Tampa Food Mom

This past weekend, I went to Ft. Lauderdale to visit my dad for his 90th birthday. I grew up in South Florida and know the area very well, so I pre-planned stopping at one of my favorite Italian markets, Doris Italian Market & Bakery.

After we had a big family lunch (party of 11!) at a local favorite, Flanigan’s, we all headed over to Doris Italian Market & Bakery in Sunrise. I don’t think I’ve ever shopped for food with that many people in my entire life… it’s definitely a unique experience. But definitely not for the faint of heart!!

We all splintered off into separate groups but my kids were smart enough to stay with me knowing that I buy treats if they stay close by. Our first stop naturally was the bakery counter!

Then we’re browsed through the Italian specialty section, the fresh pasta section, the sauces, spices & seasonings and the candy aisle. I primarily kept my browsing to items I’d be able to transport the, nearly, four hour ride back home to Tampa.

I’m partially happy that I don’t have a Doris’s close by where I live because it’s very easy to go overboard and buy things that aren’t on my normal grocery list. Yet, I’m sad partially for the same reason.

My family and pastries all made it home safely …. well, that is until my husband found the pastries (they weren’t so safe)!

The fresh fettuccine beckoned to me tonight. Inspiring me to make a more elaborate Monday night dinner. Sauteed chicken with a garlic parmesan cream sauce over fresh fettuccine.

Ingredients:

* 4 trimmed boneless skinless chicken breast * 4-6 cloves crushed, fresh garlic * 6 tablespoons salted butter * 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil * seasoning (as to your taste) for the chicken * 3 tablespoons AP flour * 1 cup heavy cream * 1/4 cup grated parmesan * salt, pepper, garlic powder *

Season and saute the chicken on medium heat, in a hot cast-iron skillet with 2 tablespoons butter and the grapeseed oil. Sear (brown) each side. Remove from the heat and set aside when fully cooked. Start boiling your salted water for the pasta while you begin the sauce…..

Begin making the sauce by sauteeing the minced garlic in the remaining butter with the pan drippings. Once the garlic has been sauteed (careful not to burn, lower the heat when cooking garlic!), add the AP flour and whisk in the pan. Add the grated Parmesan and whisk some more. Once the flour has cooked through, season with salt and pepper and begin adding the cream, a little at a time. You might need more, you might need less … this is where you eye ball to tell if the sauce is too thick or too loose. It should be the same consistency as in alfredo sauce.

Once the sauces finishes, begin boiling your pasta. Remember, you only need 4 minutes for the fresh pasta.

Take the remaining 4 minutes to cut your chicken breast on the bias. Put the cut chicken in the warm sauce and serve over the fresh fettuccine. Garnish with a dash of dried parsley.

I’m a firm believer that you can have a home-cooked meal any night of the week as long as you have a half hour. Sauteing the chicken took very little skill and very little time. More importantly, you don’t have to have fresh pasta to make this meal, it’s just what I had on hand. This was just the perfect excuse to use my purchase!

In honor of the Chinese New Year 2020, I’d love to share one of my families favorite recipes I make for them…. Pan Seared Pork Pot Stickers!

And this is my very first recipe I’m sharing with all of you! So it’s extra special!!

INGREDIENTS

Store bought won ton wrappers

For the filling:

• 2 cups finely chopped napa cabbage or bok choy (any cabbage will work!)
• 1 tsp salt, divided
• 2 tbsp finely minced or grated fresh ginger (divided, save 1 tbsp for the sauce)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (both the white and green parts)
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 tbsp sesame oil (must be sesame oil!)
• 2 tbsp regular soy sauce

For the dipping sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• the reserved minced ginger from the main ingredients
• 1 tsp green onions

INSTRUCTIONS

To Make the Dumplings:

1. Place the cabbage with 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Let sit for 15 mins to release excess moisture. Place in salad spinner or colander to drain. Pat dry with paper towels. 
2. In a mixing bowl, mix cabbage, ginger, green onions, and pork with the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt & pepper.
3. Fill your wonton wrappers with about a teaspoon to tablespoon of your pork filling. Use water (with your finger) to seal the edges and pinch in a circular motion.
4. Keep your closed, filled dumplings moist by placing and damp paper towel over them as you heat your pan.

