BEST RESTAURANT
Joto Japanese Restaurant
Joto's sushi. I like stuff that's light for you, that's good for you, fresh. They seem to have the freshest sushi I've ever had. You can pack some protein there.
Joto's Japanese Restaurant, 310 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-875-4842.
BEST PIZZA
Demmi's Market on Seventh
It's in Ybor. On Seventh. It's really good, but they don't deliver so I have to run down and get it. It's thin crust.
Market on Seventh, 1816 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, 813-248-2356.
BEST PLACE TO BUY SHOES
Finish Line
If I go for sneakers, it's the Finish Line at Citrus Park Mall. If I order more expensive dress shoes, I order them from a place in Atlanta. They don't have one down here.
Finish Line, Westfield Shoppingtown Citrus Park (formerly Citrus Park Town Center), 8021 Citrus Park Drive, 813-926-4644.
BEST MALL
International Plaza
We spend quite a bit of time at International Mall. They have a lot of places for the kids to run around in, that sort of thing. So we can kill two birds with one stone.
International Plaza, West Shore and Boyscout Boulevards in Tampa, 813-342-3790 or www.shopinternationalplaza.com.
BEST DAY TRIP
Disney World
And Busch Gardens, Adventure Island. It's about the kids. I personally am not that big on Disney World.
Busch Gardens, 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa, 813-987-5000; Adventure Island, 10001 Malcolm McKinley Drive, Tampa, 813-987-5660; Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, 407-938-3000 or www.disneyworld.com.
BEST NEWS ANCHOR
Reginald Roundtree, WTSP Ch. 10
I like Reggie. I met him a couple times personally, on golf outings. I did a couple commercials for them before, so I have special feelings for the (Ch. 10) guys. As far as sports guys go, I like Rock Riley (on Bay News 9).
BEST FRIEND(S) ON THE BUCS
I spend quite a bit of time with (linebackers) Derrick Brooks and Nate Webster. When it comes to family get-togethers, it's with Derrick. I spend quite a bit of time with (linebacker) Ryan Nece. He'll come over and eat with the family. We take care of him a little bit. I spend time with (tight end) Daniel Wilcox. He comes over to have meals sometimes. We have a few guys that like to come over and eat at my house. My mom's in town, she's a pretty good cook, and my wife's pretty good, too. We usually have (the single guys) over to eat.
BEST PASTIMES
Golf and Calligraphy
My favorite golf course if probably Avila. (Defensive tackle Anthony) McFarland is a member there, so I try to frequent that place as much as I can, 'cause it's free with him. He's got some new money (from a newly signed contract), so I'm gonna see if I can get a membership on him. As far as calligraphy, it's just something I enjoy doing. My wife or I will go out and get a few pens and I usually do all the invitations and stuff for the family.
Avila Golf & Country Club, Club House, 943 Guisando De Avila, Tampa, 813-961-1770.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 1, 2003.