TAMPA BAY AREA DINING Galleries

LEE ROY SELMON’S NEW SALADS 07/09 story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Having been brought up on a farm in Oklahoma, football Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon has an affinity for fresh vegetables, and decided, along with the Lee Roy Selmon’s restaurant team, to add fresh new salads to the menu. These salads are unique to the restaurant, and each has it’s own distinct flavor. The salad dressings all have a vinaigrette base, but that is their only similarity. As with all of Selmon’s food, the portions are more than generous, and these very reasonably priced salads are no exception. Lee Roy’s allows patrons to choose whatever protein they would like on their salad, with a choice of chicken, salmon, or shrimp. Along with the new salad, try the “Smokin’ Tampa Tea”. Delicious, light, refreshing taste, it is made with Finlandia Vodka, Captain Morgan Rum, Peach Schnapps, sweet & sour, grenadine and orange juice, and a floater of Myer’s Rum. Selmon’s has not removed anything from their regular menu to make way for the salads. All your old favorites are still there, such as the Pulled Pork, Sweet Heat Fried Chicken and Lee Roy’s signature St. Louis ribs. Lee Roy Selmon’s has five locations to choose from (Tampa [2], St. Pete, Bradenton, Sarasota, and Ft. Myers). For more information, visit www.leeroyselmons.com.

LEE ROY SELMON’S NEW SALADS 07/09 story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Having been brought up on a farm in Oklahoma, football Hall of Famer L ...

Updated: Jul 26, 2009 2:57pm PST

CHEF NICK STELLINO AT ARMANI'S 06/09 story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : I recently enjoyed a cooking class with PBS' celebrity chef Nick Stellino, hosted by Armani's in Tampa. Although Armani’s regularly hosts cooking classes with their own highly regarded Chef Mike Von Burg, this was their first foray into inviting a celebrity chef. Chef Nick had his audience enthralled for two hours, regaling us with stories while he created very tasty and simple recipes, which we got to sample. All of Nick's recipes for the dishes we experienced — and many more — are on his website, as well as information about his show, books and appearances. http://www.nickstellino.com. The courses were accompanied by well-chosen Banfi wines, and presented to us by Lars Leicht, Vice President of Banfi. The Banfi wine estate encompasses an area in Tuscany, which is just slightly smaller than Manhattan. There is also a wonderful 13th century castle on the estate with luxurious accommodations and an elegant restaurant. For more information about Banfi wines, visit http://www.banfi.com. Armani's will be holding more cooking classes in September and November with Chef Mike Von Burg. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and learn a fabulous new recipe or two! If you don't feel like learning to cook, just go to Armani's for dinner, and enjoy some of the best cuisine to be found in the Tampa Bay area. For more information about Armani's and upcoming events, visit http://www.armanisrestaurant.com.

CHEF NICK STELLINO AT ARMANI'S 06/09 story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

I recently enjoyed a cooking class with PBS' celebrity chef Nick Stell ...

Updated: Jul 24, 2009 8:33pm PST

BONEFISH GRILL Opening 12/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Bonefish Grill opened their new restaurant on 4th Street in Northeast St. Petersburg recently, which was a move across the street and up in size. The popular restaurant always had a line waiting to get in, and proprietor Eric Neuwirth is hoping the increase in tables will alleviate the wait for their patrons. The new space seats 298. The decor, general ambiance and menu, however, remain the same for the comfort and familiarity of their guests. Bonefish is one of our family’s favorite restaurants, and we are fortunate to have one in our neighborhood — although it’s worth a drive! The service has always been pleasant and efficient. No matter how full the restaurant is, service is always well paced — no long wait between courses, yet not rushed. We have always found their prices to be very reasonable, which is another reason the restaurant is doing well in these economically tough times. Bonefish has an extremely palate pleasing menu, with a lot of wonderful seafood offerings and some landlubber delights as well. They offer different specials every night in addition to their regular menu. The wine list is well thought out, and their Martinis are fun and tasty. Bonefish is affiliated with Ocean Trust (an ocean conservation foundation) and donates $1 for every martini sold. A few of our family favorites are Bonefish’s signature Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, Chilean Sea Bass served with a choice of four different sauces, and the Fontina Pork Chop with an amazing sauce of Fontina Cheese, Garlic, Prosciutto and Mushroom Marsala Wine. Whatever entree you choose, the Potatoes Au Gratin is an excellent choice for a side dish. The house salad of greens, hearts of palm, olives, tomatoes and pine nuts with herb vinaigrette is a pleaser as well. Dessert of Créme Brulée or a Macadamia Nut Brownie is a must. You will never go home hungry from Bonefish, but will look forward to a return visit soon. The new Bonefish Grill is located at 5062 4th St. North, St. Petersburg, 33705. For more information visit www.bonefishgrill.com. For more information on Ocean Trust, visit www.OceanTrust.org.

