JD Porter Getting Ready To Build His Legacy At Wiregrass Ranch! 

Wiregrass Ranch Developer Is Still Waiting To Finalize The Agreement With Pasco County Before Proceeding With His ‘Downtown’ 

The planned 1,500-seat concert hall and five-story parking structure (far left) planned in Phase One of The Legacy at Wiregrass Ranch, which developer JD Porter says will be the true downtown for not just his development, but all of Pasco County. (All maps & renderings provided by Wiregrass Ranch)

 When it was announced back in December that Pasco County had reached an agreement in principle with Wiregrass Ranch developer JD Porter and his Locust Branch LLC development company on Phase 1 of Legacy at Wiregrass Ranch — the 30-acre area set aside by Porter to serve as his uniquely urban downtown — Porter and his chief operating officer Scott Sheridan thought that it would only be a matter of weeks before they would be able to begin moving dirt. 

But now, more than six weeks (at our press time) after that agreement in principle was reached, Porter and Sheridan — in an exclusive sit-down with yours truly — said they are still waiting. 

“We need to get Phase 1 of Legacy at Wiregrass going now,” Porter said. “We’re trying to time the opening of the downtown area — with all of its office and retail — with the opening of the Orlando Health hospital (the largest in Wesley Chapel, which is expected to be done in early 2026). We estimate that if we get started right away, Phase 1 of Legacy could be completed within a few months after the hospital’s opening.” 

Sheridan added, “The good news is that we already have most of the infrastructure needed for Legacy in place. We’re ready.” 

For anyone who hasn’t heard, Pasco’s Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the “term sheet” for Legacy at Wiregrass Ranch — where the financial plan for what Commission chair (and Dist. 3 commissioner) Kathryn Starkey called “Pasco County’s downtown” on Dec. 10. 


The map above shows the location of Legacy at Wiregrass Ranch between S.R. 56 and Chancey Rd. The two maps below are turned on their sides (north is actually to the left instead of up in both) to show Legacy’s proximity to the under-construction Orlando Health Hospital complex, which is actually located south and to the east of Legacy.

Part of the agreement announced in December are ad valorem tax incentives for the developer of $50 million total, spread over 30 years, to offset the $85 million in Wiregrass Ranch’s investment in public infrastructure for Phase One alone. Sheridan and Porter estimate that the construction costs for the entire Legacy project are between $400-$500 million. 

Sheridan said that Wiregrass Ranch, the 5,100-acre cattle ranch owned by Porter and his family, which is less than 40% developed at present, already provides a tax base of $1.5 billion, with nearly $11 million annually in county operating revenue. At buildout, he says, that tax base is projected to be as much as $6 billion, with about $50 million in annual revenues for the county. 

Among the elements planned for Legacy’s first phase (of 130 acres total set aside for the two phases of Legacy) are 150,000 sq. ft. (in two 75,000-sq.-ft. buildings) of office space, adjacent to the 150,000 sq. ft. of office space (in one 90,000-sq.-ft. and one 60,000-sq.-ft. building) now under construction on Orlando Health’s campus, next to the hospital. “Quite honestly,” Sheridan said. “That 300,000 square feet of office will look like one large master development.” 

Sheridan also noted that Wiregrass Ranch and an unnamed partner also is developing an additional 100,000 sq. ft. of office space in two buildings to the west of Wiregrass Ranch Blvd. 

One of the most important parts of the first phase of Legacy is a $37-million, five-story parking structure with about 1,500 spaces to serve the office buildings, retail and 150,000-sq.-ft. “eatertainment” complex, all within walking distance of each other, as well as of a planned 150-room hotel and 820 multi-family apartments. If you’ve ever been to the new Midtown Tampa, Legacy at Wiregrass is about 30% larger. The hotel and apartment buildings also are expected to be four and five stories tall. 

“This type of density is definitely urban,” Sheridan said. “It’s not suburban sprawl, because we’re doing on 30 acres what Pasco usually puts on 100 acres.” 

