I’m breaking away from my usual format to promote one simply divine deli opening in Hyde Park this weekend. I had the privilege of getting a preview taste of what it has to offer a couple of hours ago. It sent me to straight to heaven and dropped me into the chair in front of my computer. And you’ll have to excuse my gushing–I’m still a little high from the experience.

The deli of which I speak? Datz Delicatessen & Foodie’s Market (2616 S. MacDill Avenue).

The decor is urban: exposed brick and a loft that houses a full bar and restaurant. Racks of wine line the walls of the loft, boasting an impressive array of labels. (While I did not imbibe–it was only 11 a.m.–I did get a tour of the small but impressive chilled wine cellar.) You can literally swipe a bottle off the wall and have  it served at your table. 

Maybe I need to get out more, but I’m certainly not used to seeing a wine cellar and full-service bar in a deli. If you are, please write and tell me.

The first floor is take-out with a small market of carefully selected gourmet fare. So, with this bar-restaurant/deli-market combo, you could feasibly enjoy a cocktail or two with friends after work (or the Super Bowl), and then answer those inevitable cravings for comfort food that follow without traveling more than a few feet. (Plus get take out for the lazy morning after.)

Now let’s talk about the food. The menu is 24 pages, chock-full of delicious offerings and personality. Dishes have names like Palin’s Predicament (Wild Alaskan salmon and egg salad on grilled rye) and Freebird in the Hand (Chicken salad, smoked bacon, avocado, lettuce & tomato on whole grain bread).  There’s a bacon-banana-peanut butter concoction called Sunrise at Graceland. And they have a fried baloney dish, too!

I happened to have the Charlie Chedda. (Right. Tuna salad. Tuna salad on gourmet steroids.) It was that just-right blend of satisfyingly mild but chunky tuna, sea salt, mayo, spices, gentle scallions and the creamiest Wisconsin cheddar with just enough bite to contrast nicely with the VERY thick multi-grain bread on which it was spread. Oh, and with HOMEMADE potato chips baked just that morning. Drizzled in blue cheese dressing. And a pickle.

They have everything. Truly. Desserts (cheesecake, sundaes, malts — and egg creams, too!) Breakfast: omelets, bagel, pancakes, french toast, biscuits and gravy. Salads. If you can name it, they pretty much have it (again, the menu is 24 pages long). It’s easier to name what they DON’T serve. And don’t ask me, ’cause I truly can’t think of anything you’d find in a deli that they don’t offer.

And I could go on about the fact that they strive to be totally organic and eco-friendly–using free range chickens for meat and eggs, for instance, but that’s a WHOLE OTHER post. And I’ve taken up enough of your time already.

But really. Check out Datz. It’s worth it.

Football, pizza and beer go together a like a Wall Street exec and his golden parachute. (Sorry. It’s too early in the morning for GOOD metaphors.) Anyway, if you’re in town for Super Bowl Sunday and have an overwhelming craving for piping hot cheese and soft doughy bread, here are my top picks for pizza in Tampa Bay:

Super Bowl Pick #1

Capogna’s Dugout in Clearwater is a beloved tradition. My ex introduced me to it. He grew up going there after many a Little League game, and pictures of his friends holding various trophies from various sports championships line the walls of this vinyl-boothed eatery. While my love for my ex waned, my love for Capogna’s still burns hot and heavy. I recommend their pepperoni. I don’t know what spice they use, or brand of pepperoni, but that mixed with the TONS of cheese they put on their pizzas make for a truly heavenly culinary experience.

Super Bowl Pick #2

Is a bit of a drive, ’cause it’s in Largo. But again, worth the drive. The Pizza Shack on Indian Rocks Road in Largo (take 688/Ulmerton Road exit off Howard Frankland bridge, head west until one mile from beach. Turn right on Indian Rocks. You’re there!) is this little hole-in-the-wall at the end of a quaint strip mall. But its homey bar-and-restaurant houses a simply excellent pizza. It’s the crust. If you want a REALLY great, aromatic, just-the-right-blend-of-not-too-chewy-not-too-crispy crust, check out Pizza Shack. They have a variety of white pizzas, too! And the service is just as great. If you’re going to the beach anyway, stop in for a slice.