To Fry the Potstickers:

1. Preheat large nonstick skillet with 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil, on medium heat. Carefully place each dumpling, as to not crowd the pan, in the hot oil. This goes without saying but be careful, this step is HOT!
2. Brown on all side of the dumpling. Lower the heat ifnthey brown too quickly.
3. Add 1/4 cup of water to the hot pan, cover with a lid to steam for about 5-7 minutes.
4. Restart the searinf and steaming process again for the next batch as the cooking process takes some patience.
5. Place cooked dumplings in a casserole dish and cover until you are done cooking and ready to serve.

Serve with the dipping sauce and some homemade fried rice for a memorable home cooked Chinese takeout experience!

How to Say Happy New Year in Chinese

新Xīn年nián快kuài乐lè!

Tacos around Tampa!

I love tacos. Period.

I start just about every taco review I publish on Instagram with those exact words. I love tacos!

Although I have a special place in my heart for this specific genre of food, I’m pretty basic with my taco order. Ground beef, sometimes steak. Sometimes I ask them to 86 the veg on top, sometimes I ask them to leave off the cheese. Other times I leave whatever they garnish it with on top. Occasionally it’s a hard shell, other times it’s soft corn. Never a flour shell. I prefer when the taco place uses cilantro and onion instead of lettuce and tomato. But I always douse my taco in fresh salsa!

Ambiance is just as important as flavor. Appealing to every one of your senses helps nurture a positive food experience. Here are a few of my favorite places to enjoy my beloved tacos….

I do love a whimsically decorated, authentically colorful Mexican restaurant, taco truck or stand. The ambiance seems to make the taco taste a little more flavorful!

Mi Casa has 2 locations, Riverview and Plant City, FL.

Sometimes, as much as I love tacos… I get a different entree. And I’ve enjoyed each one but always gravitate back to my old reliable taco!

If you are a taco lover like me and local to the Tampa area, leave your favorite taco place in the comments. Tell me why I should try it and what I should order if I go there! I’m always looking to branch out and hear new suggestions!!

Good morning and happy Sunday friends! I’m so happy you took a few minutes out of your day to read about my thoughts and opinions, mostly about food, but always from the heart! That being said, I went on a little excursion this morning and found some fun treasures along the way! And the treasures inspired me to share a few things that make Tampa special!

I made the, nearly, 15 mile trip to South Tampa early this morning to hit up Trader Joe’s before the rest of Tampa woke up and stormed TJs parking lot. My nightmare being stuck in a cluster of a parking lot! I digress… So I wracked my brain for a bakery or coffee shop to visit since I was all the way out there. I decided to drive until I saw something that spoke to my foodie soul. And then I remembered ALESSI! I hadn’t been there in a hot minute so I headed down Cypress until the infamous faded green roadside sign welcomed me into the parking lot. Like a sailor to a siren, I was drawn in. And surprisingly for 9:30 on a Sunday morning, there were only a few other cars in the lot.

I walked in to a sea of Scachatta and Gasparilla regalia. Two mainstays of old world Tampa.

For those of you not from Tampa, Scachatta in Italian means “squashed” or “flattened”. But in this case, its what local bakeries call a thick, rectangular Italian pizza bread consisting of sauce, a thick meat paste and a little parm strewn on too. It doesn’t have an abundant cheese layer, making it more of a hybrid pizza.

And Gasparilla, for y’all not familiar with this Tampa tradition, is a pirate festival consisting of several weeks of parades (similar to Mardi Gras with beads and festive floats!), runs, balls and parties! This is what makes Tampa most notable, since it’s inception in 1904! The parade has several variations, one catering to children and a few for adults, alcohol and non-alcoholic. The floats are elaborate and always pirate themed, run by Krewes. According to Wikipedia, The theme of the festivities is an invasion by the mythical pirate José Gaspar (also known as Gasparilla), who is a popular figure in Florida folklore.