‘Eatertainment’ Galore! 

The part of the agreement for Legacy announced in December that yours truly is most excited about is the 150,000-sq. ft.. “Eatertainment” complex. Sheridan says that this area will include an Armature Works-style food hall, upscale retail stores, some “jewel box” standalone restaurants, a concert hall with about 1,500 seats immediately adjacent to the parking structure, plus a hotel, conference center and public art. 

And, although neither Sheridan nor Porter were willing to name any of the potential tenants or operators they’ve spoken with to put restaurants in Legacy, both mentioned having conversations with operators of restaurants on Water St. in downtown Tampa, Beach Dr. in downtown St. Pete and other upscale dining areas. 

The above rendering and those below show the urban look and feel of Legacy.

“Legacy has been designed by Torti Gallas + Partners,” Sheridan said, “the same firm that designed GasWorx in Ybor City, the Silversaw apartments (next to the Hyatt Place Tampa-Wesley Chapel hotel) and many of the most beautiful mixed-use projects across the country. And, they told us that Legacy at Wiregrass is unique in its location, planning and design.” 

Porter added, “Most of the time, when projects like these are approved, the developer first has to put in the infrastructure, but most of that is already in place in Legacy. We’re ready to begin building as soon as we get the final word from the county that we can begin.” 

To which Sheridan added, “We don’t need another County Commission vote. All we need is for the Planning & Economic Development department to finalize the agreement.” 

He also noted that until the agreement with the county has been finalized, “We can’t finalize deals with the tenants we’ve been talking with for the retail and restaurant spaces. But, as soon as we’re able to close those deals, we know the community is going to be excited about them.” 

To which Porter added, “These are not going to be the same retail strip centers with the same type of tenants that you see everywhere else in Pasco.” 

Sheridan also says that residents in the multi-family apartments will not be parking in the main garage structure. Instead, they will have their own parking structure. At the Dec. BOC meeting, Dist. 5 commissioner Jack Mariano requested that some of those rental units be converted to townhomes for “workforce housing,” but still voted to approve the Legacy agreement in principle without any such conversion being promised by Sheridan or Porter. 

“And, even though they’d have to cross S.R. 56 to do so, Porter said, “students and staff from the Porter Campus at Pasco Hernando State College can even walk to Legacy.” 

He added, “We’re not just doing the same thing everyone else in Pasco does. We want this to be the kind of place people are drawn to for years to come.” 

Wiregrass Ranch Update 

The Orlando Health construction is moving along nicely, and the $300-million hospital complex, which sits on 47 acres at the corner of S.R. 56 and Wiregrass Ranch Blvd., just south and east of Legacy, will include 102 beds when it opens and 300 when it is built out. 

Porter and Sheridan also mentioned that although Pasco had yet to finalize its deal with Sports Facilities Companies of Clearwater to take over the management of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, “The county picked the best possible operator to take over.,” Porter said. “It would just be nice to hear that the deal is finalized, because, in our agreement for the land we donated for it, the county (which has been managing the Sports Campus since buying out the management contract of RADDSports in 2023) was never supposed to be managing that facility.” 

Porter also said that with the success of Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant on the north side of S.R. 56 (at Lajuana Blvd.), “we’ve been having some pretty serious negotiations with a number of restaurant operators — some successful Tampa Bay-area operators and some top-level chains” — for the restaurant pads adjacent to Cooper’s Hawk. 

For more information about Wiregrass Ranch, visit TheWiregrassRanch.com. 

Rita’s Italian Ice Grand Opening Begins ‘Food Truck Fridays’ At Avalon Park WC!

Hey, Wesley Chapel! When your Feb 18 Wesley Chapel Issue #4-25 arrives in your mailbox, please note that an old story about Chicken Guy! is under the headline above on pg. 42 of that print edition. Below is the correct story that was supposed to run. I apologize to Rita’s Wesley Chapel franchise owners Antoine & Idalice Stokes and to developer Beat Kahli’s entire team at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for this unforgivable boo-boo! 

