Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Manolo's Mediterranean Bistro, Tarpon Springs, FL

Manolo's Mediterranean Bistro on Urbanspoon I wanted so bad to really love this place, but I just didn't. The waiter had too much "swagger" and a macho attitude. He acted like he was doing us a very large favor by waiting on us. The food was o.k, but nothing really special. I had a chicken dish, which was basically Chicken Marsala, but they called it something else. It was pretty expensive, too. The place was extremely small with a somewhat suffocating atmosphere. The menu was very limited. We asked for a cappucino to go and they said they did not have any "to go" cups. It is located in a scary part of town at night, with pretty messed up looking people wandering the streets and the traffic is horrendous. Sorry!
Crackers Bar & Grill, Crystal River, Florida

I ordered a little scoop of chicken salad for dinner.  It was simply divine!  Best chicken salad I have had in Florida, no lie!  It was placed on a huge bed of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, celery, etc. with a slice of cantaloupe!  I could not eat it all and it was only $4.99.  A lovely view of King's Bay out back with loads of boats coming and going to watch.  Simple and not fancy decor at all, but really great food and location.  Right next to the Best Western on U.S. 19. 

<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/136/909569/restaurant/Florida/Crackers-Bar-Grill-Crystal-River%22%3E%3Cimg alt="Cracker's Bar &amp; Grill on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/909569/minilink.gif" style="border:none;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>

The Plum Tomato, Palm Harbor, FL

I had head that the Plum Tomato restaurant in Palm Harbor, Florida was a really good place to get some Italian food, so I could not wait to go.  To my dismay, it is located in a dirty little strip mall in the not so nice part of this town.  Unfortunately, it did not live up to its reputation either, or at least for my taste.  I ordered pizza with roasted red peppers, fresh basil and extra sauce.  The pizza took forever to make, and it arrived dried up.  I got extra sauce on the side and that didn't help much.  The pizza was mediocre at best, with no particular taste to the sauce or the crust.  I got sangria with it, which was good, but it as $4.95 for a small glass, not so good.  The whole time we were there, a creepy little old man was pacing up and down staring at everyone and pestering the waitresses.  I think he might have been the owner.  A much better bet for pizza in this area is the Fireside Pizza Cafe, which has a wood fired brick oven, super delicious pizza and much better atmosphere and location.

<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/30/1527075/restaurant/Tampa-Bay/The-Plum-Tomato-Tarpon-Springs%22%3E%3Cimg alt="The Plum Tomato on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1527075/minilogo.gif" style="border:none;width:104px;height:15px" /></a>

Friday, March 9, 2012

Cafe on the Avenue, Crystal River, Florida

OMG!  I felt like I was in heaven when I walked into this beautifully decorated, lovely oasis in a small, old town on the west coast of Florida.  I ordered the French Connection, which was a super tender roast beef and brie on a croissant.  It came with (gasp!) a spiced apple slice and a cute little scoop of potato salad.  I had not seen a garnish like this in Florida before and I was so happy to see it!  I had spent a week in this town, searching for decent food and did not find any until I went to this Cafe.  They also had a beautiful tray of desserts available, and alas, I did not have time to try one!  Next time, for sure!  Every detail of this cafe is lovely and amazing.  Located on Citrus Avenue in the historic section of Crystal River near the corner of U.S. 19, right next to a string of lovely shops.  Loved it!

Cafe On The Avenue on Urbanspoon