A second location from the Tarpon Springs-based Johnny Grits, known for down-home classics like biscuits and gravy, opened in New Port Richey at 5749 Main St. Though there's a something-for-everyone lineup, the Southern restaurant in the old Mezzaluna pizzeria space has a passion for grits — in skillets, salads and everything in between.
From savory sandwich combos to griddle fare that's on the sweeter side, breakfast and lunch also offer a wide assortment of casual dishes in the $3 to $16 range. Braised short rib, Gumbo-laya (a jambalaya-meets-gumbo soup) and Southern grouper piccata are among the dinner highlights, many of which are featured during lunch.
• Swah-rey will be downtown St. Pete's newest answer for dessert when it debuts with offerings, such as key lime cheesecake and crème brûlée, that call for local ingredients. Most recently home to Brentwood Photography, the building at 2105 Central Ave. will serve as the soon-to-open dessert bar's headquarters, where craft beer, wine and Kahwa Coffee will also be available.
• Neighbors with Chief's Creole Cafe, a barbecue restaurant opened to St. Pete a few months ago at 911 22nd St. S. Aptly named after the street it resides on, Deuces BBQ cooks up wallet-friendly items like as 14-hour slow-smoked brisket, ribs (including baby back and Memphis-inspired), and pulled pork-topped mac 'n' cheese waffles. Specials are regularly showcased as well.
Another 'cue joint, Jazzy's BBQ, debuted its second restaurant to Clearwater this past weekend. At 1575 S. Fort Harrison Ave., beloved Texas-style specialties that incorporate sausage, chicken, beef and pork are on hand, as well as eats like the Jazzy's Salad, which isn't served at the Tampa location. A traditional selection of sides includes barbecue beans, potato salad, collards and corn on the cob, while the 7 Up pound cake and sweet potato and pecan pies are offered for dessert.
• Patrons may choose from more than 30 toppings at iChills, a self-serve frozen yogurt and ice cream shop at 7901 Fourth St. N. The St. Pete destination, which features house-made waffle cones and Working Cow ice cream, carries Kahwa Coffee, milkshakes and locally made kettle corn, too.
• Also in St. Pete, Zaytoon Grill, located next to Winesmith at 1618 Central Ave., brings more Middle Eastern tastes (shawarma bowls, falafel, build-your-own hummus plates) to the region's food scene. The simply decorated eatery held its grand opening Aug. 1, and its signature burger, the Zaytoon with kefta and blue cheese, is a diner favorite.
Clearwater's East Bistro highlights similar items to Zaytoon, kebabs and kibbe included, but the Mediterranean cafe at 4100 E. Bay Drive — officially launched July 29 — delights with fresh batches of baklava, savory stuffed pies, pita bread for wraps and way more grub options. Down caffeinated elixirs such as cappuccinos, lattes and tea while you snack.
This article appears in Aug 20-26, 2015.
