Join The Plate Licker’s Club; Leave No Morsel Behind

2013-05-15T17:26:42+00:00

I was scraping everything I could from the plate. I was doing a lousy job.

Chef Chad Johnson had just served a plate of huckleberry braised pork cheeks with crispy scrapple made of pig brain and a gastrique with cardamom and maple flavors.

In today’s Tampa Tribune, Rich Mullins and I have a story about the second restaurant in Seminole Heights by Greg and Michelle Baker, owners of The Refinery. [

Weekend Eats: Homemade Moussaka, French Fries With Cheese Gravy, Meatball Banh Mi Sandwiches

2013-05-13T21:05:34+00:00

I could go on with a bunch of blah blah blah and wax rhapsodic about the virtues of…

The Sip: Drinking In ‘The Great Gatsby’ With Martinis And Mint Julep.

2013-05-07T18:37:59+00:00

It’s understandable if you get the urge to tipple a few cocktails after watching the film version of the book “The Great Gatsby.”

I…

Mouth Safari: The Stein & Vine Brings Great Eats, Outstanding Drinks To Valrico

2013-05-06T21:50:06+00:00

VALRICO - I’ve driven past the bar twice a day for years, once on my commute into downtown Tampa, once on the ride home.

Until recently, I had not paid it much attention. I stopped in years ago and, finding the place dark and dingy and me not on probation…

Weekend Eats: ‏Pork Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Chicken And Waffles, Oysters With Crispy Shallots

2013-05-06T21:16:36+00:00

I don’t want to show my…

The Underbelly Tour Devours Central Avenue Restaurants In St. Petersburg

2013-05-05T13:00:51+00:00

ST. PETERSBURG - “We don’t serve a large coffee,” the server told me, his voice grave and full of authority. As if he was telling me…

Hot Rod’s BBQ In Lutz Serves Up It’s Last Plate Of Barbecue Fruit Bat. Or Whatever It Was.

2013-05-04T12:50:24+00:00

LUTZ - “It says barbecued fruit bat on the menu,” I said.

A twinkle shined in the corners of Rod Gaudin’s eyes. He…

Hank Shaw - Hunter, Gardener, Fisherman, Cook - Wins A James Beard Award

2013-05-04T11:28:25+00:00

Two years ago this month, I had a chance to go fishing 20 miles off Longboat Key in the Gulf of Mexico with Hank Shaw, author of the blog Hunter…

Gary and Amy Moran Out At Wimauma Restaurant In South Tampa

2013-05-03T18:41:39+00:00

Chef Gary Moran and his wife Amy are no longer a part of the ownership of Wimauma restaurant on South MacDill Avenue in Tampa.

Amy Moran says a dispute with…

The Stew