Food in Tampa Bay reflects a mix of local flavors, new restaurants and growing culinary talent across the region. Here, you’ll find reporting on the people, trends and places shaping the city’s dining scene and food culture.
As the economy grounded to a halt, many food-orientated businesses pivoted toward community service. Finding ways to feed hospital staff, people who lost their jobs and kids who suddenly couldn’t count on meals at school, all while offering take-out and delivery to keep some crucial cash coming in. Catering by the Family, in Tampa, was … Read more
Diamond Crown was one of J.C. Newman’s earliest cigar brands. Stanford J. Newman re-launched Diamond Crown in 1995 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the J.C. Newman Cigar Company. The fuller flavor Diamond Crown MAXIMUS followed in 2002. In 2010, to celebrate J.C.’s 135th birthday and our company’s 115th anniversary, Diamond Crown Julius Caeser was released. … Read more
Nestled on West Bay Drive, just before heading to the beaches on the Belleair bridge, is a steak, sushi and seafood gem. Baystar Restaurant Group owner, Frank Chivas, previously occupied this space with Marlin Darlin Key West Grill but decided to close it down in January 2018 and relaunch it with a brand-new concept known … Read more
MOD Pizza opened its first Tampa Bay area location in October in the Cypress Creek Town Center. The chain offers artisan-style pizza and salads, customized by the customer, using any combination of more than 30 featured toppings, or they can choose from the menu. Pizzas are hand-cooked, and salads are individually hand-tossed for each customer. … Read more
By Jo-Lynn Brown Photos by Penny Rogo Jeff Gigante is starting a new journey with his newest concept, Forbici. This transition is pivotal because Gigante is arguably one of Tampa Bay’s busiest restaurateurs, with eight restaurants under the Ciccio umbrella and a long list of philanthropic endeavors. The restaurant group employs more than 1,300 workers … Read more
