Hickory Smoke House Barbecue, 6769 34th St. N. (727-526-8072). A mainstay for decades, this popular barbecue restaurant serves up succulent pork, chicken and beef entrees with all the fixings. Baked beans are a local favorite, and the chunky pork sandwiches should not be overlooked. Sampler platters are the best meal deals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$
La Teresita Restaurant, 7101 66th St. (727-447-4240). Stepchild of Tampa's famous eatery since 1976, this local Cuban coffee and sandwich shop features quick meals at rock bottom prices. There's the requisite Cuban sandwich and plenty of classic dishes, like picadillo, roast pork, Russian trout and liver done Italian style; all for under a fiver. $$
Regina's Philippine Cuisine, 9727 66th St. N. (727-544-6182). Ever tried this flavorful cuisine? If not, you're in for a culinary awakening. There are plenty of daily specials made with fresh, crunchy veggies and perfectly cooked noodles. A range of sweet, sour, salty, etc. Cash only. $$
Safety Harbor
Green Springs Cafe and Gathering Place, 122 Third Ave. N. (727-669-6762). This quaint neighborhood cafe, housed in a cozy, old wooden house hides a secret — there's a CIA-trained chef in the kitchen, turning out deeply delicious dishes like lamb porterhouses, fine cuts of rich lamb, pan-roasted with a port wine reduction and served with wilted greens, or Pacific salmon topped with a lush lobster sauce and baked with asparagus and spinach en papillote or in a paper sack. For a meal in a bowl, order the spicy gumbo made with dark, delicious roux, loaded with chicken and chunky vegetables. Entrees range from $11.25 to $18.75. $$
Safety Harbor Resort Cafe, 105 N. Bayshore Drive (727-726-1161). If you think eating healthy means giving up delicious flavor, then you need to try the spa meals at this renowned resort. The casual cafe offers imaginative appetizers, like grilled portobello mushroom with candied figs and Maytag bleu cheese drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar or try pan-fried lump crab cakes with mango and scotch bonnet aioli garnished with carrot hair and frizzled leeks. Dinners range from guava-glazed and grilled duck breast served with sweet potato pancakes and sauteed greens with chili-vinegar drizzle to a rich seafood bouillabaisse seasoned with allspice and sherry. Lunch entrees 7.50-$9.95, dinners $11.50-$16.50. $$
St. Petersburg
Central St. Pete/Tyrone
Ajanta Indian Cuisine, 5005 34 St. N., inside Mirage Hotel (727-525-1181). Once upon a time, you had to drive to the far side of Tampa to taste the savory, seductive flavors of Indian cuisine, but no more. Ajanta serves up a fine feast of dishes that celebrate the Indian tradition of using a large variety of very fresh spices to turn foods as simple as lentils or potatoes into surprisingly sophisticated dishes. Be sure and try tandoori chicken, or like jinga masala, shrimps bathed in a subtly spicy sauce, and check out daily lunch specials and the Sunday buffet. $$
Saffron's Caribbean, 1700 Park St. N. (727-345-6400). Saffron's sister team offers authentic jerk chicken and more, with spices that will take you to Jamaica. Appleton steak and curry dishes to satisfy the fussiest island connoisseurs. $$
The Steak Joint, 4871 Park St. (727-545-9481). This joint has some of the best black angus treats around. Aged beef makes the difference, but so do the fresh salads, veggies and superb appetizers. No a la carte here; salad, bread and additional veggies are included with meals. Hickory smoked barbecue baby back ribs are the best in town. Fully-stocked bar. $$$
Downtown St. Pete
Bertoni Italian Restaurant, 16 Second St. N., Jannus Landing (727-822-5503). Chef Bertoni transformed this old night club into a casual, tony bistro serving fine Italian cuisine. Servings are large. Split them if you like a meal with more than one course. The portobello mushroom in puff pastry is a delightful starter; the ginger cream a perfect ending. Fill in the middle with fine pastas and filets. $$
Grand Finale, 1101 First Ave. N. (727-823-9921). This creative bar and bistro is mere blocks from the Tropicana Field of dreams, but light years away from hot dogs and Cracker Jacks. Instead, you'll find one of St. Petersburg's premier destinations for fine dining. The style flirts with Asian ingredients fused with French accents. Try sophisticated starters like seared foie gras drizzled with black pepper caramel, and entrees like seared red snapper served with black truffle risotto or grilled pork tenderloin served with curry-scented and caramelized root vegetables. Entrees $15-$24. $$
Tamarind Tree Cafe, 537 Central Ave. (727-898-2115). This happy little Cafe puts the accent on healthy but doesn't leave out the flavor. The food is savory and satisfying enough to convert any carnivore, especially their vegetarian chili. Vegetarian lasagna is comfort food, like good, baked macaroni and cheese. Great daily specials. Lunch served 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Special vegetarian dinners one evening a month and can be vegan by request. No smoking. $
