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Old 10-15-2007, 10:25 AM
 
Location: temporarily corporate housing in washington d.c area, but a los angeles resident.
19 posts, read 119,352 times
Reputation: 13

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Hello Everyone!

I moved to the E. Bradenton area this month and so far, really like it. I have two friends visiting next week and when I pick them up from the airport in Tampa...they would like to check out a good restaurant there. They are visiting from L.A. and one of them is a chef...so it HAS to be good! Nothing too fancy or too expensive...just nice and yummy...and maybe something that is unique to Tampa.

Also, anyone who lives in the Bradenton/Sarasota area have suggestions on fun things to do with out-of-town guests? We are females in our early 30's and like to eat, work out, drink lots of coffee and just have fun....oh, and any spa suggestions would be great....I saw that the Ritz Carlton/Sarasota had great reviews and lots of awards......I would be so happy for any feedback...thanks!
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Old 10-15-2007, 10:41 AM
 
Location: East Tennessee
3,928 posts, read 11,601,624 times
Reputation: 5259
If you want to stay in Tampa and eat before the drive south, I'd suggest:

Berns Steakhouse - need reservations, great steak, seafood, wine room and they grow their own vegetables...pickout your pompano from the fish tank, tour the wine cellar.

Columbia Restaurant - located in historical Ybor City. Authentic spanish cuisine, famous 1905 salad, my regular out of town visitors love the paella and the flamenco dancers.

Brasillia Grill - a chain, but new to Tampa. Really great salad bar and entrees served from skewers by roaming servers. Close to the airport.

Roy's - the first franchise of the original Hawaiian restaurant, if you like Asian fusion. Close to airport

Mise En Place - Modern American cuisine using only the freshest ingredients. There is a five course dinner featuring samples of chef Marty's favorites from the week. My personal favorite.

Ummm, can you tell I like to eat out?

Last edited by TampaKaren; 10-15-2007 at 11:26 AM..
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Old 10-15-2007, 11:31 AM
 
Location: temporarily corporate housing in washington d.c area, but a los angeles resident.
19 posts, read 119,352 times
Reputation: 13
Thank you so much Tampakaren....those all sound perfect....now...which one to choose....!
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Old 10-15-2007, 02:51 PM
 
13,768 posts, read 38,197,572 times
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There is also LeRoy Selmons restaurant if you like homestyle cooking. Has a bar and an outside area. Near the airport across from International Mall
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Old 10-15-2007, 05:30 PM
 
Location: FL 33774
367 posts, read 1,687,604 times
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I'd go with Columbia as TampaKaren recommends, it's truly from this area, and it's a little less expensive than the other mainstay of the City - Berns. I love their tapas and house salad.
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Old 10-15-2007, 05:51 PM
 
Location: la hacienda
2,256 posts, read 9,762,286 times
Reputation: 1159
>>I'd go with Columbia as TampaKaren recommends, it's truly from this area<<

I third that suggestion! The Columbia in Ybor is truly a unique restaurant.
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Old 10-15-2007, 09:40 PM
 
Location: South Tampa - Bayside West Neighborhood
1,824 posts, read 8,379,348 times
Reputation: 1035
Columbia is a good choice for a "Tampa" unique restaurant, and in the Historic District of Tampa, Ybor City. Go for the Flemenco Show as well(make reservations).

For the chef though, places like Side Bern's, or Mangrove's on Howard Ave, or Mise En Place on Kennedy Blvd near downtown. Malio's is another great choice(downtown).

IN Sarasota/Bradenton, St Armands Circle is a must, as well as the beaches on Anna Maria Island(head to the Sandbar Restaurant right on the beach). Ringling Mansion and Museum is also a definite site to see, amazing gardens, architecture. And speaking of Gardens, Selby Gardens is very nice. Not too far from Bradenton is Ellenton Outlets.
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Old 10-16-2007, 01:19 PM
 
Location: temporarily corporate housing in washington d.c area, but a los angeles resident.
19 posts, read 119,352 times
Reputation: 13
Default thanks!

Thank you everyone for the info....you have no idea how much i appreciate it! Does anyone know of any boat trips...like a dolphin tour or anything like that out of Bradenton/Sarasota? I've done a search on it...but not really finding anything.
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Old 10-16-2007, 02:41 PM
 
153 posts, read 480,106 times
Reputation: 33
Definately the Columbia
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