Super Pick #3

Now I’m going to steer you to the actual beach. Post Corner Pizza on Clearwater Beach is to die for. And if you need celebrity endorsement and you’re a Friendsfan, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) has been there. There’s a signed headshot in the window as you enter. (There’s a lot of other celebrities too, but that one stood out to me.) He obviously loved it. But I digress. Post Corner has the cheesiest pizza I’ve ever tasted. (I like the feta.) So satisfying. And the atmosphere is beachy-diner-Mediterranean–a winning combo, in my book.

So those are my top picks for hometown mom-and-pop pizzeria pizza (which is the best kind, don’t ya think?). And I apologize ahead of time for making you drive west, but frankly, my pizza experiences in Tampa are limited to a handful, if any. These are memorable and what I recommend.

What’s yours?

I’m going to start this post by saying I do not golf. But my brothers do. And have been doing so throughout Tampa Bay since they could walk the links. (I think one of them actually used a golf club as a walker as he was learning TO walk.) So I’m semi-qualified to write this. (Plus my club-wielding brother helped me gather the info for this one, so…)

Having said all that, here are my top picks for Tampa Bay golf courses you may want to check out Super Bowl week, if you are so inclined:

Super Bowl Golf Pick #1 & 2

I combined my two top picks because they are both resort courses, and therefore pricey. However, if you want that scenic Florida bogey experience, these two fit the bill.

Innisbrook is a drive from the stadium (just across the Causeway and about 10 to 15 miles north on US Hwy 19), but is a quintessential Florida course, with challenging fairways set among strategically placed canals and lined by mossy branches and tall, swaying palms. Innisbrook is actually a golf resort (a pretty renowned one), so if you like to golf and you’re in town for the Superbowl, it’s worth checking out.

The other pick is the course at the Vinoy. The Vinoy is one of our historic gems, and their course is no exception. The Vinoy is set along the water, and I believe their course is nestled along the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront. The Vinoy is branded as a golf club, so the chances of sensorially satifying challenge on the green is pretty great.

Super Bowl Golf Pick 3

For great golf close to Ray Jay your best bet is Westchase. The National Golf Foundation has called this daily fee facility number one in the state. If you go to their Web site, and click on “The Game,” they talk about a skins game they hold once a week. I have absolutely no idea what a skins game is, but it looks like fun. If you’re going to be in town, perhaps this may be just the competitive diversion to get you up for XLIII.

Super Bowl Golf Pick #4 & 5

There are some excellent public courses in our neck of the woods, too. And I’m going to highlight two.

The Chi Chi Rodriguez course is just a short drive west (coming from Ray Jay) on Hillsborough Avenue into the Clearwater/Palm Harbor area (left on McMullen Booth Road).  This 69 par course is economical and will give you a pretty good challenge. Plus, it supports a good cause. The Chi Chi Rodriguez course is affiliated with the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Academy, which supports at-risk youth by providing them the opportunity to grow through the game, using the course as a living classroom.

Finally, The Claw at the University of South Florida may be a 20-minute drive north on 275, but it’s a great course for the money. The Web site calls it Tampa’s most challenging course, check it out and see for yourself!

And those, folks, are my top picks (with a little help from my bros). And, keep in mind that while Florida boasts more golf courses per capita than any other state in the union, the links here in Tampa are going to fill up pretty quickly. So make your reservations now to be sure of a space among the semi-pros and duffers on the green that week.

Unless you’re a metrosexual male, just read Greg’s update to the right and turn on ESPN. But don’t leave this site. Send your wife or girlfriend over to read this post, or forward it to her. Because if you are coming to Tampa for Super Bowl XLIII with your significant other, chances are for you it’s a real event. And you want to look your best. (After all, you may be on TV!)

So. Where to go for that mani, pedi, massage or facial? Let’s see…

Safety Harbor Resort & Spa

The spa at this timeless resort not only offers your standard spa services, but you can get Botox, too! The spa has a medical spa as well. This award-winning facility has been among the top-10 spas f0r four years running in Spa Finder magazine. And, according to their Web site at the time of this post writing, they are running a Winter Detox Spa Special. The spa is just across the causeway (within approx. 15 miles of the stadium) so it isn’t very far, and so worth the cab fare! Check it out. (And guys, there are golf courses nearby!)