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel (APWC)’s downtown area is continuing the community’s tradition of great open-to-the-community events. Case in point — on Jan. 24, franchise owners Antoine and Idalice Stokes of Rita’s Italian Ice in the first APWC downtown building celebrated the store’s official Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting and a free Italian ice and frozen custard giveaway that attracted hundreds of well-wishers and frozen treat fans, as the line wrapped around a large part of The Flats at Avalon Park Apartments building for most of the afternoon.

That event, which also included a DJ, a fire truck from Pasco County Fire Rescue, District 2 Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman and the Cypress Creek Cheerleaders, as well as a Justice League-themed inflatable from Luc’s Inflatables for the kids, was paired with APWC’s first “Fourth Friday Food Truck Rally” event. At least four food trucks were on hand for this first rally, including Pane Piatto Pizza, Taco Holic, Westchase BBQ and Nacho Wagon. APWC, which continues to have individual food trucks in the downtown area on many Mondays and Thursdays, will host its next Food Truck Rally on Friday, February 28, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., which will include (please note that others may still be added) Logan’s Smoke House, Wich Press and Tampa Burger Company.

For more information about Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s downtown (4424 Friendly Way), visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com

Coffee Latitudes — Come For The Coffee, Stay For The Food! 

(Photos by Charmaine George)

James Frank, who owns the new Coffee Latitudes Café on County Line Rd., west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. (in the same plaza as Five Guys and LA Fitness) with his wife Olga (right), is what I call both a perfectionist and a true “artiste.” 

James, who is from Croton-on-Hudson in the northern part of Westchester County, NY, decided at a young age that he wasn’t going to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a plumber. He was in a culinary program in high school and, after about a year in a technical school, found a vacated restaurant location in his hometown and, at age 19, he opened The Malt Shop. 

“That was in the 1980s,” James says, “but do you know what was popular in the ‘80s? The ‘50s! So, of course, we had a black-and-white checkered floor, a counter with all the stools, a jukebox in the back…so it was very malt shop-ish.” 

By 1990, James sold that restaurant and had an opportunity to sell coffee in Manhattan, which he did for about two years. 

“I realized, with my entrepreneurial spirit, ‘Hey, I can do this on my own,” and, for many years, he supplied coffee for the corporate offices of Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Perry Ellis and CNN. “When September 11 happened, I wanted to sell my business and by November of that year, I sold that business and went on my first sabbatical. By June of 2002, I relocated to Florida.” 

From 2002-15, his new coffee supply business sold to the likes of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Bucs, Morgan & Morgan and many more. “If your large office had a coffee machine, there was a good chance it was one of mine,” James says. “I had divisions in Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota and Ocala, but a Japanese company that wanted to break into the Florida market bought that business, so I was on sabbatical again. I traveled to Germany, Paris, Switzerland and finally said, I’m not yet 50, I can’t just do nothing. I have to find something else.” 

So, he opened his first Florida café — Café Liberty Bistro — on N. Dale Mabry Hwy. at Van Dyke Rd. “It was definitely a ‘foodie’ kind of place,” James says, “a place where you’d go to get a short rib grilled cheese (left) or waffles loaded with pork belly, sage or chicken…huge waffles.” 

Olga, who is from “Da Bronx” (but you’d never know it from her non-NY, Latina accent) also worked with him in the coffee business in Manhattan and moved to Florida with him to work at his coffee business here, By 2020, when James sold the Dale Mabry café just before Covid, he and Olga decided to open a new café in Spring Hill they called Café Connections. 

“The guy who sold me the café in Spring Hill was impressed by my Dale Mabry store, so he opened a similar café there and ironically, he sought me out and sold it to me,” James says. “We moved to Spring Hill because the café was there.” 

