TaylorEason.com: Foodies unite » Tampa Restaurant

Restaurant preview: Holy Hog Barbecue in West Tampa

Taylor Eason — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:11:57 +0000

Tampa's BBQ scene has been improved by a worthy competitor. Many smoked/cured connoisseurs proclaim their beloved the BEST in our humble Florida community (Jimbo's? Smoke? First Choice? Kojak's?) but Holy Hog has arrived in all its delicious pig glory. This quote from Danny Hernandez, owner of Holy Hog Barbecue in West Tampa, might sum up my thoughts on the matter: "We like to think our pig is divine, hence HOLY."

Cru Cellars: A new wine bar opens in South Tampa

Taylor Eason — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:34:37 +0000

Jennifer Bingham and her new wine bar, Cru Cellars, breath new life into the South Tampa wine bar scene offering only small-production, boutique wines.

Tampa restaurant preview: Love’s Artifacts Bar and Grille

Taylor Eason — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:22:05 +0000

Lynn Love has crossed a threshold -- a move that landed him in one of the least successful businesses in our country: Restaurants. A risky decision, at best, since the majority of new food establishments fail within the first five years. But I think he's being watched over by someone... a guardian angel, the universe, Buddha, whatever.

Five Tampa restaurants I don’t know how stay in business

Taylor Eason — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:31:07 +0000

When tumbleweeds block my way through the door and diehard foodies don't talk about it, how do these places stay in business in this economy?

Restaurant preview: Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club in Tampa

Taylor Eason — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:00:46 +0000

Ciro's only opened less than two weeks ago but I just had to tell people about it... it's quite possibly the coolest restaurant/bar Tampa has been offered in a long, long time. In fact, I almost didn't want to write about it since keeping it to myself might keep down the crowds, like a super secret sale at Macy's. But that ain't right.

Restaurant preview: Brasserie Cassis in St. Pete and Wine at Tropicana Field?

Taylor Eason — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:00:43 +0000

Spent Tuesday evening in da 'Burg, checking out the much-lauded and anticipated Brasserie Cassis on Beach Drive in the Ovation Building. But also stumbled across a wine kiosk at Tropicana Field.

Restaurant preview: Seasons 52 opened this week in Tampa

Taylor Eason — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:49:02 +0000

I know a chain restaurant opening shouldn't generate this much excitement, but I am positively giddy. Seasons 52 has always had one of the most impressive wine lists, guided by the passionate, down-to-earth Master Sommelier George Miliotes. Within the 60 wines by the glass and 40 more by the bottle (both change quarterly), he peppers in unknown yet delicious selections like Torrontes, Bonarda, and Grüner Veltliner grapes with the comfortable, well-worn likes of chardonnay and cabernet.

Restaurant outing: Kona Grill in Tampa

Taylor Eason — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:41:46 +0000

I fear chain restaurants. Not because of bad food, service or experience, but because they aren't the right thing for the community. Most of the money generated at chain restaurants leaves the city in the next morning's deposit. So I rarely darken their doorways. But Kona Grill, who has over 20 locations throughout the country and is publicly traded on NASDAQ, proved too interesting to resist.

Tampa Bay restaurant gossip and deals

Taylor Eason — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:37:58 +0000

A round up of things I've heard on the street and in my inbox. If you've got more gossip, send it on. This post has news on Cork Tampa, Seasons 52, Drinks, The Palm, Viscaya, Cassis American Brasserie.

Restaurant Preview: The Vine in Lutz

Taylor Eason — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:53:00 +0000

I don't trek to the far reaches of North Tampa very often but when a wine-centric restaurant opens, my curiosity eats at me until I cave. This time, the 30-minute trip was worth it. Tucked away in one of the pre-packaged strip malls lining Dale Mabry Highway, The Vine's creatively decorated dining room feels like an oasis. To reach the front door, you walk through outdoor seating, partly shielded from the drab parking lot with foliage. On a Saturday night, they also had a pretty decent singer/songwriter crooning for the crowd.

Datz Deli hires new chef and changes up the menu

Taylor Eason — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:04:00 +0000

Uber popular Datz Deli in South Tampa has hired a new chef, Jason Dean, formerly of Mad Dogs and Englishmen. He replaces Heather Stalker who has been promoted to General Manager. This means big changes to the

Tre Amici Espresso and Wine Bar reopens in Ybor City

Taylor Eason — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:06:23 +0000

After a three and a half month closure, Tre Amici Espresso and Wine Bar has re-opened to little fanfare. Perhaps it's a soft opening since they don't even have a wine list printed yet -- a chalk board touts their offerings. Good time to check it out.