BAMBOOZLE CAFE 516 N. Tampa St., Tampa, 813-223-7320, bamboozlecafe.com. Bamboozle combines Vietnamese cuisine with ongoing events. Try the "shaking beef "entrée for an earth-shaking experience. Ongoing events include Artapalooza, featuring the work of local artists, and live music by pianist Jose Mariscal, who has performed in Carnegie Hall. Bamboozle Cafe also sponsors a free fitness club event every Wed. at 6 p.m. at Curtis Hixon Park.
BEVERLY'S LA CROISETTE 7401 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-360-2253, beverlyslacroisette.com. The name may suggest this establishment serves only croissants, but don't be fooled. Try the French Toast Marie with Texas toast, for a twist on tradition. Give a giant sandwich or burger a brunch vibe by replacing home fries for french fries. Then head to the beach!
BURRITO BOARDER 17 Third St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-209-0202; 12908 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-963-2400, burritoboarder.com. A favorite destination for fans of burritos, fish tacos and healthy Mexican food, this "eco revolution" eatery was built with reclaimed and recyclable material and painted with low-VOC paint. Even the silverware is 100 percent corn-based and compostable.
CICCIO'S LODGE 16023 Tampa Palms Blvd., Tampa, 813-975-1222, ciccioslodge.com. Listen to live music at the outdoor café while guzzling one (or two) of the 17 draft beer selections. Live music is every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Enjoy specials each night of the week, such as a $5 sushi deal on Monday or $3 a half pizza deal on Wednesday.
DA-KINE HAWAIIAN CAFE 3316 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-531-3035, dakinehc.com. Put on your grass skirt and hula over to this Hawaiian-inspired destination. Small, regular and large portion sizes are available to satisfy every appetite, with menu items for both carnivores and herbivores. Owner Steve Clay also serves items via food truck.
GERMAN BISTRO 5232 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-402-2920, germanbistro.com. A cozy establishment specializing in Bavarian cuisine. Owners Werner and Irena Seidl were born and raised in Munich, where they also owned a bakery/café. Military personnel are known to enjoy this spot, as it's in close proximity to MacDill Air Force Base. Try the homemade Apfelstrudel.
GOGO'S GREEK GRILL 4616 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-289-GOGO (4646), gogosgreekgrill.com. Wake up and "gogo" to this establishment that specializes in Greek food without hormones, preservatives or additives, established by three childhood friends who were mentored by their "Uncle Gogo."
THE HUNGRY GREEK 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel, 813-345-8526; 12950 Race Track Road, Tampa, 813-814-2707, thehungrygreek.com. A variety of traditional Greek items, including homemade dressings. Owner Dino Constantinou grew up on the Greek island of Cyprus.
JUANITA'S RESTAURANT 1898 Drew St., Clearwater, 727-449-0135, juanitas-restaurant.com. Serving authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. The smashed green plantains (mofongo), accompanied with your choice of meat, are sure to be a smashing hit. Go à la carte and order the fried pork chunks (carne frita) entrée. $5 lunch specials on weekdays.
MAZZARO'S ITALIAN MARKET 2909 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg, 727-321-2400, mazzaro.com. Channel your inner paisan and head to this popular Italian market, bakery, deli and lunch destination. Take advantage of the patio, where you can gaze at the fountain while enjoying lunch and your wine or beer purchase. On Saturdays, enjoy live music and dancing. Pick up some fresh handmade pasta on your way out.
PINKY'S 3203 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, 813-831-9339, pinkysdiner.com. Winner of CL's 2011 Breakfast Bowl, this bustling breakfast, brunch and lunch destination is worth the wait. If you're craving a java jolt, check out the full-service coffee bar. If you can't decide between pancakes and a sandwich, try the Pancake Sandwich. The Breakfast Quickie is always a good bet.
SAMARIA CAFÉ 502 N. Tampa Ave., Tampa, 813-223-1674, samariacafe.com. Named after a famous national park in owner Eftechios Xanthoudakis's native island of Crete, this destination is popular with the post-church and pre-show crowds, offering everything from Belgian waffles to specialty salads to paninis with sweet potato fries. Enjoy breakfast or lunch, then catch a matinee at the nearby Straz Center.
TANDOOR INDIAN CUISINE 805 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, 813-654-7300, indiancuisinebrandon.com. A popular eatery in Brandon, this destination offers items from northern and southern India. Choose your desired spice tolerance with their "spice levels" (mild to Indian). Try the chef-recommended Tandor Special Dinner, and wash it down with a glass of lassi. Vegetarian options available.
THAI SWEET BASIL 3875 Northdale Blvd., Tampa, 813-961-8898, mythaisweetbasil.com. How "sweet" it is here with their authentic selections and atmosphere. Sauces are made fresh daily. Check out the monthly specials with not just one, but over one dozen items to choose from. If you're craving curry, they have several varieties to choose from. Extensive wine list is offered.
This article appears in Dec 22-28, 2011.