Tag: Tampa

I was hungry for a homemade empanada. If you have never had one empanadas are a stuffed pastry that is filled with a savory or sweet filling and deep fried. I had asked some friends where they recommended I go when I was visiting Tampa. They all suggested Mr. Empanada. Tucked away in the corner of a shopping center sits Mr. Empanada. If I did not have the address of where to go I would never have seen this place from the street. However, based on the line of people inside, no one else had any problems finding this place.…

Florida has a rich history that many visitors do not realize. Back at the turn of the 20th century, Ybor City was thriving with Cuban cigar factories. With all those factories, there was a need for restaurants to feed all those workers. The Columbia Restaurant was one of those places. It is officially known as the oldest restaurant in Florida, founded in 1905. They have a few locations around Florida now, but I was thrilled to be getting to go to the original location in Ybor City. The restaurant takes up an entire block (if not more). They also have…

Located in the building next door to Datz is a wonderful sweets shop called Dough. They are both owned by the same company.       When I walked into this brightly colored and playful shop, I was greeted by the sweet smell of sugar. Their cases are loaded with homemade treats from donuts, cupcakes, and cookies. They have a machine on the counter where they will make 12 fresh mini donuts right in front of you.     If you are not in the mood for donuts, then you can try one of their many homemade ice creams flavors. They are…

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Having breakfast at Datz proves that statement to be absolutely true. Based on the crowd of customers that I saw, they all felt the same way.    While looking over the menu of creative breakfast dishes, I ordered a Prickly Pear Mimosa. This was a unique take on a mimosa. They used mandarin-tangerine puree, prickly pear, and champagne. On top it is garnished with candied prickly pear. I enjoyed the sweetness of this mimosa. But be warned the candied prickly pear is extremely sweet. For breakfast I ordered the…

I have found myself writing about the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor Coty again. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Tampa and every time I visit I try to have one meal there. As with all my previous visits I made sure to order a pitcher of sangria. This time I got the Blanco Sangria that was made table side.    It was made with CR Generations Sauvignon Blanco (this is wine specially made for Columbia), brandy, and fresh citrus juices. This visit the sangria was put in a beautifully decorated pitcher. The sangria was sweet but not overly…

When in Tampa, a stop at the Taco Bus (which is actually a converted school bus) for authentic Mexican food is a must.  What started out as just a food truck has grown into 5 different locations around the Tampa area. Their menu is quiet large and includes gluten -free and vegan options. You can choose from classics like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas or  try a torta (which is beans, filling, veggies, and cheese on fresh bread) or a tostada (a crunchy flat tortilla loaded with beans, filling, veggies, and cheese). When you know what you want, just walk up…