But, the other guy who had bought his Dale Mabry café ended up closing it about a year-and-a-half later and said to James, “If you want it back, take it. We’re moving back to India.” Instead of buying it or reopening it, the main thing James wanted from that store was its 5-kilo coffee roasting machine. 

But, when Covid happened, instead of keeping the Spring Hill café open, James and Olga sold it and began roasting coffee at home. 

“At that time, Olga, who is legally blind, became a cancer survivor,” James says, “so even though we were considered to be an ‘essential business,’ we decided to go ahead and close. It was a blessing in disguise for us, because the coffee business started to take off.” 

At that time, the “coffee business” was primarily online and appearances at the Market Elaine at The Grove and the Fresh Market at the Shops at Wiregrass, which ended up leading to a Coffee Latitudes kiosk at the mall. After almost four years in business there, they sold the kiosk (which is now closed) a few months ago to focus their energies on the Coffee Latitudes Café, which has now been open for almost a year. 

“We just happened to be visiting this plaza and drove by the place,” Olga says, “and saw that The Juice Factory (the previous tenant) had closed. When we first asked about it, the guy told us that he already had a Letter of Intent to take it over, but ended up calling us back a couple of months later. The first time James saw the brick walls inside, he said, ‘I want to open a café here.’” 

So, while the 5-kilo coffee roaster is still in their garage, James bought a 10-kilo roaster to have in the store and has been able to expand his already extensive collection of coffees from every coffee-growing region around the world, from Asia to Africa and from South to Central America. 

The Coffee 

When he first opened, James told me to always ask “What coffee are you brewing today?,” but now, the day’s brews are posted on a chalkboard sign (below, right photo) on the counter where you order. Another small chalkboard sign tells you the day’s food specials. 

I love all of the Latin American coffees — from Bolivia, Honduras, Costa Rica and even Mexico, and I have been somewhat surprised to also enjoy his Sumatran and Indonesian blends. 

James says Coffee Latitudes specializes in organic, chemical free, Fair-Trade coffee from small family farmers, including Flhor Zelaya of Honduras (left photo), who has been growing coffee in her native country since she was only five years old. Flhor now supports 200 women to harvest her coffee that is not only organic, but also grown by bio-diversity farming. James is proud to sell his huge variety of beans to his ever-growing roster of appreciative customers. 

“And, we roast all of the coffee ourselves in the café for the freshest experience,” James says. 

He also says that organic loose teas have been another great addition to the Coffee Latitudes expanding beverage menu. 

“We serve it in little pots at the table,” he says. “We also get a little geeky with serving coffee pour-overs and French press coffee at your table.” 

James also has told me that I have been storing my coffee all wrong at home. I knew that keeping coffee beans (we grind our own at home) in the refrigerator is a no-no, but I thought keeping it in the freezer was better. Wrong again. 

“The best way to keep your coffee fresh is in an air-tight container in a cabinet or pantry,” he says. “That way, it doesn’t pick up any smells from the refrigerator or freezer.” 

Olga adds, “Our bags of bulk coffee beans all have a valve on the back to only allow air to go out, not in. Our customers love them!” 

And, while Coffee Latitudes does offer lattes, cappuccinos, café mochas, affogato cafés (with Italian gelato and fresh roasted espresso that will have you singing “Amore”) and other hot and iced coffee drinks, don’t expect them to taste like those processed, over-sugared drinks from those “S” or “DD” chains. “Even our regular coffee needs less cream and sweetener than you might be used to at home,” James says. 

Other drinks include cold brew, chai, matcha organic green and loose leaf teas (hot or iced), hot chocolate, smoothies, frappes and a variety of “mocktails.” 

And Finally…The Food! 

James says Coffee Latitudes specializes in “artisanal comfort food for breakfast and lunch.” 

For breakfast, he imports croissants from France and “legit” bagels from New York City. 