Don Cesar Beach Resort

Situated right on the sands of St. Pete Beach, Spa Oceana boasts an impressive atmosphere, from the numerous treatment rooms bathed in natural light to the  panoramic gulf views from the VIP cabana on the roof, this spa is dedicated to pampering–not only you, but your pooch too! If want to experience a true getaway on your Super Bowl weekend getaway, get in the car or cab and make the trip over the bridge. You won’t regret it. And yes, golf courses abound here, too. (It’s Florida, remember?)

Pia Esthetics Day Spa

This spa boasts two locationsin Tampa–one  in South Tampa (approx. 3 miles from Ray Jay) and one in Westchase (approx. 3 to 4 miles from stadium). Nails in under an hour with espresso to boot and eyelash perms are just some of the innovative offers I saw when I went on their Web site at the time of this post. They’re close and offer an array of services. For more info on golf courses, tune in to my next post!

So, ladies, don’t let this trip to Tampa go by without a little pampering. Make Super Bowl XLIII an event. You deserve it.

OK. I admit that February in Florida can get a little nippy.  Especially the first half of the month–Super Bowl Weekend–when we are susceptible to a frost or two, despite temperatures hovering between the 50s and the 70s.

But Florida is a state of surprises. (Remember the 2000 election?) And our weather is no exception. So, being completely optimistic (and if you are spending a small fortune to come to Tampa to see your team beat its competition at Super Bowl XLIII, my bet is you see a full glass of water rather than an almost empty one), I’m going present my top 3 Beach Bowl Picks for XLIII:

Bowl Beach Pick No. 1

Is Caledesi Island. It’s a barrier island just off Dunedin on the north-county coast. And yes, you have to hop a ferry to get there, but it’s so worth it–especially if you luck into a balmy day in the 70s. (And let’s all pray that is the weather forecast for Super Bowl Sunday!)

Caledesi was voted America’s No. 1 beach this past year by Dr. Beach. It has the best of everything. Sea oats sway along an unspoiled beach of sugar white sand our side of the state is known for. Because of its preservation efforts, the island offers natural Florida landscape and wildlife. A nature trail will both educate and entertain, with indigenous flora and fauna lining a sandy path marked with the tracks of snakes, birds and raccoons–any of which may make themselves available for a quick hello. If a pedi-tour isn’t your cup of tea, rent a kayak and view the island from the waters surrounding it. I grew up visiting Caledesi and now take my daughter every chance I get. It’s a Tampa Bay treasure. Bring a picnic or money for the snack shack. There are plenty of picnic areas with grills.

Bowl Beach Pick No. 2

You know, while Pass-A-Grille is one of my favorite beaches to visit and I drive to it quite often, I’d never actually visited its web site until I was conducting research for this post. And now I wish I had, because I need to amend my Super Bowl Hotels post by adding Frank T. Hurley properties to my list for best places to stay during Superbowl weekend. They offer cottages, houses, apartments and other rentals.

Now. The reason Pass-A-Grille is my fave is because it is located at the very tip of the Pinellas County beachline. It’s where Gulf Boulevard ends. And it’s quiet. And quaint. And artsy.

There’s a strip of restaurants and shops just off the beach. Stop in at the  Hurricane Restaurant for a tropical drink and a grouper sandwich or two. Then browse one of the dozen or more little arts shops and museums (there seem to be one on every corner!)

Bowl Pick No. 3

Clearwater Beach has been a family destination since the term Super Bowl referred to the communal cup at a Taino tribal dance.

Here are just a few reasons why:

• Ttons of restaurants (remember Frenchy’s in my Super Bowl eats post?) and places to stay (See Super Bowl Hotels)
• The Pier hosts live music and street fair-type atmosphere every Friday and Saturday evening
• A  huge playground with state-of-the-art equipment staked right into the sand
• There’s ALWAYS something going on–whether it’s a pickup game of beach volleyball or bungee jumping on the beach, there is always something to intrigue you to park your car and take a closer look.

