Busy, traffic-humming Sligh Avenue at Florida Avenue seems an unlikely corner to find a true taste of Spain. But 70-year-old tapas recipes from Andulusia are cooking at El Sevillano. ...more

October 28, 2009

Semnole Height's commercial corridors are developing with unique restaurants, taverns and other gathering places. ...more

October 23, 2009

Fifty years after triumphant armed rebels descended from the eastern mountains, communist Cuba celebrated the revolution's anniversary Thursday with toned-down festivities after a trio of devastating hurricanes and under the enduring public absence of an ailing Fidel Castro. ...more

January 1, 2009

Discount Grocery To Open Next Month Discount grocer Aldi opened three new Central Florida locations last week, but its store under construction in Plant City is not scheduled to open until Dec. 15. ...more

November 19, 2008

SANDWICHES/ SALADS ABELLA'S SANDWICH SHOP, 2141 34th St., Tampa; (813) 247-2231. Chicken dishes are popular, and no wonder. Large, meaty breasts come covered with a tangy tomato sauce or Cuban-style with thick slices of sauteed sweet onions on top. Daily specials include stew beef, curry goat, ox tails, barbecue ribs, pork chops, meatloaf and pepper steak. Entrees are served with red or black beans and rice, a simple shredded iceberg lettuce and tomato salad, and Cuban bread and butter. Many of the meat entrees also are available in sandwiches. ($) ...more

October 17, 2008

CUBAN/SPANISH ARCO IRIS, 3328 Columbus Drive, Tampa; (813) 879-1357. This eatery captures the spirit of the small restaurants found in Havana, and although meals aren't served in a living room as they are in Cuba, the warmth of the island's hospitality is there. It is one of the best places for authentic Cuban food in the area. Arco Iris serves very fine fried rice with traditional Spanish dishes such as roast pork and breaded grouper. Great meals can be had here for less than $15. ($) ...more

August 22, 2008

SANDWICHES/ SALADS ABELLA'S SANDWICH SHOP, 2141 34th St., Tampa; (813) 247-2231. A large sign next to Abella's grocery store warns drug dealers, muggers, prostitutes and thieves to stay away. Don't let it discourage you. Continue north to Abella's, the sandwich shop, about 200 yards down the road, and you won't be disappointed (unless, of course, you are one of the aforesaid). Although they carry the same name, the two businesses have different owners. Chicken dishes are popular, and no wonder. Large, meaty breasts come covered with a tangy tomato sauce or Cuban-style with thick slices of sauteed sweet onions on top. Daily specials include stew beef, curry goat, ox tails, barbecue ribs, pork chops, meatloaf and pepper steak. Entrees are served with red or black beans and rice, a simple shredded iceberg lettuce and tomato salad, and Cuban bread and butter. Many of the meat entrees also are available in sandwiches. ($) ...more

June 20, 2008

CUBAN/SPANISH ARCO IRIS, 3328 Columbus Drive, Tampa; (813) 879-1357. This eatery captures the spirit of the small restaurants found in Havana, and although meals aren't served in a living room as they are in Cuba, the warmth of the island's hospitality is there. It is one of the best places for authentic Cuban food in the area. Arco Iris serves very fine fried rice with traditional Spanish dishes such as roast pork and breaded grouper. Great meals can be had here for less than $15. ($) ...more

February 14, 2008

Each morning, Pastor John D. Thompson, 84, begins the day by reading a verse from Proverbs or Psalms with Janet, 87, his bride of nearly 54 years. Then they pray together for daily guidance. ...more

February 13, 2008

What kind of people read the Recipes Lost & Found column? You could describe them as "collectors." Others might use the words "culinary pack rats." ...more

January 30, 2008