Several years ago, there was a auto detail show on the corner of South Boulevard and Platt Street.  Most importantly, Mr. Klean served some REALLY good barbecue.  I remember getting pulled pork or ribs with a potato salad and collard greens.  OH MY GOODNESS!! Anyhow, the property owner raised the rent so high that Mr. Klean had to relocate to Columbus Drive (and then went out of business) and my lunchtime barbecue options were diminished by one. After a couple of different businesses in the same location, Smoke Barbeque & Grill has taken over and thank goodness it has.  Several Tampa restaurateurs and … [Read more...]

Last night, I had dinner at Spartaco Trattoria Italiana in South Tampa. DeeDee and I went about 6pm on a Wednesday, not your busiest time or day of the week. Still, I expected there to be one or two tables taken. It was DeeDee and me and the rest of the staff. What a shame! This place was really good. Our waiter was very pleasant and fully knowledgeable regarding the menu and the specials which included snapper, veal scalloppini, and a pasta trio (which I ordered).  When we were seated, we received a plate of appetizers.  I am not sure if this was because we were the first customer of the day, a reason to eat … [Read more...]