AppleBees

Well, I was doing so good.  I had gone to several restaurants and tasted new things.  Sadly, I fell into temptation and chose something I have had before- the Quesadilla Burger with French Fries. How did it happen? Well, I was in the mood for a hamburger and I have tried most of the Applebees burgers, so I didn't feel so terrible.  While I was ordering I did feel a tinge of guilt, knowing that I had failed my mission.  The beautiful thing is that there is still plenty of time.  

So, back to the burger.  The Quesadilla Burger is really nice because it is served inside a soft, warm quesadilla.  

As far as the service goes, I was with a big group again. At first, while they were trying to get us all at the same table, was a little kind of sketchy.  But, after we were seated, things were smooth and the service was good. 

where it's always happy hour....

Carmines

Of course being Thursday, my group of friends hit the streets of Ybor and all met at Carmines. While famous for their devil crab and spanish flair, the restaurant offers a wide selection.

Our group was so large this week, we actually had our own room. The rooms are separated by a floor to ceiling Japanese screen which is very metro. The walls are exposed brick which give the restaurant an urban feel.

On the menu for me tonight was a cuban sandwich and french fries. Wow, what a great cuban! It was very tasty, had all the right meats, good bread and was pressed. With a cuban sandwich, you can tell that it is either great or mediocre in just a bite or two. If you originally intended to eat only half and take the other half home for later then after finishing the first half, you start wondering if you should go ahead and eat it after all, it is a successful cuban. If you are eating it and you think, maybe I can box this part up with the half I'm taking home, then you know that there may be a problem. The latter was not the case. I shared mine with a friend and was left feeling like I wished I never shared.... So kudos to Carmines! The fries were wilty, but.... I wasn't there for fries.

Liborio's Latin Cafe

Whenever anyone says the word Liborio's, everyone in earshot ooo's and ah's. So of course, when I heard we were getting take-out from Liborio's, I was looking forward to the experience. The dinner I ordered is one of my all-time favorite Spanish dishes; Picadillo, aroz y frijoles negros. I figured this would be a good option since I love the meal, I would be able to compare that same meal to other restaurants and my own cooking.

First of all, the amount of food I got was incredible. There was so much there, I was able to put half aside for tomorrow's lunch and I still was stuffed. The picadillo was a bit on the dry side and the color was very dark. There were a lot of fresh herbs laying on top, but that didn't do anything for the appearance. A dark mound of dry meat. I have to say that the yellow rice and the black beans made this meal. The beans were wonderfully seasoned and the rice was moist and fluffy. I have not really a fan of rice for most of my years, but now I am starting appreciate the texture and flavor more and more. This rice from Liborio's was spot-on.

Bungalow Bistro

Well, as if I haven't eaten out enough this week.... here I go again. Today, I went out with my mom to lunch back to the Bungalow Bistro. And yes, I did go the same bistro yesterday, but here is another opportunity for me to expand my horizons by ordering something different.

Today, I decided on the Angus Hamburger with Pomme Frits (which is a fancy name for french fries). The hamburger is made from 100% Angus Beef. I know that should make my taste buds thrilled, but I have never really noticed a difference between Angus beef and other beef. I guess my palette is not that advanced. I did notice, however, that it did have a wonderful grilled taste and was pretty thick. That kind of critique I can give with confidence. I would have loved some more ketchup for my fancy Pomme Frits but, I was having a bit of trouble getting the waitress' attention.

My mother had the grilled chicken sandwich which was very tasty. As a matter of fact, my mom said it was the best chicken sandwich she has ever eaten in all her years. That is quite an accolade for a little sandwich. The potatoes that come in place of the pomme frits were also quite nice. While this was not my order, you know that I had a taste! Both were really good.

With the quaint atmosphere and quality food, I will definitely be back!

Bungalow Bistro

Dinner was spent at a great new French Bistro in Seminole Heights. The Bungalow Bistro, which is on 5137 N Florida Ave is housed in a restored garage. The garage and the adjoining house where originally located on Hillsborough Ave. When the widening project took place several years ago, both structures were actually moved to their present location to preserve them for future use. The house is utilized by Forever Beautiful Salon and Day Spa. The garage, Bungalow Bistro.