Chances are, if you’ve got your Super Bowl ticket, you’ve probably booked your Super Bowl hotel. But in the off chance you haven’t got an inn for the Bowl, I thought I’d weigh in on this issue, too.

So, if you Google on Superbowl, Super Bowl, Super Bowl Tampa and Super Bowl hotels, you get your choice of links–all providing a host of Super Bowl hotel offerings. But you won’t have the inside scoop from an expert.

Listen up. Tampa Bay is more than just Tampa. And it’s more than just beach. You may be coming in to town just for the bowl game and want proximity. Great. We’ll discuss that below. But you also may want more bang for your travel buck, and I’ll give you some ideas to stretch your Super Bowl dollar and give you an extended Super Bowl stay.

Proximity

Ray Jay (Raymond James Stadium) is smack in the middle of town, essentially, so you’ve got lots of hotels from which to choose.

REALLY close…and REALLY luxurious

The Renaissance Tampa Hotel at International Plaza. I know, I keep harping on IP, but that’s because it’s so close to Ray Jay. And it has everything you could want or need Super Bowl weekend: hotel, restaurants, bars and shopping. The Renaissance is a Marriott hotel with a Mediterranean feel (aren’t they all?) It’s earned AAA’s 4 Diamond rating and again, it’s CLOSE to the bowl game. If you’re a Marriott Rewards Member, I believe you get a discount. They also have a rewards program, and although there was buzz about Marriott  eliminating black out dates in 2009 (their own stimulus package?), you may want to check to be sure that it’ll still apply here Super Bowl weekend.

Other REALLY close offerings

There are tons of Marriotts around the Westshore Area, which is approximately 2 miles from the bowl stadium and literally spitting distance from the airport. There are others, too, like the Embassy Suiteson Westshore. There are more Marriott and Embassy Suite offerings downtown (about 3 miles from the stadium) that’ll allow you to enjoy nightlife in Channelside district. There’s a Hampton Inn in Ybor, which is just under 4 miles, plus you can enjoy the nightlife of Ybor City.

Beach Getaways

It doesn’t get any more luxurious than the Don Cesar on St. Pete Beach.  What it lacks in direct Super Bowl history, it makes up in baseball history. This is where old school players like Joltin’ Joe used to come and party during spring training. It is FABULOUS–with a brand new spa (with amenities for your pooch, too!) and cabana-styled luxury chaises amid the sea oats on the most breathtaking snowy-white beach you will ever see. Even if you can’t afford to stay there, it’s worth the drive just to go over and roam around.

There’s also the Sirata farther north on Gulf Boulevard, which is a beach mecca of pools, beach, restaurants and shopping. Keep driving north and there are tons of charming beach rentals, as well as the Sheraton Sand Key Resort and Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key. Check out the Sandpearl, and Hilton on Clearwater Beach, too!

Inland Treasures

And of course, there’s the Vinoy, which also has its share of St. Pete history. And just as much luxury. It’s ultra Mediterranean, if you like that sort of thing. It’s also owned by Marriott  (it’s a Renaissance hotel). Plus, you can play golf and tennis while you’re there. Plus, it’s within walking distance of downtown St. Petersburg, which has its own jumpin’ nightlife. (Forget what you saw in Cocoon, St. Petersburg has undergone its own Renaissance. Check it out!)

Clearwater has its own brand of luxury in the Safety Harbor Spa, which is only about 15 miles from the stadium). Nestled in an actual harbor on Tampa Bay, this quiet refuge offers a world-class spa(really–not just using adwords here–it’s truly world renowned–everybody in Europe knows about it and has probably been there). It’s within walking distance of Safety Harbor, which has a quieter but quaint nightlife. A great place to unwind after a nail-biting bowl game.

And of course, there’s everything in between, which you can check out at the following links:

www.super-week-rentals.com

www.tampabaybowlrooms.rtrk.com

If you’re coming to Tampa Bay for Super Bowl XLIII in 2009, this blog is to give you the skinny on the best places to go for things like getting a drink as well as team updates in our Super Bowl Watch and upcoming events. This post  happens to be about the best little-known places around town to get something to eat. 

