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 tuna, Hurricane, & Volcano

Sushi Rock Grill delivered by 727 Food Now - Krazy Zobe, California, & Bang Bang Chicken

Chopstick Express - California roll
Yes, sushi via drive thru!

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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 is huge! I ordered a glass of champagne, and skipped the wine. Maybe next time.

We started with our appetizers: Sweet Chile Calamari ($13.95) and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes ($15.95). These were gone before I even remembered to take a picture. The sweet chile sauce on the calamari was light and not overbearing at all. The crab cakes were full of real crab meat, and no filler! The crab meat was tossed with red pepper and lime butter sauce. The 2 crab cakes were worth every penny and were the best crab cakes I've ever had.

Classic Caesar salad 

The biggest downside to Fleming's is the a la carte menu. If you are ordering steak you get just that - steak. (Note: There are a few exceptions to this, but not many. Check the menu for details.) Any salad or side items are optional and will cost you extra. The good news is that the side items are large and big enough to share with 2 or 3 others. Sides range in price from $7.95 to $9.95 . Side options include potatoes prepared to your liking (baked, mashed, loaded, or fried), veggies (corn, spinach, green beans, asparagus, mushrooms), and Chipotle Cheddar Mac and Cheese. 4 varieties of salads are available, and range in price from $8.50 to $9.50.

Half and Half - fries and onion rings

Sautéed mushrooms

Grilled asparagus

The steaks at Fleming's are USDA aged prime beef, and seasoned with only salt and pepper. They are broiled at 1600 degrees to the doneness of your choosing. I ordered the Lite Filet Mignon which is around 6 ounces and actually came with a side of Fleming's potatoes ($35.95). The peppercorns on the outside of the steak were a little too big and coarse for my taste. Luckily, a quick swipe with my fork easily removed the offenders.

Lite filet mignon

Prime bone-in ribeye

We were too full to order dessert. The best part of the night was that the server presented us with a $25 gift card for our next visit for celebrating a birthday there. I have never seen a restaurant present something so valuable for a birthday, and I thought it was pretty awesome! Thanks, Flemings!

So does Fleming's cook the best steak in Tampa? You will have to pay them a visit and decide for yourself.

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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 a warm hug. The location does too - it has a homey feel, not that of a busy restaurant. (Note - we were there on a weekend...YMMV on weekends!)

Seat yourself or sign in

I knew I liked the place when I saw that every table was outfitted with Trivial Pursuit cards. Have some fun while waiting for your pizza to be baked! Then I saw the menus... old record covers. Pretty cool, right? This place really has a vibe of being at a friends home.

The menu

Have some fun while waiting for your pizza

We started with a small greek salad to share ($4.95). This salad was enough for 3 people! It was served family style. The dressing had a sweet greek taste. The salad was outfitted with fresh black olives, peperoncinis, cucumber, diced green pepper, and topped with a generous sprinkling of feta. While Cappy's is a pizza place, the greek salad was better than I've had at local greek restaurants.

Greek salad

We ordered a medium Chicago style pizza that has 6 slices. Our deep dish pizza was topped with pepperoni, mushrooms, and black olives. Then, it was covered with chunky tomato sauce. Where else can you get fresh Chicago style pizza like this in St. Pete? I took the leftovers home and it reheated very well!

So good I forgot to take the picture

I did not see a dessert menu, so I am not sure if desserts are offered at Cappy's. We did not have any room for dessert, but a homemade tiramisu, cannoli, or bowl of gelato would have been the perfect ending to a perfect meal.

I am happy I've now been to Cappy's, and can rave to others about it. Next time you want a casual meal in a laid back environment, you know where to go!

PS: Cappy's WON Best Pizza in Creative Loafing's 2012 Best of the Bay awards!

Check out Cappy's on Urbanspoon

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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. Now 'Burg residents can get in on the action too!

See the People Magazine cutout featuring Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner?