Getting back to Alessi, they have all of the quintessential Tampa treats, sandwiches and coffees you have to try to get the real flavor of the area. They have a sandwich station where you can order sandwiches like media Noche and Cubans. They have several bakery cases to wait in line and order until your heart’s content! Cases of cakes, cream filled pastries like eclairs and cream puffs, Italian tea cookies, rainbow cookies, guava pastry, danishes and Cuban loafs to name a few.

And the Gasparilla displays merge the two Tampa icons perfectly! They are full of beads and pirate ships and feathered hats!

Today was the perfect time to visit Alessi and leave feeling like I’ve satisfied my Gasparilla craving!

*I was not paid or compensated for this independent restaurant/ food review. I paid for this meal and experience as any customer would have.

A few weeks ago, almost as a joke, after ordering pizza two days in a row, I wrote a few Instagram posts about the “Brandon pizza tour”. And as much as it started out being light hearted, I really enjoyed branching out and finding new pizza places to explore in my hometown of Tampa. Some were a little further out than others and for that reason, not on the top of my families usual take out list. But I decided to showcase a few of MY favorite pizza shops to share with you.

My favorite Brandon pizza parlor is new to the area, Pizza Rock. It’s been here for about a year and located across from Brandon Regional Hospital on Parsons Road. Not only is the pizza made in the brick oven, that happens to stand front and center in the restaurant, it gives off the most delightful aroma!

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My top picks at Pizza Rock are the cheesey garlic bread, the pepperoni pizza (because that is as adventurous as my family gets when it comes to pizza toppings!) and the show stopper, the Marty salad! You MUST get that salad if you enjoy tasty roughage with your carbs! But seriously, the salad is chockful of chickpeas, calabrese salami, artichoke hearts, asiago & mozzarella cheese on a bed of chopped Romaine and iceberg lettuce, dressed with their red wine vinaigrette. You. Must. Try. It!

Check their hours, as it stands, they are currently not open for service on Monday’s.

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Another great pizza spot is located in downtown Tampa, Osteria Tampa. Run by the local Nocturnal Hospitality Group. It is more of a rustic Italian/ pizza eatery with the classy downtown vibe you can only get as the towering concrete giants stare down at you. They also have a brick oven and several unique pizza offerings such as Salsiccia do Casa with sausage and potatoes, which was different than im customarily used to ordering and interesting. I also tried the Prosciutto pizza and the popular standbys … Margherita and pepperoni pizzas. I loved the brick oven char, not too much but enough the accentuate the crusts flavor. But my favorite dish there was the Rigatoni Bolognese. Omg, that thick and savory meat sauce made me want to lick my plate as to not miss one single bit!

I went with about a dozen coworkers for an off site lunch and we reserved the private dinning room. It is upstairs and overlooks the lower dinning room and large bar area. A very unique perspective for a team lunch! Their menu also boasts brunch, which means they have early dinning hours during brunch service, so check out their website for more details!

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I’d like to introduce the next newbie to the Tampa pizza scene, The Corners. They are located at Sparkman’s Wharf (Channelside Dr). It was definitely a new take in traditional pizza for me, Detroit style pizza. It’s on a thick, buttery crust and only comes in a personal, one person size. And I was smitten! Love at first bite!!!!

I ordered the Ezzo Pepperoni. Basically self explanatory except the sauce is laddeled over the cheese and pepperoni. This way the pizza was not swimming in the sauce! I’m not a huge red sauce fan but this was, hands down, the most delicious, robust red sauce I’ve ever tasted. Trully blog worthy! My friend had the White Spark, made with ricotta, garlic and pesto. She is pretty picky and enjoyed it.

Another plus to this pizza stop is the beautiful backdrop of the port with the setting sun to the west. You can people watch and listen to music as you enjoy eating Al fresco. I also read something about Yoga during certain days and times, at Sparkman’s Wharf, on the large screens in the eating area.

