Tampa’s SoHo strip has more falafel to look forward to. Mana Mana, which opened in downtown Clearwater five years ago, has brought a second location to 931 S. Howard Ave., where The Koshery had a brief stint until August or so.
Hummus has its own section on the Middle Eastern restaurant’s menu, and the mains — including falafel, shawarma, kebab, schnitzel, grilled chicken, veggie patties, and sabich (an eggplant dish) — come in both pita and plate form. As for the sides, Israeli salad, tabbouleh, baba ganoush and kibbe are highlights.
Guests have the option of washing down their eats with drinks like mint tea and Turkish coffee, or indulging in dessert. Baklava, anyone?
• Next door, WalkAbout is up and running as well. The quaint Australian bakery and cafe — which quietly opened Oct. 17 at 927 S. Howard Ave. (where Chef Inspired Popcorn Company operated before relocating to Bay to Bay Boulevard) — was founded by Melbourne native Regina McColl.
Lamington (vanilla cake dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in coconut), gluten-free red velvet cupcakes, and both regular and vegan caramel slices (each consists of a cookie crust topped with caramel and covered in chocolate) are among WalkAbout’s desserts from down under, while fit-for-breakfast pastries include egg and ham quiche muffins. There are salads and sandwiches, too, which should further the newbie’s appeal among brunch and lunch diners.
In case you go, the bakery-cafe is closed Dec. 23 through 27, along with Dec. 31 through Jan. 2, for the holidays.
• Earlier this month, Tampa’s Copper Top Pub announced that its doors are set to close on Dec. 29. Established in 1974, the laid-back hangout near the University of South Florida at 5112 E. Fowler Ave. is known for its pool tables, wings and cold beer.
“This is permanent for this location,” reads an update posted to Copper Top’s Facebook page on Dec. 11. “We are working on getting a new location very close by.”
In the post, the bar thanks its fans for their support over the years, and also tells them to follow along on Facebook for updates going forward.
• How come no one told me 11 Chicks Yummy Creations launched at 199 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N. in St. Petersburg? The Fringe District spot specializes in Latin fusion cuisine, everything from arepas to empanadas. Specifically, the lineup lists options such as fresh juices, coffee, signature bowls and small bites.
• In downtown St. Pete, Il Ritorno has a reopening date on the 400 block. The modern Italian restaurant is scheduled to resume normal operations on Dec. 27, with reservations being accepted as early as Dec. 20.
Il Ritorno has been closed for renovations. CL covered its plans for expansion at 449 Central Ave. in March, but — just to recap the latest on those additions — guests can expect a pair of new private dining rooms (the “event room” seats 34, and the second room seats 14 at a long, custom-built table); updated interior decor; a full-liquor bar and an open kitchen in the main dining area; and the ticketed Chef’s Bar, an experience that allows guests to enjoy multiple courses of smaller portions and interact with the kitchen.
Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar update: The South Florida-based Mexican restaurant brand is looking to hire a general manager and restaurant managers for its eighth site at International Plaza. Rocco’s originally anticipated a late 2017 debut in Tampa, but the opening at 2223 N. Westshore Blvd. is now slated for the beginning of next year.
And local coffee company King State, whose beans are available at shops like St. Pete’s Bandit Coffee Co., put out some footage on Monday that unveiled its brick-and-mortar location in Tampa Heights. The “bar” at 520 E. Floribraska Ave., a property with three neat roll-up garage doors, plans to open in summer 2018. Check out the video announcement below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc3GkTSn0eh
This article appears in Dec 14-21, 2017.