“We bake the croissants and bagels (the latter are ‘par-baked’ in New York and shipped frozen; available in plain, everything, “rainbow” and more) here and offer deluxe egg sandwiches (scrambled, over easy or sunny side up), on your choice of bread (including a ‘New Yorker’ on a Kaiser roll) and choice of meat (bacon or ham). You can even add fresh avocado (like the photo below) or have the bagel toasted with butter or cream cheese. Or, enjoy a fresh Belgian waffle topped with chocolate chips, strawberries or blueberries.” 

Coffee Latitudes’ best-selling “Afternoon Bite” is the yummy shredded short rib grilled cheese at the top of the page. We used this photo to emphasize what James calls “the crown” — that crispy cooked cheddar and smoked gouda cheese blend that runs over the bread and makes not only the taste, but also the visuals, unique. 

“You ‘taste’ food with your eyes first, then the aroma and then the bite,” he says. 

Our other lunch-time favorites include the triple-decker Turkey Club shown above, the Giacomo (Italian for James), a shareable sammi with hot capicola, salami, ham and mortadella with provolone, red onion and Campari tomatoes on Italian bread with Sicilian red pesto. Or, try the Italian-style avocado toast on toasted garlic bread, with avocado, mozzarella, tomato, red onion, a balsamic drizzle and Italian seasoning. There’s also chicken Caesar, tuna, ham or turkey wraps and “You Chef” sandwiches, plus Caesar and other salads. 

The restaurant also displays its bagels and croissants, along with a variety of pastries and desserts, some of which are made or baked in-house, in two display cases. 

‘Soup For You’ & Giving Back, Too! 

With apologies to “Seinfeld,” James does make some of the best fresh soups anywhere. Jannah is pretty much addicted to the creamy tomato bisque, served with shredded cheddar cheese and house-made croutons. I constantly have to call the eatery asking what soups they have and if it’s tomato, I have to buy two of them. 

One time, when he didn’t have the tomato, Jannah tried James’ creamy broccoli cheddar soup, so she now has two favorites! He also makes a mean, cinnamon-y carrot soup that’s great on a cold day…like we had most of January. 

Coffee Latitudes also raises money for local charities with its own “Rise & Shine” program. 

“For example,” Olga says, “for St. Patrick’s Day, customers can make a donation to have their name printed on a gold coin or green shamrock in the café’s front window, with all of the proceeds going to a local charity. If you know of a charity in need, stop in and let us know!” 

Coffee Latitudes (6431 E. County Line Rd. in New Tampa) is open every day for breakfast, lunch & early dinner, as follows: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. 

For more information about Coffee Latitudes (including a great coupon special), see the ad below Or, call (813) 575-8000 or visit CoffeeLatitudes.com. And please, tell James and Olga that I sent you! 

Absolute Air Systems Is One Family’s Commitment To Comfort & Integrity 

(L.-r.) Amber, Steve & Tammy DeRolf of Absolute Air Systems, with Hurricane (the Absolute Air team mascot). (Photos by Charmaine George) 

For more than 20 years, Absolute Air Systems, Inc., has been a trusted choice for heating and air conditioning services in Central Florida. Founded by the husband-&-wife team of Steve and Tammy DeRolf, along with co-founder Mike Thornton, the company is still family owned and operated. From the beginning, Absolute Air has been built on honesty, integrity and loyalty, with the goal of always providing exceptional service and fair pricing for every customer. 

The DeRolf family still plays a significant role in the daily operations of Absolute Air Systems. Tammy and Steve’s daughter Amber serves as the office manager and is often the first point of contact for customers. Having grown up in the industry, Amber brings invaluable knowledge and experience to the team. She handles everything from answering inquiries to scheduling appointments, and ensuring each customer receives the personalized attention they need. 

The family also includes Elaine, who resides in Palm Bay, and Steve Jr., who helps with the business when needed, despite having a career of his own. Mike Thornton also is still very much involved in the company’s day-to-day operations. 

