A new quick-serve shop specializing in pressed sandwiches has opened its doors near Steinbrenner Field.
AJ’s Press is headquartered in a colorful building (baby blue from the front) at 4406 N. Cortez Ave. A yellow-and-white candy-striped awning and tiki hut umbrella-shaded picnic tables decorate the outside, while more splashes of color and seating are featured indoors.
Displayed on a large chalkboard, the menu advertises 11 sandwiches, pressed warm “because we think they are better that way,” plus soups and sides like jalapeño-bacon hush puppies. Patrons choose from two sandwich breads — Mexican bolillo and telera — delivered fresh daily, and there's breakfast, too, including a huge torta and the classic with egg, sharp Cheddar and chipotle mayo.
For those who want to go bread less during lunch, items listed with two asterisks can be served over black beans and finished with arugula and tortilla strips.
• District Tavern has found a home in the Skyhouse Channelside apartment complex at 116 N. 12th St.
The sophisticated new Channel District bar and restaurant, opened last month, mingles old favorites with modern twists — “Cheeks & Frites” (with grouper cheeks) is reminiscent of fish and chips, for example, and the mozzarella balls are mozz sticks 2.0.
The BBQ flatbread (andouille sausage, tomato, slaw, white Cheddar, mozz, bourbon barbecue), a vegetarian wrap called the Port of Tampa, and a boozy float made with Not Your Father’s Root Beer are also among the offerings. Sometime this month, a Saturday and Sunday brunch is planned for the spot whose motto is "drink, eat, gather."
• Making comparisons between Ybor City and New Orleans just got easier thanks to a new hangout: the Big Easy Bar. Housed in the former Dog’s Bollocks space at 1704 E. Seventh Ave., the Big Easy debuted with a cool vibe back in November.
• Sushi Alive!, located in Tampa’s Carrollwood area for the past 10 years, reopened Dec. 22 at 13234 Race Track Road in Westchase. With daily specials like a sushi happy hour and half-off appetizers, the stylish Asian bistro features outdoor dining, full sushi, oyster and spirits bars, and regular live music.
• Pizza with a French spin is being dished at TamPiz, a pizzeria bar recently launched in Hyde Park. Handmade pies, desserts from a French pastry chef, salads and other eats with high-quality ingredients are showcased in a comfortable setting, and beer and billiards are on hand, too.
The restaurant’s location at 113 S. Hyde Park Ave. is where Cafe European was until August or so.
This article appears in Jan 7-13, 2016.