So, a friend and I went to this hot new restaurant everyone is talking about. I was really excited to finally go there for dinner, as I have heard great things about the menu.

First of all, let me start by saying that the decor in this place really cool. The whole look and feel of the restaurant gives takes you somewhere other than Florida Ave.

Loving spicy dishes, I ordered the Thai Panang Chicken which is grilled chicken with a spicy red curry and coconut Panang sauce on basmati rice. The chicken was perfect. I loved the texture, the look and presentation of the dish. I especially liked the basmati rice. This was new to me. I have only heard of, but never tasted, this rice. I will definately be trying that in one of my dishes soon!

My friend ordered the Andouilla Studded Tender Steak which is basically a steak with saugsage stuffed inside. It was pretty tasty. Although it was really good, I was pleased with my selection.

For dessert, we ordered a warm apple tort al a mode. It was a sweet end to a lovely dinner.

Would I visit again? Um, yes. I am actually going again tomorrow with my mother for lunch. I'm committed.

La Creperia Cafe

For my friends and me, every Thursday is Ybor Night. A group of us go out, have dinner or dessert and good conversation somewhere down on 7th Ave. Having a place like Ybor City so close by is wonderful. The history of Tampa comes alive as one walks down the lighted street. It's our version of Bourbon Street.
Clubs, Restaurants, night-life, history, culture, celebrations, parades; it's all here just minutes from our neighborhood.

Tonight, we went to a little place called La Creperia Cafe on 1729 E. 7Th Avenue. Tampa, Fl 33605. This place is classified as a French Restaurant, but it is hard to tell from the muzak that was playing. Music usually sets the tone and feel for the atmosphere. Here, the music sounds like Turkish or something middle eastern. During one song that was playing, I was certain a snake was rising out of a basket somewhere.

Now, on to the dinner and service. We were a big group and the wait staff seemed to be pretty attentive in the beginning. As the night went on, however, I could not get the waiter's attention to order dessert or get a refill on my soda.

For my meal, I ordered #48 La French Riviera- which, according to the menu, is filled with cheese, chicken, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, cooked in white wine sauce. If you ask me, the thing is filled with a creamy cheese sauce and some chicken chunks. Thankfully, I split it with a friend. It was OK. Would I order it again? No.

For dessert, a friend and I split #19. This sweet crepe is called "Sweet Special with Ice Cream. It is served hot and filled with Warm Nutella, banana, walnuts and two small scoops of vanilla ice creme. Wow. If you like Nutella- (when warm it is like a drop of liquid chocolate heaven) then you would go for this. I would have to say, the ice cream made the dish. After a while, as nice as Nutella is, it would be too much if it was just that. But the al a mode made it a nice treat. Also, unless you plan on it being your main meal, it is best to split it with someone. This is something I wouldn't mind ordering again.

Now, would I go again? Yes. But I will try something with less cheese. I'm thinking probably just dessert would be fine with me.

Rating- 3 spoons

China Dragon

Well, speaking of dinner, we decided to go to China Dragon on 2513 W Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL. My usual is an order of Chicken with Garlic Sauce, Fried rice and an egg roll. That would be the special platter for $6.50. Not a bad deal. You pay a little and get a lot. And, if you play your rice right, you will have at least two dinners out of one plate. For my dinner tonight, I ordered General Tao's chicken. As you may not know, I have never veered away from my fave. I am a creature of habit. But fortunately, for the first time at a take-out Chinese place, I ordered something different! At the counter, I ordered everyone else's stuff, but when it came to my choice, I was himing and hawing. Finally, after asking the lady behind the counter to describe some of these other dishes, and looking at the washed out, crazy looking pictures that Chinese take-out joints always have on the wall, I finally made my decision.

Over all, I really enjoyed the General. While I have never ordered the General myself, I have tasted other Generals before. Now, most of the time, there is no sauce and the chicken is sort of sticky. At China Dragon, the General is very moist while remaining crispy. There was just enough sauce to pour on the rice but not enough to make the little rice pieces float. I was hoping for a bit more spiciness, but there was not much of a kick at all.

The egg roll was good, but not as crispy as I usually care for. But, they gave me two
extra egg rolls labeled Free, which was a nice treat!

Tomorrow, Ybor City for dinner.

Take-out Rating- 3 spoons