Amber proudly emphasizes Absolute Air’s commitment to transparency and fair pricing. “There are a lot of great companies out there, but some will charge as much as they can,” she says. “But, we pride ourselves on having some of the lowest prices in the area. Our business is built on principles that have never changed.” 

Absolute Air offers a full range of services for both residential and commercial clients, including HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) system installations, emergency repairs, preventive maintenance, ultraviolet light (UV) installation, thermostat upgrades and ductless mini-split systems. 

The company is certified and licensed for residential and commercial projects, including new construction. Absolute Air’s experienced technicians ensure that all work complies with all codes and standards, whether it’s a small repair or a customized system for a newly built property. 

Among the company’s most popular services is the installation of ductless mini-split systems. These energy-efficient systems are ideal for homes without ductwork, older properties, room additions, small apartments and multi-family units. Mini-split systems provide both heating and cooling while offering precise temperature control. Unlike regular central air systems, the mini-split doesn’t rely on ducts to distribute the air and each of the units can be controlled individually. 

These systems work with two components. There is an outdoor compressor/ condenser and an indoor air handling unit. 

Energy Star-certified mini-split systems can use up to 60% less energy than traditional systems, making them a cost-effective option for many households. 

(Note – Customers mentioning this story or the ad below receive a $250 discount on a mini-split AC system installation.) 

Office manager Amber DeRolf isn’t an Absolute Air technician, but she is usually the first point of 
contact for most of the company’s customers. 

Another service Amber highly recommends is the installation of UV lights, which help eliminate mold, mildew, bacteria and viruses, improve indoor air quality and extend the life of an AC system. Amber explains that the UV light also will reduce odors and keep the unit running efficiently by preventing mold buildup. The light is usually placed near the evaporator coil inside the air handler, which is where most moisture and potential microbial growth occur. The UV light will sterilize the air as it passes through. 

“While there is an installation fee,” Amber says, “the only future expense is replacing the light, which depending upon the brand, may last 1-2 years.” 

Amber adds that regular routine maintenance is vital for extending the lifespan of any HVAC system. 

She also encourages customers to join the company’s maintenance membership program, which offers numerous benefits. Routine upkeep helps your system run more efficiently, reduces energy usage and lowers utility bills. Regular maintenance also ensures safety by verifying the system’s proper operation and minimizing the risk of malfunctions, which helps prevent costly breakdowns and repairs, offering customers peace of mind and long-term savings. Scheduling a maintenance appointment is made even easier with Absolute Air’s app, allowing customers to book appointments with just a few clicks. 

Customers Rave About Absolute Air! 

Kathy Gillespie, a satisfied Absolute Air customer, says, “This company is so awesome! Steve and his team have helped me keep my air conditioner going and have come out multiple times, no matter the day or time! Honest and professional! I highly recommend them!” 

Absolute Air Systems has earned its reputation for transparency and honesty. Its technicians are dedicated to presenting customers with all available options, whether a repair or replacement is needed. 

“If there’s a warranty on a part, we’ll tell you,” Amber says. “Some companies don’t, but we always will. We do everything in our power to get your unit running again at the best price possible.” 

The company’s dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in the glowing reviews it has received over the years. Customer Monica GuraHornyak writes, “Our family has been using Absolute Air for years for several properties. This past week they really pulled out all the stops to help an elderly client of mine who needed a new AC system. They arranged their schedule because of a time constraint (I’m selling the home for the client) and Miguel worked until everything was perfect. Best and most important of all, they did NOT try to oversell her a huge unit she did not need. Thank you guys, I’ll keep sending my clients to you for sure.” 

The reviews highlight the company’s commitment to treating customers like family. Absolute Air strives to ensure every customer feels valued and supported throughout their experience. “We’re not just a business; we’re a family,” Amber says. “We care about our customers and treat them the way we’d want to be treated.” 

