The Smoke Shack - Tampa, FL

I love a good BBQ! But, if your looking for GREAT BBQ, look no further than The Smoke Shack at 3324 W. Gandy in South Tampa. The Smoke Shack was the collaboration of 3 friends who turned family barbecues into a gourmet BBQ food truck on Westshore at the fruit and veggie stand and now a modern, indoor/outdoor restaurant.

Walk in and be warmly greeted by Ben, who is more than happy to hand you samples. He'll get your tastebuds craving the succulent and tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, barbecued chicken and flavorful sausages. Choose your sides: collard greens, string beans, baked beans, mac & cheese, and corn prepare by Chef Diamond, which are made from their family secret recipes. Top off your meal with a cup of their BBQ stew which is made from beef brisket, corn, tomatoes and lima beans with a hearty, flavorful broth! Trust me, you will want to order extra stew to savor for later. It's the ultimate comfort-food dish! 

Make sure to check out two of their specialties - brisket or pulled pork stuffed potato and 3 Layer Brisket Sundae with baked beans on the bottom layer, mac & cheese in the middle and beef brisket on the top. Plum bodacious!

Eat in or take out. The Smoke Shack has ample seating indoors and outside. You'll enjoy being casually dressed while dining in a clean, modern and family friendly environment. The Smoke Shack has only be open for just 3 weeks. I've been assured there a many more surprises in store to enhance your dining experience.

Thanks "Stella Bella" for sharing one of your favorite new spots!

5 of 5 Valcooks Aprons

The Smoke Shack

3324 W. Gandy Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33611

(813) 748-1988

smokeshack-bbq.com

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Osteria Natalina - Tampa, FL

How did I miss this little gem of a restaurant literally in my back yard for years! Osteria Natalina, located in the Palma Ceia area of South Tampa, 

has made my list of one of the best Italian restaurants.

Cozy, with only about 12 tables, the aromas of Italy greet you as you step over the threshold. The owner, Spartaco, escorts you to your table and recites the amazing specials of the day. My taste buds were watering just listening to him. Fortunately for me, I was seated at a table in front of the kitchen, so I could eye all the scrumptious orders heading to   anxiously awaiting patrons. 

The shared appetizer was the mussels in a delicate white broth. The soothing broth was perfect for dipping the soft, warm bread. I selected for my entree the strozzapreti pasta with crab and lobster in a spicy white wine sauce and tomato. Drop the fork, amazing! The strozzapreti pasta is the specialty homemade pasta of the owner's hometown of Rimini, Italy and a favorite of his mom, Natalina, who still lives there. The table also had this pasta with a seafood mix of shrimp, calamari, and mussels. (They are very accommodating on substitutions!) The five layer sausage lasagna with a pink sauce was the days special. The lasagna was also available in a white or red sauce. And who doesn't like the traditional spaghetti and meatballs! Every dish was fresh, made to order. Assolutamente delizioso!! 

There are no reservations accepted; first come first served. But, trust me, you are going to want to wait your turn! Dress is casual as in the name of of the restaurant "Osteria". In Italy, restaurants are ranked in order of formality: Restaurant, Trattoria, Osteria, and then Locanda.  Don't miss out on this spectacular family owned and authentic Italian restaurant!

5 of 5 Valcooks Aprons 

Golden Apron Award

Osteria Natalina

3216 S. MacDill Ave. 

Tampa, FL 33629

(813) 831-1210

www.osterianatalina.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"

BLACK BARN - New York City

I

New to the upscale "farm-to table" restaurant scene in New York City is Black Barn. Open for only two months, Black Barn has quickly risen to the top as one of the city's premier foodie destinations. Located at 19 E. 26th Street, Black Barn is the hottest new place to see and be seen while enjoying the freshest in pallate satisfying neuvo-american fare.

Black Barn is the epitome of rustic elegance! Greeted by warm and personable hosts, you feel embraced by the strong woods from floor to ceiling to tables. Trendy lighting illuminates your way through the front bar to the deceivingly large dining area in the rear. Once seated, you can observe the remarkable chefs preparing their culinary feasts.

I have to admit, I am one of "those" who have a phobia about my silverware laying flat on the table. The Black Barn uses specially designed groves blocks to rest you forks, knives and spoons. You can tell a lot of thought went into each and every detail of the dining experience.