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Pomodoro Pizza in Brandon is my families local favorite. It’s 2 miles from my house (behind the Super Walmart on Hwy 60 in Brandon). W always call ahead to pick it up and be able to eat it at home while it’s still hot since we don’t need to worry about travel time. It’s a classic takeout/ delivery, mom & pop, NY style pizza shop where you can order and dine in on their daily specials or nibble on your pie.

We always order the large cheese and pepperoni pies, sometimes we throw in an order of garlic knots! I’ve had their fettuccine Alfredo on a lunch date with my son in a Saturday and it was flavorful and hearty. I definitely recommend branching out and trying other menu items at your favorite pizza parlor!

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Last stop on our pizza tour, for now, is a visit to More Italian Bistro & Pizzeria, in Brandon right next door to the AMC Regency Theater. A perfect date night combo! Pizza and a movie for the win!

When I picked this pie up a few weeks ago it was for myself and a few co-workers. We all agreed on sharing The 5 Top Special, topped with pepperoni, sausage, onions, green peppers and mushrooms. And quite frankly my favorite pizza thus far. They did not skimp on the toppings. So much so that the four of us sharing the large pizza could barely get through our allotted 2 slices each! It was so filling and in a good way, you feel satisfied once you concede and throw in the towel!

A little tip when dinning at More Italian, check in with your Yelp app and you’ll get 20% off your $20 or more order but read all the details, I can’t recall the restrictions.

#tampaflorida #pizza #BrandonPizzaTour #YelpTampaBay #YelpElite #OsteriaTampa #PomodoroPizza #MoreItalianBistro #TheCornersPizza #SparkmansWharf #downtownTampa #Tampa #Florida #TampaFoodie #BrandonFoodie #FoodBlogger

*I was not paid or compensated for these independent restaurant/ food reviews. I paid for these meals and experiences as any customer would have.

My friend and I decided we needed some fresh air, farmers market therapy to recharge us for the upcoming week…  So we ventured out to the Seminole Heights Sunday Market this past Sunday. I hadn’t been in several years, since newphew owned a cupcake food truck attending as a vendor.

This pop up style farmers market is located on the grounds of one of Tampa’s most historic high schools, Hillsborough High. Parking was easy and convienient. We arrived and 10am, shortly after they opened and street parking was nearly full. There was a good crowd milling around already.

We didn’t make it far until my friend stopped for a bratwurst, which she enjoyed with a smathering of grainy mustard. With my content friend in tow, we did a once over to see what we wanted to purchase. But honestly we were more focused on the food vendors.

We browsed the food trucks, brownie, guacamole, syrup, goat cheese, marshmallow, banana bread, cookies, artisanal cheese, tea and produce booths before I decided I needed fresh baked bread! And what a good choice I made! Gulf Coast Sourdough’s booth was full of eye catching, mouth watering, soul whispering breads, rolls and loaves. Had he had samples, I would have easily doubled my tab but going off of looks, I grabbed a chocolate babka and the cinnamon swirl loaf. I was kicking myself for not purchasing the rustic rye and sourdough loaf, but that just means I’ll have to pay the market another visit soon! My family just cut into the breads I bought home and solidified my decision…. Each loaf was soft, fresh and bursting with flavor! I am smitten with the chocolate babka!

I later went on Google to see where Gulf Coast Sourdough was located and was elated to see they are local in Tampa. Off of Nebraska, in fact!!!

There were several bohemian style clothing vendors, homemade bath bombs and soap vendors. I saw a few artists, painters and upcycle sculpters. There were herb booths, CBD sellers and baby onsie tents. Throughout the market, you could hear a one man band singing in a calm, relaxing melody. Without a doubt, something for everyone.

For sure, this was a unique sampling of what makes Tampa and the revival of Seminole Heights great!  Check out the Local Yelp Events for the markets next date!

