Some of the minds behind Carrollwood’s defunct So Nuts Donuts & Deli moved to the new SoHo Donut Company at 117 S. Hyde Park Ave., bringing with them many of So Nuts’ signatures. Favorites like the Scarface (glaze, guava filling, powdered sugar) and the Cuban sandwich built between two glazed doughnuts are still on hand.
The rotating doughnuts, served by the dozen or half-dozen, are divided into three main sections: classic, fancy and specialty. There are a variety of toppings, from cereal and cookie dust to candies and drizzles, but the sandwich menu offers more traditional fare like BLTs and French dips. Cinnamon rolls and coffee are options, too.
• Speaking of fried confections, a caffeine-buzzed newcomer, Ginger Beard Coffee , debuted to Tampa’s Channel District with doughnuts from Dough, maple bacon and crème brûlée among them, last month.
Inside the Pour House at 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd., founders Josh Glass and Derek Scanlon, who have red beards of their own, pair the sweets with their solid java lineup using Buddy Brew Coffee. Patrons may choose from brewed coffee, espresso and four taps of nitro cold brew until 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
• The new family-owned Zaytoun Mediterranean Grill , headquartered at 10970 Cross Creek Blvd., crafts popular Middle Eastern starters such as tabbouleh, lentil soup and kibbeh. Sandwiches and specialties from the hand-built brick oven and stone grill are also showcased by the New Tampa restaurant, whose name, Zaytoun , is derived from the Arabic word for olive tree.
• The Enerjuicer is the region’s latest answer to fresh smoothies and juices. Founded 16 years ago in a New Jersey mall, the small franchise established its first Florida location at 3316 S. Dale Mabry Highway in South Tampa. Acai bowls, parfaits, wraps and other healthful fare accompany the joint’s various drink combinations.
• In the city’s Westchase area,
Nutrition Smart introduced its latest location at 12702 Race Track Road, bringing the 19-year-old health food haven’s statewide store count to seven. Richard Yoerg serves as store manager, and the grocer carries items like organic eats and vitamins. Educational in-store seminars and classes, focused on nutrition and the like, are showcased weekly as well.
This article appears in Jul 30 – Aug 5, 2015.