On to the incredible meal...I had a difficult time deciding what to order. Every item coming out of the kitchen looked phenomenal! My first taste of the Black Barn "experience" was a salmon with mango relish served on spoons. I am now anxiously awaiting the remaining courses! I chose the Bbq Beef Ribs with an orange chipotle rub. My sides consisted of butternut squash gnocchi and brussels sprouts with bacon & garlic. The ribs were perfectly seasoned, tender and placed on top of a tangy barbecue sauce. The gnocchi was divine with a subtle light cream sauce with a hint of cheese.  I'm very picky when it come to brussel sprouts. Few places get it right on the money. Black Barn prepared them to perfection; not raw, not too soft. My friend ordered the veal ravioli special with a delicate cream sauce and Autumn seasonings. I am grateful she shared a taste of her scrumptious dish. 

Make sure to save room for dessert. The bread pudding topped with ice cream and the homemade apple-cinnamon doughnuts are a "must have"!

Looking for a place to host a party? Look no further. Private dining for parties are along the sides and are separated by sliding red barn doors with large paneled windows so you still feel connected to other diners while maintaining your privacy. Each of the rooms include a flat screen tv with connections for presentations, music, etc. Looking to host an even larger party or corporate or event? Black Barn has an upstairs party room with gorgeous views of the restaurant below.

Black Barn was the highlight of my dining experience on this visit to NYC. My compliments to Chef John Doherty, formerly of the Waldorf, who was kind enough to visit our table. Reservations are recommended for this trendy new spot. Dress is smart/trendy casual. Upscale pricing but well worth it. Make sure to tell Chef Doherty Valcooks referred you!

5 Of 5 Valcooks Aprons

Black Barn

19 E. 26th Street

New York, NY 10010

(212)265-5959

blackbarnrestaurant.com

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SO GOURMET - Tampa, FL

When Stella Bella, from Nice, France highly recommends a French restaurant, you should take her at her word. Such was the case with So Gourmet, the new French restaurant on the scene in Tampa Bay. Tres magnifique!! The lines (which will be well worth waiting in) will be out the door and around the block, once the word gets out about this restaurant!

I wanted my friend, Stella Bella to join me, but she was called at the last moment to her volunteer role at the Children's Cancer Center. So, I took my mother along for a mother/daughter luncheon. I am SO glad I did! Imagine my surprise when I pulled up to the location and realized So Gourmet had replaced an old neighborhood Spanish fav, Nuervo Cafe. 

Newly opened in July, 2015, I knew I would enjoy So Gourmet's culinary delights from the moment I walked in the door. I was greeted by a window case of exquisite French pastries and sandwiches. And these were just the to-go items.

The menu reads like an authentic French  bistro. Our order consisted of French onion soup, potato & ham soup, Croque Monsieur, and Daily Burger - which was a burger topped with thin sliced chorizo sausage and a fried egg. 

Let's start with the French onion soup. THE BEST I've ever tasted! It is not the typical French onion soup you're accustomed to. This has a light touch of cream and such a wonderful aroma and flavor. I'm hooked!  The potato ham soup was just as tasty, but with a heavier cream consistency. Ah...the Croque Monsieur. Ham, bechamel sauce, emmental cheese on soft, sourdough bread. (Your mouth watering yet?) But, wait! The Daily Burger...juicy, perfectly seasoned and can I say the word juicy again?! For most of my adult life, I have tried to find a burger as tasty and delicious as Blue's hamburger joint in Pensacola, FL from my early childhood. Eureka! It's at So Gourmet!! I can only imagine how delectable the the quiche, tartes, croissants and the rest of menu tastes.

Save room, if you can, for dessert. If not, take it home later for a special treat. Tartlettes, eclairs, macarons and other tempting treats are there to awaken your sweet tooth.

While waiting for our order, mom and I admired the transformation of the interior decor. Sleek and modern, So Gourmet used the contrasting colors of black, grey and vibrant orange to decorate this casual dining space. Track lighting and a wine wall display adds to the ambiance. 

Pricing is reasonable. Our dining feast, including one dessert to share came to $40.00 without drinks. A bargain, for a meal worthy of the most upscale gourmet restaurant in Tampa. All products are homemade and cooked on site. Did I mention they will be offering delivery service soon? So Gourmet opens at 6am for breakfast and closes at 10pm every day.

Are you in Tampa and still sitting down? Get up and head over to So Gourmet NOW! 

5  Aprons-Golden Apron Award

So Gourmet

3301 S. Dale Mabry

Tampa, Florida 33629

(813)835-8045

www.sogourmetbakery.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"

Prohibition Pig - Waterbury, VT

Who says you can't find good 'ole barbecue in the New England States? I found North Carolina Style barbecue and a lot more at Prohibition Pig in Waterbury, VT, just 35 minutes south of Burlington, VT. Then "follow your nose" to the best aroma in town...the smell of smoked pig and beef brisket!

