get a taste of the California lifestyle at Ciccio Cali, where rice and lettuce bowl cuisine has been elevated to an art form. I love all three of the tuna bowls on the menu, as well as the chicken and baby broccoli str-fry and the thin-crust pizzas. I also enjoy the homemade cookies and desserts (some gluten-free) and nice wine selection.
7. Fordâs Garage
I wasnât overly excited that we were getting a Fordâs Garage in Wesley Chapel, because I can only eat burgers so often, and the rest of the menu is a little limited. Even so, Jannah and I do crave the ahi tuna appetizer, chop-chop salad, chicken Henry and petite filet.
Acropolis brunch.
8. Acropolis
Acropolis on BBD south of Tampa Palms continues to expand its menu with more and more authentic Greek and Middle Eastern dishes, but my favorites are still the lamb chops (photo), the Athenian fish and the Greek salad with a uniquely creamy Greek dressing.
9. Sukhothai
Although we have added some new (and also delicious) Thai options in our area, Sukhothaiâs fresh sushi and combination fried rice are my favorites and I also love the crispy duck with ginger sauce and the shoes-off, below-floor seating.
10. Longhorn Steak House
Another new chain that opened in our area for the first time in 2017, Longhornâs outlaw ribeye isnât in Dempseyâs category, but itâs also half the price and delish. We love the bar, the bread, the salad, the sides and the Floâs filets at Longhorn, too.
11. Thai Ruby
The ambiance is second to none and the food doesnât disappoint. I love Thai Rubyâs fresh fish specials and the crispy duck with ginger sauce is still the best in our area. This is a great place to start an intimate date night.
Itâs a fast-casual restaurant with a limited menu, but Jannah and I canât get enough of the chicken and steak fajita salads at Capital Tacos (which is now opening more locations), and the quality of the food seems to exceed what you pay for it.
Fushia Asian bistro
14. Fushia Asian Bistro
It still makes me crazy when people tell me theyâve never tried or even heard of Fushia, which is located in the same Shoppes at Amberly plaza as Peabodyâs and Thai Ruby. But, for authentic dishes like Yan Jian pork, beef with Chinese broccoli and the best combination fried rice in town, you have to try Fushia!
15. Yamato Japanese Restaurant
Although itâs not my favorite sushi place, I do enjoy the fair pricing on quality Japanese teppanyaki (hibachi) fare at Yamato, where the NY strip and filet and even the veggies are my favorites among our local Japanese steakhouses.
Bonefish used to rank higher on my list, but it still has my favorite seared ahi tuna appetizer in our area and is usually reliable for its fresh fish (although I donât love most of the sauces on the menu) and bar service.
18. 900 Woodfired Pizza (Shops at Wiregrass)
Although owner Steve Falabellaâs NY-style pizza is only third on my list (behind La Prima and NY NY), his lasagne, his delicious salads and the best pesto Genovese sauce for his create-you-own pastas helped rank him higher as a restaurant.
19. The Hungry Greek
Still among the most crowded restaurants in our area, especially for lunch, The Hungry Greek has our areaâs best gyro and chicken gyro platters, delicious Greek salads and recently added unique bowls to its popularly priced menu.
Not far behind Yamato among our Japanese steakhouses, Kobe also scores points for its great $5 happy hour food specials at the bar and for adding a pepper-crusted, seared rare tuna tataki teppanyaki dish.
22. Outback Steakhouse
Although itâs never been my favorite steak place in our area, Outback continues to keep itself in the mix by reducing the price points on its quality steaks and recently added a bone-in, natural-cut ribeye.
Amazing wings (try âem blackened), delicious appetizers and even an excellent mahi-mahi sandwich, plus a fun atmosphere, make Fat Rabbit the best new restaurant in New Tampa for 2017. Check them out on St. Pattyâs Day!
For outstanding merluza topped with Russian-style tartar sauce, palomilla steak, pork chops and roasted pork (lechon asado), plus other authentic Cuban favorites, tell my friends Ramses and Ana that Gary sent you.