Breakfast

If you are a baseball fan as well as a football fan, you HAVE TO check out Lenny’s in Clearwater–especially if you love food and great service. Lenny’s is the fave for players during spring training–or was last I checked. So there is tons of baseball history hanging from its walls.  They don’t have a website, but I can tell you, it’s worth the drive to Clearwater–they’re right on U.S. 19–just north of Drew Street. (From Tampa, hop on the Courtney Campbell Causeway, and follow 60 to US 19, turn right and it’s just 3 or so miles up the road on the left.) Lenny’s is a family-owned and operated business. As for Dan, the current owner. Tell him Missy sent ya!

Lunch

Frenchy’s has been on Clearwater Beach for more than 20 years. The first Frenchy’s was housed on Baymont Street, just off Mandalay. Now, as far as I know, Frenchy (the owner) didn’t exactly invent the grouper sandwich. But he has sure made it a signature dish for tourists and residents alike. Trust me, it doesn’t get any better than a grouper sandwich and a beer at Frenchy’s. Now Frenchy has expanded his grouper-sandwich kingdom to include the Saltwater Cafe, the Rockaway Grill, the South Beach Cafe, Frenchy’s Seafood Company and Off the Hook.  Frenchy’s is moderately priced and offers the best in beach vibe.

If you like smoked fish, you must drive down to Pasadena (that’s a section of St. Pete–just inland from St. Pete Beach), to Ted Peters. It’s awesome. This little shack on Pasadena Avenue has been packed with diners for 50 years. My first father-in-law had a saying, “If you can’t find a parking spot, that’s the place to go.” Ted Peters is definitely such a place. I defy you to find anyone in the last 50 years who’s been able to find one on the first try. But if you do find a parking space and then can snag one of the many picnic tables available for hungry diners, you will be treated to at least a pound of smoked salmon, mackerel or mullet, warm German potato salad with bacon, and coleslaw to revive your taste buds ’cause the smoky flavored fish ‘n bacon/potato salad combo is likely to have melted your mouth. So worth the drive…

And, you can’t come to Tampa without having a cuban sandwich, so I’m gonna name one of the best places to go to enjoy Tampa Bay’s other signature dish. (For those of you who don’t have a clue what goes into a cuban, let me enlighten you: roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on cuban bread–which is like, the best bread ever.)

La Teresita on Columbus Avenue is old-school, with a long lunch counter and diner-styled tables. Although I haven’t personally had the pleasure of experiencing it due to the fact that I don’t like cuban sandwiches, reviews of their cubans, arroz con pollo and cafe con leche are excellent. And it’s open 24 hours, so not only is it a great spot for lunch, but an EXCELLENTE spot for after-party munchies. Plus, it’s practically hail-mary distance from Ray Jay, so…

Dinner

Like any other fairly roomy city, Tampa has its gastronomical nooks and crannies. You can definitely find a variety of great food and ambiance at International Plaza’s Bay Street on Spruce Street (aka Boy Scout Blvd.) near the stadium, or you can drive a couple of miles to Hyde Park (head north on 275, take Armenia exit, turn right, then left on Horatio or Azeele–you can’t miss it!).

But there are a few places you may miss, if you do that. Like Boizao, for instance. Boizo opened two years(?) ago on Spruce Street, just off  West Shore Blvd. (and another hail-mary distance from Ray Jay). And it’s omg, slap-your-mama fantastic. After visiting the biggest, best stocked and most elegantly presented salad bar on the planet, you are visited by the friendliest (and may I just say, ladies, sexiest) waiters in town, who each carry huge, succulent cuts of Brazilian beef, pork and chicken and slice your portion right there at your table. Then they smile and walk away, only to return for seconds, thirds and fourths if you can stomach it. It is not only a delight for your taste buds but a real dining experience.

Now, if you don’t mind the drive and want to try running into a local celebrity like Hulk Hogan or Mike Alstott, you may want to check out Salt Rock Grill on Indian Rocks Beach (or Indian Shores if you’re gonna nit-pik). They have the choicest steaks in town, along with seafood so fresh the menu says “ask our waitstaff about today’s specials” and other specialities such as BBQ duck and double-cut pork chop. The atmosphere is beach cozy with fireplaces and a dock you can stroll pre or post meal, if you’re not too busy ogling the locals!