Prohibition Pig was founded by a North Carolina transplant who has combined the Vermont fresh-farm-to-table concept with a Southern twist. Incorporate into the mix an extensive bourbon, whiskey and beer menu and you have the makings of a "plum bodacious" time in a casual saloon setting.

My best discovery at the Prohibition Pig was the double fried chicken wings with a jalapeño honey maple mustard sauce. My heaven!! It was by far, the BEST chicken wings I've ever had! The heat is subtle, and sneaks up on you like the devil himself. The honey maple mustard sauce balances the heat with the sweet. By the time I was finished, my lips and tastes buds were saying, "thank you"!

The other ladies at the table enjoyed the beef brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. We shared a delicious plate of homemade "skinny" fries and a pickled vegetable dish with cauliflower, carrots, brussel sprouts and beets. (We had to have something healthy, before we could enjoy dessert.) And speaking of dessert, we shared a decadent dark chocolate bread pudding with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream!

My thanks to the hotel concierge for the recommendation, my "road trip ladies" for a fun time of tours, food and friendship and the very accommodating service at Prohibition Pig.

4½ Valcooks Aprons 

Prohibition Pig

23 S. Main St.

Waterbury, VT 05676

(802)244-4120

prohibitionpig.com

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Juniper at Hotel Vermont - Burlington, VT

My love for Burlington, VT continues to grow with yet another exquisite dining experience at Juniper at Hotel Vermont. The restaurant and hotel is located just two blocks from Lake Champlain on Cherry Street. 

Most Vermont restaurants use local meats and vegetables and provides a "farm to table" menu. But, Juniper has perfected the preparation of these ingredients to impress the most savvy gastronome!

I perused the eclectic menu, and chose for my appetizer, the chilled artichoke and fennel soup with toasted hazelnuts, roasted artichoke and pollen. Yes, POLLEN! The chilled artichoke soup had such a delicate, light flavor and a balance of textures with a light creamy potato base. 

For my main course, I selected the grilled beef striploin with fresh picked runner string beans and lovage potatoe salad. Others at the table ordered the fried chicken and homemade buttermilk biscuits, pan seared monk fish, fresh picked mushrooms with gnocchi, and pork anticuchos with quinoa. 

You must try the side dishes! The roasted radishes were so tasty and delicious! I'm going to try to duplicate them as soon as I return. Tender, juicy and tasty; but so healthy. The pickled watermelon was also a must try and a pleasant surprise. 

The meal was topped off with a delightful bottle of Marquette 2013 wine from Vermont winery Shelbourne Vineyards. The wine was chosen exclusively for the name, (WE ARE MARQUETTE), but was a great pairing for the feast and enjoyed by all.

Juniper is casual, yet quaint. It has a full bar and ample raised patio seating for fun with family, friends or business associates. Friendly service. 

4½ Valcooks Aprons

Juniper at Hotel Vermont

41 Cherry Street

Burlington, VT 05401

(802)651-5027

hotelvt.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"

L'Amante Restorante - Burlington, VT

I never believed in "love at first sight" until today. Burlington, VT is my new "love"! All it took was the breathtaking views of Lake Champlain, nestled between the Adirondack & Green Moutains and an amazing dinner at L'Amante Restorante.

L'Amante, located at 126 College Avenue, is just a few blocks up the hill from Lake Champlain. I knew I was in for a treat when I smelled the wonderful aromas and caught sight of the dishes being served to the tables. Fortunately for me, we had a wonderful waitress who alerted me that only two of the daily specials remained. I hurriedly requested one of them. Lucky me!

For an appetizer, I enjoyed one of the house specialties, Squash Blossom Fritters, stuffed with Taleggio Cheese, drizzled with honey and truffle oil. Magnificent! Light, airy, with just the right amount of this flavorful cheese, the delicate blossoms were enhanced by the honey and truffle oil. 

The special of the evening (of which I was fortunate to order) was 1½ pound lobster, lightly seasoned, steamed and removed from the shell. The lobster was then placed on top of a risotto cake, garnished with asparagus and topped with a delicate sauce. Amazing! But what made the dish special was the risotto cake. It was not the usual consistency; firm, not too cheesy and a delicious crispy top. 

If you want to "fall in love", come to Burlington. If you want to sustain it, add L'Amante to your restaurant list!

4 ½ of 5 Valcooks Aprons

L'Amante

126 College Street

Burlington, VT 05401

(802)863-5200

lamante.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"