27. El Pescador Mexican Seafood
Another tasty newcomer in New Tampa, El Pescador has really good fajitas, but the fresh seafood is the main attraction, including the whole fileted snapper and the fresh ceviche, to go with the usual enchiladas and other Mexican staples.
28. La Prima Pizza
In one manâs opinion, the crust and sauce are still the closest thing to true NY-style âza in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel, and itâs all for sale! Owner Willie Lopez has a turnkey pizza operation and a great location (right next to Target), so please call him at (813) 907-2878 if you want to find out more…and please tell him that Gary sent you!
Obviously, I love a great steak and although Texas Roadhouse loses points with me for its line-dancing wait staff, it does offer great values on tasty NY strips, filets and yes, its hefty, 20+-oz. bone-in ribeyes.
The Rest of My Top 50 (in alphabetical order)
Bonsai Sushi: Popular for sushi & Japanese fare
Boscoâs: Try the unbreaded chicken parm!
Brusterâs Ice Cream: My favorite (peanut butter!)
Cake Shop:Amazing cakes, cookies & cupcakes
Cantina Laredo: Pricy, satisfying Mexican fare
Culverâs: Good burgers, amazing frozen custard
Fongâs Sushi: Creative, top-level sushi
Hibachi Express: Best prices for tasty hibachi!
Irish 31: Great salads & upscale pub grub
Jersey Mikeâs Subs: Best roast beef & tuna subs
Koizi Endless Hibachi: Just below Ginza
Kwan Ming Bistro: Tasty, upscale Chinese
Lanna Thai: Really good food, great atmosphere
Mr. Dunderbakâs: Good schnitzel, great beer!
NY NY Pizza: Try the Grandmaâs Pizza!
OâBrienâs Irish Pub: Burgers, tater tots & karaoke
If you love great Thai food like I do, check out my new friends Tammy (a Tampa General Hospital Registered Nurse) and her husband Michael (an engineer) at the new Palm Thai, which opened recently in the space previously occupied by Orchid Thai in the same Shoppes at The Pointe plaza as Ciccio Cali and Koizi in Tampa Palms.
Palm Thaiâs lunch is one of the best deals in town, as my pork with garlic and black pepper sauce (above, left) came with a delicious spring roll, chicken soup and salad, for less than $10! Palm Thai wasnât open in time for my 2017 âGaryâs Favorites,â but if its crispy duck measures up, it surely will make my list next year!
For more info about Palm Thai (17022 Palm Pointe Dr.), call (813) 252-3534, visit PalmThaiTampa.com, or see the ad & 10%-off coupon on pg. 40 of our latest New Tampa issue!
Oakleyâs Grille Sold!
Those of us who have loved the hamburgers and sandwiches at Oakleyâs Grille â located at 17631 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (next to Supercuts) â since it opened in 2011 â will be happy to learn that even though owner Keith Oakley recently sold his popular burger-and-sandwich restaurant, everything about the place is expected to remain the same under its new ownership, at least for the foreseeable future.
Oakleyâs Grille, which has received first place burger and/or sandwich honors from yours truly every year since it opened, was purchased by first-time restaurateurs Heather Woodall and Ladesha Stoudemire, who are excited about their new venture.
âWe heard Oakleyâs was for sale through a business broker, who took us there for lunch,â Heather says. âAnd, we just loved the quality of the food, the way the staff knew and treated the customers and the entire operation. It was a no-brainer for us.â
Heather and Ladesha agree that while they might try to add menu items in the future â by customer demand â they promise the same amazing burgers (above, center), fries and sandwiches done the same way by the same people.
For more info about Oakleyâs Grille (17631 BBD), call (813) 523-5075 or visit OakleysGrille.com.
And, if you mention this write-up when you order, you can buy one ribeye or chicken Philly sandwich with fries and a beverage and receive a second Philly sandwich of equal or lesser value FREE with the purchase of fries and a beverage. And, please tell Heather, Ladesha and their crew that the Neighborhood News sent you.
