Dreaming of sushi

Jiro dreams of sushi. Do you? Why yes, I do. I dream of lump crab meat, asparagus, and scallions, topped with filet mignon and eel sauce, then torched (Vue 19 Surf n Turf). I dream of Hook's Toyko Love Story Roll which is no longer on the menu (BOO!). I dream of sushi shared with friends, and of a day where I can use chopsticks correctly!Here are some of the sushi adventures I have had this month:Yoko's Japanese Restaurant - soft shell crab, spicy...

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Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar

I recently made my first visit to Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Tampa. My sweetheart picked Fleming's for his birthday dinner after falling in love with their steak during several work dinners with various vendors. He claimed that Flemings is the best steak he's had in Tampa.We arrived at Fleming's around 8pm on a Tuesday night. The parking lot, bar, and dining room were still relatively full. The food menu is 2 pages, and the wine menu...

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Cappy's Pizzeria - St. Pete

Last week, when trying to decide where to meet for dinner with a friend (hey, AJ!), Cappy's came up as a suggestion. After hearing many rave reviews of Cappy's, I jumped at the opportunity to try it.Cappy's Pizzeria was founded in 1995, and currently has 4 locations: St. Pete, Brandon/Riverview, South Tampa, and Seminole Heights. We met at the St. Pete location at 2900 1st Avenue North. Upon entering, the aroma of fresh baked pizza greets you like...

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Menchie's Frozen Yogurt - St. Pete

St. Pete is riding on the frozen yogurt wave with Yogurtology, Yogurt Mountain, Yogurtland, and now Menchie's.The first Menchie's location was opened in 2007 near San Fernando Valley in California. Today they have over 200 locations in the US and have been ranked as one of the fastest growing franchises. A quick Google search yields tons of celebrities dining at Menchie's, including Adam Sandler, Taylor Swift, Jessica Alba, and the Kardashian fam....

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Throwdown: Chipotle Burrito Bowl vs. Taco Bell Cantina Bowl

If you haven't watched tv, listened to the radio, or driven past a Taco Bell lately, let me fill you in: Taco Bell recently released their new Cantina Bell menu items. Chef Lorena Garcia (I know her from the now cancelled "America's Next Great Restaurant" on NBC)  partnered with Taco Bell to create a new line of fresh and gourmet inspired Mexican dishes. They are even using the tag line "Can Taco Bell do gourmet?"After I read the description...

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Conch Republic Grill

Last Memorial Day, on a beach trip to Indian Shores, we kept hearing about the famous Conch Republic. We decided to stop by one day for lunch to check it out. We shared a seafood platter with shrimp, scallops, and grouper. We loved it so much, we went back the same night for dinner, and we have been going back ever since.The Conch Republic Grill is located at 16699 Gulf Boulevard on North Redington Beach. If you visit during peak hours, the parking...

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National Donut Day tomorrow!

Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s all-day, everyday stop for coffee, donuts and baked goods, announced that it will be honoring National Donut Day, celebrated this year on Friday, June 1, with a sweet deal for donut lovers everywhere. On June 1, participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide will offer guests a free donut of their choice (while supplies last) with the purchase of any beverage.  National Donut Day, celebrated on the first...

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Habana Cafe - Gulfport

I recently asked friends on Facebook to recommend good Cuban restaurants in the area. Several friends made recommendations for Habana Cafe, located in Gulfport. I couldn't wait to give them a try! Upon arrival I was pleasantly surprised to see their list of accomplishments: Rand McNally Best of the Road, Best Latino Cookbook in the World, and a Signature Dessert Award from Southern Living Magazine.Habana Cafe is a 2 story diner with a Miami vibe....

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