For customers who do need a new AC system, Absolute Air offers a wide selection of top brands, including systems tailored for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. Financing options are available through GreenSky and RenewFinancial, making it easier for families to invest in their comfort. 

The DeRolf family’s dedication to community and customer care also extends to military families and veterans, who receive a 10% discount as a token of appreciation for their service. The discount can be redeemed through the company’s website, further emphasizing the company’s commitment to giving back. 

Beyond its services, Absolute Air Systems also is deeply rooted in the local community. The company participates in events and initiatives that benefit their neighbors, reinforcing its reputation as a company that truly cares. 

“Being part of this community means everything to us,” says Amber. “It’s where we live, work and raise our families.” 

Whether it’s routine maintenance, an emergency repair, or a new heating and cooling system, Absolute Air Systems is ready to help. The company’s skilled technicians, backed by decades of experience, ensure that every customer receives the highest level of service. 

To learn more about Absolute Air Systems, Inc. and the services the company provides, or to schedule an appointment, call (813) 779-0101, email info@getcoldair.com or visit GetColdAir.com. Or, see the ad below for Absolute Air’s $250 off a mini-split system offer for Neighborhood News readers. 

Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico Offers Its Full Menu In New ‘El Patio’ 

David & Cindy Cruz of Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico invite you to check out the beautiful new bar — and enjoy their delicious Puerto Rican cuisine — at the new outdoor “El Patio.” (Photos by Charmaine George)

 The owners of Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico on Wesley Chapel Blvd., next to the Pinebrook at The Grove plaza in Wesley Chapel, obviously aren’t afraid of working hard. 

The husband-and-wife team of David and Cindy Cruz also have owned DC Accounting for more than 20 years and opened their Rice-n- Beans Express location on S.R. 54 in Lutz a little more than a year ago. 

Churrasco Steak

But, when they purchased the former Cody’s Roadhouse (and Remington’s Steakhouse before Cody’s), there was a nice-sized patio in front of the main building that basically went unused for the first few years after the couple moved Rice-n-Beans from its successful original location in a gas station building on S.R. 54 in Lutz. 

But, that all changed in November, when Cindy and David finally opened their completely redesigned “El Patio” in the formerly unused patio space. And, even though they weren’t sure at first if they wanted it to have its own menu, El Patio is now serving the main Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico’s full menu, as well as a variety of craft cocktails, beer and wine in El Patio’s beautiful, full-liquor bar (with its own open hours). 

Of course, the main restaurant also is a beautiful place to have authentic Puerto Rican and Latin cuisine and some premium cocktails. It’s just nice to have your choice of settings. 

What About The Food? 

Pretty much from the day it moved to Wesley Chapel from Lutz — where it was much more of a hidden gem that only a few Wesley Chapel residents even knew about — Rice-n-Beans has been voted by our readers as either the #1 or at least one of the Favorite Latin (not Mexican) Restaurants in New Tampa & Wesley Chapel. 

Beef Empanadas

I’m no Puerto Rican cuisine connoisseur but I do enjoy many of the dishes I’ve sampled at Rice-n-Beans. Among my favorite appetizers are the crispy-outside beef empanadas (right), which we also enjoyed as part of the Antojitos Puertorriqueños platter, which also includes a chicken empanada, as well as a sorullito de maiz con queso (a corn & cheese fritter) and an alcapurria de carne, which is a popular Puerto Rican street food item that looks like a sausage but is actually a crispy fritter made from a blend of root vegetables, stuffed with savory seasoned beef and served with a ketchup-and-mayo-based dipping sauce. The restaurant also has empanadas stuffed with shrimp, octopus or pizza. 

Tostones Rellenos de Carne

One of the special items we’ve enjoyed were the tostones rellenos de carne (left) — fried green plantain slices topped with tender steak, onions and red peppers in a tomato-based salsa Criolla (Créole sauce). The tostones rellenos are usually served either plain or topped with shrimp or octopus, but marketing manager Damaris Gutierrez had the kitchen make it with steak for me. Loved it! 