Prost Kitchen & Bar Opens
In another one of those locations that has seen a progression of restaurants come and go, the German-inspired Prost Kitchen & Bar has opened in the space most recently occupied by Big Papaâs Pit in the Palms Connection plaza at 2802 E. Bearss Ave., just west of BBD.
The space was first home to Garofaloâs Pizza more than two decades ago and also has been a Beef OâBradyâs and one or two other places I canât remember.
For more info, visit ProstKitchen.com or call (813) 466-5249 and please tell owner Cody Jay of Jay Hospitality Group and his staff that we sent you!
Top Shelfâs Grand Opening
So, itâs never easy opening a new business, much less a restaurant, but Iâm excited to say that the Top Shelf Sports Lounge at Florida Hospital Center Ice (FHCI) has (finally!) now been for a few weeks and has celebrated with a North Tampa Bay (formerly the Greater Wesley Chapel; see pg. 3) Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 2.
Best of all, Top Shelf will be participating in this yearâs Taste of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel at FHCI on Sunday, March 25, noon-4 p.m. (see pg. 3), after not being able to get open in time for last yearâs event.
Co-owner Keenan Cottle, who will be serving beer from his 81Bay Brewing Co. in South Tampa at the Taste, thanked FHCI owners Gordie Zimmermann and George Mitchell of ZMitch, LLC, for opening âthis amazing rinkâ during the ribbon-cutting.
Top Shelf co-owner Joe Boyd said that the partners are excited to be part of the Wesley Chapel area and are looking forward to more great events at Top Shelf.
The Top Shelf Sports Lounge is located on the second floor of FHCI (3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd.). For more info, stop in or call (813) 953-1032 or visit TopShelfTampa.com.
If youâve never seen the amazing array of fitness equipment on the 2nd floor of the Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Wellness Center, you owe it to yourself to take a tour.
Although we have many wonderful fitness facilities located in New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, our Neighborhood News readers have voted the Health & Wellness Center inside the Wellness Plaza adjacent to (and owned by) the same Adventist Health Care System as Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel as their favorite.
And, who could blame them? Situated on the first and second floors of the Wellness Plaza, the 50,000-sq.-ft. facility includes two heated, indoor pools, a huge variety of cardio and strength equipment (including free weights), menâs and womenâs saunas, a 1/9-mile indoor track and more than 100 group fitness classes, including Les Mills, Zumba, barre, hot yoga and indoor cycling. Thereâs even a circuit training area that allows you to get a full-body workout in just 30 minutes.
âItâs definitely the best gym Iâve ever belonged to,â I heard one satisfied female customer tell another. âIâve lost 20 lbs. and I feel the best Iâve felt in years.â
With its convenient location on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., between S.R.s 56 and 54, the FHWC Health & Wellness Center is a short drive from I-75 and a visit for a tour is well worth the trip from anywhere in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and beyond.
I recently took my second tour of the facility with Fatima, one of the enthusiastic front desk staffers, and, even though I live at least 12-15 minutes away and the membership prices arenât cheap, Jannah and I are seriously considering joining because you canât beat the variety of equipment and classes you get to use or the true community feeling you get any time you visit.
Other fee-based services include personal training (although members get one free consultation with a certified personal trainer), small group training, licensed massage therapy, nutrition coaching (members also get one free nutrition assessment with a registered dietitian), swim lessons for adults and children, Pilates Reformer and more.
Memberships start at $57 per month or $684 for a one-time annual payment (save $114) and you can add a second family member, age 13 and over (living in the same household) for just $34 per month or $408 for a one-time annual payment.
The FHWC Health & Wellness Center (2700 Healing Way) is open Mon.-Fri., 5 a.m.-10 p.m. & 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sat. & Sun). For more info, visit FHWCwellness@ahss.org or call (813) 929-5252. â GN
Donât Miss The 2018 Taste Of New Tampa & Wesley Chapel!