FroYo fans waiting for their free taste

Menchie's Northeast Park opened today and celebrated with FREE "FroYo" from 11-1. If you missed out on the action, here are their grand opening week specials:

• Sunday 7/15 at 1pm: 
• Free plushie doll, free color-in t-shirt, free face painting (while supplies last)
• Monday 7/16 from 5-6pm: 
• $1 yumm hour, fill your cup for $1!
• Tuesday 7/17 from 2-4pm: 
• Kids eat free (10 years and younger, limit 10oz)
• Wednesday 7/18 from 11am-1pm: 
• Half off your frozen yogurt purchase
• Thursday 7/19 at 3pm: 
• Free dodge balls (with cup purchase, while supplies last)
• Friday 8pm-close: 
• Buy 1 get 1 free! 

Start with a bowl or upgrade to a waffle cone

Pretty decor

Choose your flavor - or try them all!

Menchie's flavors change each day, and they offer more than 40 toppings including candy, fruit, and sauce. The possibilities are endless!

Fresh fruit toppings

Pick your toppings. You want it, they have it. 

Finish with the hot topping of your choice.

What is your favorite frozen yogurt place in the Bay area?

The finished products

Menchie's Northeast Park
196 37th Avenue N.
St. Pete, FL 33704

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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 of the Chicken Cantina Bowl, I instantly thought of Chipotle. There is nothing featured here that I couldn't already get at my local Chipotle: "Citrus herb marinated chicken, flavorful black beans, guacamole made from real Hass avocados, roasted corn and pepper salsa, a creamy cilantro dressing, and freshly prepared pico de gallo, all served on a bed of cilantro rice."

Today I decided to tackle both the Taco Bell and Chipotle bowls to see how they stacked up. Are you ready for a throwdown?

Who will be the winner?

The competitors:
Taco Bell and Chipotle (fast food/quick service Mexican food)

The challenge:
Chicken Cantina bowl vs. chicken burrito bowl

Cost:
$4.79 Taco Bell and $6.25 at Chipotle

Taco Bell Chicken Cantina Bowl

Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

Flavors:
The Taco Bell Cantina bowl is standard (see description above) with a choice of chicken, steak, or meatless.  You can customize at Chipotle. Substitute black beans for refried or brown rice for white, take or leave the lettuce, choose from 4 salsas and the protein of your choice (chicken, steak, barbacoa, carnitas).

Service:
I love the convenience of a drive thru that Taco Bell offers (especially during the crazy afternoon storms we've been having) but the team at my local Chipotle can't be beat!

"Chipotle: Like Subway but with Mexican food"

Taste:
The best parts of the Cantina bowl were the corn salsa and guacamole. I really could do without the cilantro dressing which had a tang to it. My first bite of rice was crunchy which was a disappointment. I did not see or taste any cilantro in the rice at all. The chicken was bland and I could not tell it had any marinade on it at all. It seemed like just a bigger piece of same old chicken that Taco Bell has been using for years. 
I would be happy with just rice and guacamole mixed together in a bowl from Chipotle. I love the fresh cilantro pieces I encounter in my bowl, and the chicken is packed with marinade. The corn salsa is not roasted, but after today I wish it was.
Chipotle offers sour cream and cheese which are not featured on the Cantina bowl.

Overall:
The Taco Bell Cantina Bowl is a quick and easy lunch option at an affordable price. However, if you have more time and a couple extra dollars to spare, visit Chipotle instead.

So... can Taco Bell do gourmet? Not quite as good as Chiptole, but I will not be taking Chef Lorena on her money back guarantee either.

Chipotle bonus - amazing chips perfectly suited with their fresh guacamole

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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 lot will be full, but street parking is available. There is a small outside bar with a few outside tables. If you want the full Key West effect, venture inside.

Conch Republic has a fun and casual atmosphere. Key West pictures and fun memorable surround you as island crooners like Jimmy Buffett serenade you through the overhead speakers. Grab a strawberry daiquiri or pina colada from the bar, and embark on your temporary island vacation.

The stars of the menu at Conch are obviously the fresh seafood. Near the hostess stand you will see a cooler proudly displaying fresh fish on ice. You will also see a chalkboard filled with the daily specials. While seafood draws the people in, the menu is abundant for those who prefer their protein to come from land (or no meat at all). Enjoy a greek salad, a Cuban sandwich, a hamburger, or a juicy steak.

