Wake and bake by Katie Machol As I’ve confessed before, I’m no pastry chef. I have little patience for exactly measuring and weighing flours, leaveners and extracts, then precisely mixing and baking until a dish is just perfect — but looks too good to even touch.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Wine bottle signing, beer and cheese tasting, culinary classes and more by Juliette Cassistre Thursday, February 16: Cru CellarsThis kickoff party will spotlight a new, expanded menu featuring organic ingredients and a variety of cheeses and cured meats. Purchase one of the new menu items and enjoy your first glass of wine at half-price.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Choice is king at this pizza chain. by Brian Ries Although the Subway sandwich shop chain launched well over 40 years ago, it’s taken the rest of the fast food world a long time to catch up with the distinctive serving style that has made the chain a success over the past four decades. Choice is at its heart, along with the immediate gratification of seeing ingredients right in front of you that you can combine in myriad ways with [...]

There’s plenty of great eats in eastern Hillsborough County. by Juliette Cassistre Sure, there are some in the Bay area who turn up their nose at the mere suggestion of a trip out to the eastern reaches of Hillsborough County. Never mind the naysayers; Brandon, Valrico and Riverview offer some top-notch dining hidden amongst the roadway congestion and strip mall facades.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

For the love of bacon by Katie Machol Chocolate is so over and cupcakes are so passé. With Valentine’s Day looming on the horizon, many of you might be racking your brain with ideas for treats to give to your sweetie, but think twice before choosing one of the aforementioned clichés.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Make Feb. 14 a night to remember at these great Bay area restaurants. by Juliette Cassistre BON APPETIT 150 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, 727-733-2151, bonappetitrestaurant.com. This is the perfect destination for those seeking a romantic refuge with a waterfront view.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Home is where the hops are by Sean Nordquist Relax. Don’t worry.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Tampa Bay can’t seem to get enough tacos. by Brian Ries Lately, there seems to have been a taco explosion, covering the Bay area in an avalanche of roast pork and shredded beef tucked into soft corn tortillas. Independents have set up shop promising traditional, hand-held Mexican cuisine in mainstream settings well away from the typical bodega cafeteria line, while the Taco Bus has set its sites on conquest, annexing space in St. Petersburg and downtown Tampa.… [ Read more [...]

Seventh heaven. by Sean Nordquist “This is going to be the next Florida brewery to take off.” “Seventh Sun is going to explode and hit the craft beer scene from out of nowhere.”… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Bon Beer Voyage, Valentine’s Day specials and wine tastings! by Juliette Cassistre Wednesday, February 8 – Tuesday, February 14: Seasons 52Visit Seasons 52 anytime this week for a love-inspired, sweet ending to your meal. The Chocolate Raspberry Valentine is reason enough to visit this award-winning fresh grill and wine bar.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]