Another special the day we visited was the mofongo relleno de langosta, which combines the Puerto Rican staple dish of twice-fried, garlic-infused mashed green plantains with a full-sized lobster tail and six large shrimp which, of course, I had to take Charmaine’s word about because of my shellfish allergy. She said that both the lobster and shrimp in garlic butter sauce sitting atop the mofongo bowl were delicious on their own, “but they taste even better when you mix in the mashed plantains.” 

Mofongo Relleno de Langosta

The mofongo was definitely eye-catching and popular, as several other tables during our visit either ordered the langosta or the same dish with chicken, steak, shrimp, octopus or “mariscos” (mixed seafood). 

My favorite entrées at Rice-n-Beans include the chicharrons de pollo (bone-in crispy fried chicken), the carne frita (deep fried pork chunks), chuleta Kan-Kan (a Puerto Rican-style pork chop, marinated in garlic rub and fried), the pechuga de pollo (pan-seared chicken breast topped with sautéed onions and garlic or the salsa Criolla mentioned before), and the super-tender churrasco steak (above), which is pan-seared and served with a fresh green vibrant house coriander and cilantro chimichurri sauce (sorry that we forgot to photograph the chimichurri). The churrasco is served with sweet plantains and a side of rice (your choice of white or yellow) and I also got a side of red beans, which also were excellent. 

For you seafood lovers, Rice-n-Beans also offers a filete en salsa (fish filet in salsa Criolla or sautéed in garlic and capers), a chillo frito entero (whole pan-fried red snapper) and mariscada personal — a seafood lover’s delight with shrimp, octopus and lobster served over saffron-infused yellow rice and accompanied by red beans and (you guessed it) crispy tostones. 

The Jibarito Sandwich with Fries

We also wanted to sample a traditional Puerto Rican sandwich on our most recent visit, so Damaris recommended the jibarito (left photo) — which is a sandwich made with twice-fried plantains instead of bread and stuffed with steak (bistec), roasted pork (pernil) or the pollo (grilled chicken) we chose. The jibarito is topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese and a zesty garlic mayo (and served with crispy fries) and Charmaine and I were both surprised at the sandwich’s unique flavor. Savory plantains certainly are a recurring theme at Rice-n-Beans, but if you think you’re not a fan of them, you definitely should try one of the dishes described in this story. 

If you still have room for dessert, Charmaine and I both heartily recommend the flancocho (below right), which is a layer of chocolate cake topped with a thick layer of Puerto Rican-style flan, which is denser and more cake-like than Cuban or Colombian flan. The dessert is topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles and drizzled with chocolate. You might want to add a café con leché and/or an after-dinner cocktail. 

Flancocho Dessert

Other desserts include vanilla, chocolate and even cheese flan, plus tres leches (sponge cake soaked in three milks and topped with whipped cream) and ponque de novia (a shareable, tender cake infused with almond and topped with buttercream frosting). If you bring the kids, they can choose from chicken strips, fried pork chunks, grilled cheese or empanadas. 

Rice-n-Beans also is the place for great entertainment on the weekends, both in the main restaurant and now, also out on El Patio. There’s DJ music, salsa dancing nights and even live performances. For the February schedule, check the Rice-n-Beans website (RicenBeans.com) or visit the restaurant. 

Rice-n-Beans Puerto Rico (27405 Wesley Chapel Blvd.) is open Sat., 11 a.m.-midnight; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sun.; and for dinner only on Tues.-Fri., beginning at 4 p.m. It closes Tues.- Thur. at 9 p.m. & at 11 p.m. on Fri. El Patio is open Fri.-Sat., 5 p.m.-close & noon-6 p.m. on Sun. For more information, visit RicenBeans.com or call (813) 803-7974. 

For Rice N Beans Express (24726 S.R. 54, Lutz), call (813) 428-5077, or visit ”Rice n Beans Express” on Facebook.