Okay, those are my picks. What are yours???

If you’re coming into town to watch the Super Bowl, you’re probably not a teetotaler, as football and beer have enjoyed a long and satisfying marriage. (But we’ll have a whole new entry on beer closer to the game.)

This entry is dedicated to the marriage of a good drink and pleasant ambiance in the Tampa Bay area. And we’re going to attempt to cover major corners of the area with at least one watering hole. So here goes:

Let’s start at the beach

Caddy’s on the beach is my hands-down pick for a great drink and ambiance. Because it’s vintage Florida.  Now, to be honest, it’s not known for its signature martini. But they do boast a very impressive beer menu. And the very best in beach music–from Reggae to Top 40 to I-swear-Jimmy-Buffet-is-in-the-house southern country rock. Best of all, they are RIGHT ON THE BEACH. So not only can you enjoy some fantastic seafood, a cold beer and tunes that set your bone-tired body at ease, but a Gulf Coast sunset that’ll make you reach for your loved one for a quick smooch. (Or whoever’s closest.)  Anyway, if you can make the drive over to Susnet Beach, you won’t be sorry.

Moving Inland (Clearwater & St. Pete)

If you like sports bars, I have two for you.

We’ll start with the one in Clearwater, the Varsity Club. Not only do they have two huge screens flanked by several smaller ones broadcasting any major game anywhere on any given day (or at the very least, ESPN), they also have stuff for the kids to do. There’s a back room with video games and a pool table to keep ‘em occupied while you cheer your team and enjoy a cold one. And if you drop in on a Friday and Saturday night, there’s Karaoke with Garth. Garth has been hosting karaoke for more than 20 years and knows how to throw a great party that’ll keep everyone–from your littlest crooner to grandpa-who-wants-to-sing-Sinatra, happy.

Oh, and the bar has every drink you could want–at very reasonable prices. (And try the boneless wings. They are fantastic!)

Then there’s Ferg’s. Known as the Rays fan hangout, this bar near downtown St. Petersburg has several rooms equipped with big screens, a couple of full-service bars and a patio chock full of dart boards and pool tables. It’s sure to be hoppin’ Super Bowl weekend, so it’s probably best to get there early to claim a table. Their online blog can attest to its popularity among in-town and out-of-towners alike.

And then on back to T

The Blue Martini at International Plaza in Tampa will no doubt be the pre-eminent party place Super Bowl weekend. This bar is popular because they have serve some truly tasty martinis served by beautiful women in bustiers. But ladies, unless you are a card-carrying hard-core feminist, don’t let this discourage you. Upscale, this watering hole attracts the creme dela creme of hip professionals of every age, race and social strata. It’s truly a melting pot of the best kind week day nights and weekends. Plus, their wood paneling and bar stage give it a cozy feel on the inside, and outside an upscale panama bar presides over a patio where you can sip your signature drink and watch the parade of Tampa’s denizens go buy dripping in Prada or decked out in their Wrangler best.

So these are a few of our favorites, here in Tampa Bay. Others are listed below for your perusal. If you have a fave watering hole you’d like to add, by all means, add ‘em–the more the merrier!

• Mango Biche, Tampa
• Shepard’s, Clearwater Beach
• Frenchy’s, Clearwater Beach
• The Fox, Tampa

What will you do while you’re here?

You’ve bought the tickets, booked the flight and found a great place to stay. But how will you wile away the hours between the flight and the game–or post game and your return flight?

This is where this blog comes in.

You may have your projections about who will be playing on Feb. 1–and the stats of the teams, from QB to cornerback; rookie to veteran. But do you know where to go to eat? To drink? To watch a sunset? To listen to great jazz?

Stay tuned. I’m here to help–with great tips on the best places to visit and things to check out–whether you’re only here for SB XLIII or bringing the kids for Spring Break I, II or X.

I grew up here (I’m practically a native), so I should know. And if I don’t, I’m willing to find out. For you.

So keep in touch. And feel free to write me with any questions or suggestions. Let’s get a dialogue and some pre-game buzz going!!