Haven - Tampa, FL

Do you have an eclectic palette and a passion for smooth whiskey & bourbon? Then Haven will be your trend of choice. Located on the corner of Morrison & Howard Avenue in the Soho district of South Tampa, Haven, a part of the Bern's family of restaurants, has a epicrian flare. I recommend the charcuterie, cheeses, flat steak with marrow and the crab dumplings. Portions are on the smaller side, but pairs well with your drinks of choice. I suggest you peruse the menu on-line to see if Haven's menu is for you. 

Staff is very accommodating. Chic patio seating. Dress is smart casual. Valet parking is provided.

(3 Valcooks Aprons)

Haven

2208 West Morrison Avenue

Tampa, FL 33606

Haventampa.com

(813)258-2233

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Bazille at Nordstrom , Tampa, FL

Nordstrom, really? Yes, really! ANY Nordstom restaurant is my "go to" place -  as a first choice or if all else fails. I have never been disappointed at one of their restaurants. Today, my daughter arrived and was famished after the plane ride. After going through a litany of places to go, Nordstrom, at International Mall, just minutes away from Tampa International Airport, was the ONE place we could agree upon that has something for everyone and great quality food.  Their dishes are cooked fresh and includes delicious soups, salad, full course meals, and of course desserts. All served by friendly and very competent staff. My favorite selection at Tampa's "Bazille" is the Crab Mac & Cheese combo with a side Cesar Salad. 

So, if your having a hard time deciding on where to go for a bite to eat that is a step above the norm, think Nordstrom. You won't be disappointed!

(3 1/2 Valcooks Aprons)

Nordstrom Tampa, "Bazille"

Tampa International Mall

2223 N. Westshore Blvd & Bay Street

www.restaurants.norstrom.com

813.875-4400

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Roux - Tampa, FL

Prepare yourself! Your taste buds will be dancing a "second line down Bourbon Street" at this authentic Creole Nouvelle restaurant, Roux. This slice of New Orleans is located at 4205 S. MacDill in South Tampa, FL. The menu is chock-full of all the all your Orleans favorites:  jambalaya, BBQ shrimp, seafood gumbo, alligator bites, turtle soup, bread pudding. I can go on and on... My favorites are the soft-shell crabs, seafood gumbo and oysters Rockefeller. 

They are known to bring in guest chefs. The evening I dined, or shall I say feasted, the guest chef was Bonnie M. Breaux, from the famous "Clementine" restaurant in New Iberia, LA.  AMAZING! The seafood Wellington was bursting from the seams with lump crabmeat, shrimp and crayfish. Her white chocolate bread pudding was so moist and flavorful, it left you begging for more! (And yes, I went back the very next day!)

Book your reservation NOW. The attire is smart casual, and valet parking is available. If you're lucky, you will be greeted at the door by Mr. "Major", a well known and loved icon on the South Tampa restaurant scene. 

I seldom give a 5 Valcooks Aprons ranking, but Roux earned this and the Valcooks Golden Apron Award for the best total dining experience.

Roux

4205 S. MacDill Avenue

Tampa, FL 33611

(813)443-5255

Rouxtampa.com

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Pinky's - Tampa, FL

Pinky's Diner, a very popular breakfast and lunch cafe in South Tampa, is known for their tasty breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal pancakes, and unique breakfast specials. 

The day my friend and I went, we had the tradition breakfast: eggs, bacon, cheese grits and Cuban bread toast. Just  be prepared - scrambled eggs are more like a plain omlette - not the fluffy kind you might expect. The cafe con leche (espresso with warm milk) was smooth and delightful. 

Be prepared to stand in line to get one of the limited number of tables or counter space. Worth the waiting list. Very limited parking; some additional parking across the street.

3 Valcooks Aprons

Pinky's Diner

3203 Bay to Bay Blvd.

Tampa, Florida 33629

(813)831-9339

pinkysdiner.com

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Cheese Please - Tampa, FL

Looking to meet interesting people? Want to celelebrate? Or just forget a tough day? Pop into Cheese Please, located at 3225 S. MacDill Ave., Suite 103, in Tampa, FL. This quaint cheese spot offers a large variety of international cheeses to be paired with aged salami and the perfect wine. Get acquainted with owners, Mike & Carlos at the "Cloony's Bar". Purchase a basket or specially prepared tray for your host or party. Attend one of their tastings. Host a book club party in their private room. I make it a point to visit Cheese Please during every visit to Tampa. 

(4 Valcooks Aprons)

Cheese Please

cheesepleasetampa.com

813.766-0066

"Live life with an exclamation point!"