BONEFISH GRILL Opening 12/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Bonefish Grill opened their new restaurant on 4th Street in Northeast ...

Updated: Dec 10, 2008 7:49pm PST

THE TABLE Restaurant Opening - 11/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Table Restaurant, the popular downtown hot spot, located at 539 Central Avenue, has re-opened under new ownership. The grand re-opening party featured libations, hors d'oeuvres, entertainment, and the occasional showgirl. Michael Stewart has retained the culinary talents of previous chef Pedro Flores, teamed with former Manager Joe Moledo, a local favorite, along with new partners George and Linda Radhert. The new and improved menus are innovative and creative. The 160 seat, well appointed restaurant focuses on Atlantic Rim cuisine, specifically inspired from South America, the Caribbean, and South Florida, all with flourishes of Spain. Its prime downtown location offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with a contemporary lounge atmosphere. Known for its fresh seafood, authentic ceviche, delectable cheesy bread, and scrumptious mojitos, new ownership hopes to make a lasting impression on the downtown scene. For more information, call 727-823-6372 or log on to our website at www.tablestpete.com

THE TABLE Restaurant Opening - 11/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Table Restaurant, the popular downtown hot spot, located at 539 Centra ...

Updated: Nov 22, 2008 9:02am PST

FLEMING'S THOMAS ARVID WINE DINNER 11/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : FLEMING'S Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar invited renowned still life artist, THOMAS ARVID, to take part in a fundraiser/wine dinner for 1VOICE FOUNDATION, Nov. 7, 2008. The successful event featured a wonderful special menu by Chef Ryan Mitchell, coupled with selected wines from Nickel & Nickel, Far Niente, and Dolce. Mr Arvid generously donated a painting for auction featuring his favorite subject, and the one he is most famous for — wine bottles. Mr Arvid and Fleming's have a relationship going back since shortly after Fleming's opened, as his unique artwork hangs in all their restaurants across the country. 1VOICE is a new foundation which helps connect families dealing with childhood cancer and provides assistance, resources and hope to them. For more information on Flemings: www.flemingssteakhouse.com/. For more information on 1VOICE: www.1voicefoundation.org/. For more information on Thomas Arvid: www.thomasarvid.com/

FLEMING'S THOMAS ARVID WINE DINNER 11/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

FLEMING'S Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar invited renowned still life ar ...

Updated: Nov 07, 2008 10:04pm PST

ROY's 4th Annual Island Hop 08/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Roy's Annual Island Hop Dinner in Tampa is always a fun and tasty evening. Roy and his staff always come up with new recipes for these events, and they are paired with great wines. Entertainment is usually on the menu as well, and the Polynesian dancers and musicians this year were top notch. Keep an eye out for Roy’s next event — you won’t be disappointed. For more on what’s happening in the Tampa Bay area, visit AccentOnTampaBay.com.

ROY's 4th Annual Island Hop 08/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Roy's Annual Island Hop Dinner in Tampa is always a fun and tasty even ...

Updated: Aug 06, 2008 6:46pm PST

THE GRAPE 01/07 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : The Grape introduces two businesses running side by side: Retail Seller and Wine Bar. The Grape Retail Seller offers over 120 unique wines from around the world. All wines are available to taste before purchasing in the Retail Seller. At The Grape Wine Bar, guests have the opportunity to sip the same 120+ wines by the bottle, glass or Grapes by the Bunch flight along with small-plate gourmet fare specially prepared to complement the wines. Menu favorites include spinach and applewood smoked bacon spread, shrimp remoulade, Grape chops, Mediterranean quesadillas, and The Grape's own Sensual Chocolate fondue. For more information on travel, events, or the Tampa Bay area happenings, visit www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

THE GRAPE 01/07 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

The Grape introduces two businesses running side by side: Retail Selle ...

Updated: Mar 26, 2008 8:13am PST


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