#seminoleheights #seminoleheightssundaymarket #gulfcoastsourdough #farmersmarket #homemadebread #babka #cinnamonswirl #tampafoodie #brandonfoodie #foodblogger #blogger #foodie #yelptampabay #yelpreview #yelptampabayelite #yelpelite #tampafoodmom @gulfcoastsourdough

The owner, Debbie, invited me to be her guest at her amazing Valrico tea room, Camillia’s Tea Room (and 22 Moons Antiques shop).

Set in a divine little antique shop. The shop itself, has several “themed” rooms, elaborately staged. I loved the antiquated man cave. There were several mounted antlers, masculine portraits and a nice big leather chair in my favorite room!

As I was led to my seat and beautiful place setting, I was offered their signature “Welcome Drink”, a mimosa, I passed since this party poopers doesn’t drink alcohol. The tea room was set in a quaint lavender, warmly lit room with a brick fireplace front and center. Frank Sinatra & 1920’s jazz serenading you throughout the tea room. There is also a larger room, I’d assume for larger parties, in the room next to the one I sat in.

Teas, hot and awaiting my arrival were….
Egg Nog Oolong, light cinnamon and nutmeg notes and Lavender Earl Grey, my all time favorite tea… With honey and cream (cream, honey and sugar were set on the table to accompany the tea).

My lunch course consisted of a delightful full plate with Camillia’s coronation chicken salad on a croissant… a close tie for favorite! French egg salad on a pumpernickel round. Classic cucumber tea sandwich with tziki and goat cheese… My favorite! And the salmon mousse with Winter Salad dressed in a champagne Vinaigrette. All served on beautiful crystal, fine, tastefully charming mismatched China and silver flatware.

Dessert was the finale to the fabulous sandwich and salad plate! A raspberry scone, pistachio macaroon, caramel macaroon, white chocolate mousse (light and heavenly!!), homemade lemon curd (with lemons grown on the owners property!) and her homemade strawberry & rosewater jam.

I love that Debbie brought each “course” rather than setting a bulky three tiered tray in front of you, blocking your view!

Check out this hidden gem right here in the Tampa suburbs, Valrico/ Brandon!

Camellia’s Tea Room is A MUST if you are a tea lover, if you are looking for a peaceful place to meet your girlfriends, if you enjoy delicious food or if you like supporting local, hard working female business owners!!!

I will, without a doubt be back!!! Thank you Debbie for being an amazing hostess and to the ladies working with you!!

@camelliastearoom @22_moons #camelliastearoom #tearoom #hightea #teaparty #yelpreview #yelptampabay #tampafoodblogger #yelpelitesquad #yelpelite #tampafoodie #brandonfoodie #plantcityfoodie #foodblog #antiques #teaset #antiqueteacup #tea #teapot #macaroon #scone #dessert

Welcome friends!

I’ve been blogging since the turn of the century. Seriously, since the late 2000’s. Previously, I created posts inviting you into my home, my kitchen and my childrens lives. This blog will host similar ideas even though my kids have grown considerably, everything else is still pretty much the same. I will be welcoming you into my kitchen to cook and bake with me, to sit down at my dinner table with my family of 5 and to join me as I explore and dine out in my hometown of Tampa!

Let me properly introduce myself, as I’d love for you to do the same in the comments! My name is Rachel and I’m a Florida girl, having grown up in Ft Lauderdale and living in the Tampa suburbs for 14+ years. I craft, I decorate for every holiday, I collect, I bake, I celebrate. I love anything pertaining to the 80’s. I love rainbows and unicorns! I am a wife and a mother. Not just a normal mom but one to three teenage boys! Very active teenage boys! We sit down and eat dinner together as a family nearly every night. It was our nightly routine to do so before my husband started working an hour from home, before my boys got part time jobs & played sports, before they had college classes lasting past nightfall. We do gather around the table as time permits, as a family. And as I told my family, you’ve got to eat three times a day, I may as well post about it!

So grab your reading glasses as I promise to have content based solely on my “mom perspective”! I know you will be able to connect with my perspective!!

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