I am a "carbivore", so I judge a place highly on the bread served before a meal. The rolls at Conch are always fresh out of the oven, and served with real butter packets on the side. Order an appetizer of conch fritters, fish spread, cracker shrimp (think "Bang Bang"), calamari, or oysters, and you are off to a fabulous start! We typically opt for the potato skins since they are harder and harder to find at restaurants. Thick cut potatoes, fried and topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and scallions. Need I say more?

On my most recent visit, we tried the fried group sandwich and ribeye steak. The grouper was fresh and crispy. This is served on an onion roll, and I got the "secret sauce" on the side. I always pick the black beans and rice for my side item at Conch - this is topped with fresh diced tomatoes and white onions. The ribeye was grilled well, and served with a loaded baked potato.

As you are eating, I am sure you will smell the aroma of cinnamon at some point, wafting from the Bananas Foster preparation at a nearby table. If you have any room left for dessert, try the Bananas Foster, daily cheesecake special (Butterfinger on this visit), or Key Lime Pie.

Conch Republic also has a wide variety of rums available. Flights are available at a reasonable price. Hey, you're on vacation, or at least pretending to be!

On your way out, pick up some Mussels Diablo sauce and a souvenir t-shirt. When you're reminiscing about your beach vacation, put on your shirt and recreate your visit to Conch Republic.

See what others are saying about Conch Republic Grill on Urbanspoon:

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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 Friday of June each year, was originally established in 1938 by the Chicago Salvation Army to honor women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. According to John Costello, Chief Global Marketing and Innovation Officer at Dunkin’ Brands, it’s the perfect day to celebrate the joy that donuts bring to people each and every day. “With our heritage as the country’s donut leader, we know best that donuts can make any moment in the day a little sweeter. We’re proud to once again make it easy and affordable for everyone to celebrate National Donut Day by enjoying a free donut at Dunkin’ Donuts with the purchase of any beverage,” he said.

For more than 60 years, Dunkin' Donuts has been a leader in the donut category, selling 1.9 billion donuts and MUNCHKINS® donut hole treats every day. Within the United States, Dunkin’ Donuts offers more than 70 varieties of donuts, including beloved flavors such as Boston Kreme, Glazed and Chocolate Frosted. In May, Dunkin' Donuts introduced new donuts inspired by Men In Black 3.  These include the Undercover Black Cocoa Donut, a star shaped yeast donut filled with brownie batter butter creme and topped with chocolate icing and star sprinkles, and the Chocolate Lunarmax Donut, a glazed chocolate cake donut with rich chocolate icing drizzle and star sprinkles.  All Men In Black 3-inspired donuts are available at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide for a limited time.

To find a participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant near you, visit https://www.dunkindonuts.com/aboutus/store/Search.aspx.  To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visitwww.DunkinDonuts.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DDTampaBay).

Thanks Dunkin'!

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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. The first floor is the main dining area and kitchen. The top floor contains an art gallery and space for private group functions. 

To start we tried the Pappas Rellenas - two mashed potato balls, one with picadillo and the other with roast pork. I preferred the picadillo filling, but both were well prepared. 

I was thrilled to see the Rand McNally Best of the Road Sampler Platter. This made my debate about what to try pretty easy - I could just get the best of the best! For $16.95 I received: Lechon Asado (roast pork), Shrimp Piccata, and Summer Dill Chicken. This came with white rice, black beans, fried plantains, a small salad, and flan for dessert. This was definitely a sampler for 2! My only disappointment was that there was no cuban bread. Not that I had room for it, but most Cuban restaurants serve bread on the side. I did find it on the menu for an additional charge ($1.95). 

Next time I will skip the platter and go straight for the roast pork. The meat was oh-so-tender and flavorful. The breaded Palomilla was fried, crispy and tender. This was served with black beans and white rice on the side.

Dessert is my least favorite part of Cuban food. Shocking, I know! The cream cheese flan was good, but I am not a big flan person. Next time I will skip dessert from Habana Cafe or try another alternative on their menu.

Let me know if you have any other recommendations for Cuban food in Tampa Bay!

Habana Cafe is located at 5402 Gulfport Boulevard South.

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