Do you often get home after a long day and wish that a gourmet meal would magically appear before your exhausted eyes? Your dinner dismay is about to end.
DINNER DONE 10330 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-264-7700, dinnerdone.com. Enter the kitchen with an empty cooler, and fill it with meals you prepare yourself, using disposable bakeware and apron and ingredients that are prepped beforehand. And don't worry about cleanup; the staff takes care of that. Customize with extra or minimal seasoning, omit an ingredient you do not care for, or modify to reduce carbohydrates, calories or fat. You can also order food to go or have it delivered.
DOORMET 1155 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-287-3667. doormet.com. Reasonably priced gourmet food with speedy delivery. For a buzz-inducing treat, have wine or beer delivered along with your meal. The diverse menu includes Southwestern sweet potato soup, caprese salad, truffle mac n' cheese, brick-oven pizza, BLT with honey, provolone and goat cheeses, and potato chips shaped like tater tots. Gluten-free pizza is available. Monthly bundle specials offered.
FITLIFE FOODS 1902-B S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-644-6868; 14407 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-644-6868, eatfitlifefoods.com. All meals and snacks contain a balance of high fiber, low-glycemic carbohydrates, lean protein and healthy fat. Choose from enticing meals like Feta-Stuffed Chicken and Pork Tenderloin, or find the "hidden" vegetable in the mac n' cheese. Work with a FitLife Wellness Coach on the 21, 14 or 7-day challenge.
THE FRESH MARKET 25961 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater, 727-669-6111; 2900 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-822-4913; 13147 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-964-8001; 3722 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-875-7400, thefreshmarket.com. Visit the deli and pick up a few of the new Bistro Meals To-Go. Select one entrée and two sides from the items labeled "Bistro Meal," and your meal will be packed up and ready to eat. The store vibe is similar to that of an Old World European market, and has multiple departments, including a butcher shop, a fish market, bakery, produce, delicatessen and floral stands. Enjoy a sample of freshly brewed coffee while you create your Bistro Meal.
LET'S EAT 3415 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, 813-805-0555, letseatdinner.com. For as little as $3 per serving, prepare meals from the monthly menu selections offered, and tailor them to your personal tastes. Enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries in a morning session, or wine and appetizers in an evening session. Then grab an apron and get cooking. If you are squeamish about cleaning raw meat and dislike prepping ingredients, those steps are handled by the kitchen staff. Complimentary pans and resealable bags are provided, or bring your own pans if you prefer.
MAZZARO'S ITALIAN MARKET 2909 22nd Ave. N, St. Pete, 727-321-2400, mazzarosmarket.com. This one-of-a-kind Italian market is always packed, but that doesn't scare away the customers who have to get their fix of Mazzaro's huge deli sandwiches, gourmet bakery items, handmade pastas and hearty pre-made dishes to take home for dinner. Don't forget to grab one of their decadent homemade desserts.
RESERVATIONS GOURMET-TO-GO 4703 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-231-6800, reservationsmenu.com. Owned by a husband-and-wife team who prepare the meals from scratch, then chill and package them in disposable containers to be reheated at your convenience. This spot is tailored to the on-the-go person, but also serves sandwiches, soups, salads, entrees and desserts for those who cannot wait until they get home. The weekly specials are great for penny-pinchers. Enjoy homestyle favorites such as Chicken Rustica, Yankee Pot Roast or Meatloaf. Hearty vegetarian dishes, such as Polenta Lasagna, are offered as well. If you have a sweet tooth, treat yourself to a slice of carrot cake.
ROLLIN' OATS 2842 Dr. Martin Luther King St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-821-6825; 1021 N. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-873-7428,rollinoats.com. Founded in 1994, Rollin' Oats boasts "quality, affordable organics." Grab a meal or two from the Grab and Go selections in the deli case, à la carte. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan meal options are available. Boar's Head deli meats and cheeses are featured. Enroll in a monthly cooking class of season-appropriate theme, and sample the finished products. Rollin' Oats also sells nutritional supplements and body care products.
THAI MARKET KITCHEN 3325 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-837-5735, thaimarketkitchen.com. If you are looking for ready-made Thai food, look no further. On Saturdays, they feature Warm n' Go, a selection of packaged, ready-to-eat homestyle Thai food. If you are in a rush, grab a prepared meal from the cooler. Choose from favorite such as Pad Thai, Curry or Fried Rice. This Thai food establishment and grocery story has been in business for over 30 years.
TOOJAYS 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., 813-348-4101, toojays.com. All lunch and dinner menu items are available to go. Select a variety of items to take home, such as breads, bakery items, deli counter meats and cheeses, specialty salads and signature soups. Or dine there and order items to go with their handy To-Go Order Pads, located at each table. Enjoy a slice of Killer Cake for a "death by chocolate" experience.
VILLAGE HEALTH MARKET 3225 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-831-6065, villagehealthmarket.com. Independently owned and operated organic health food store with award-winning café and deli. The deli features Boar's Head meats and cheeses and boasts over 65 items, including 20 vegan dishes, over 20 ready-to-eat hot items, 30 sandwich combinations, salad bar, hot soups and olive bar.
WHOLE FOODS MARKET 1548 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-874-9435, wholefoodsmarket.com. Visit the deli for gourmet grab-and-go meals, made-to-order sandwiches and deli salads, made from organic or locally grown ingredients. Artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives and trans fats are nowhere to be found here. Whole Foods also sells a wide selection of gourmet grocery items, including organics, seafood, and health, beauty and holistic items.
ZUDAR'S CAFÉ, DELI AND DESSERT COMPANY 201 W. Platt St., Tampa, 813-250-6272, zudarsdeli.com. Established in 1959, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Head to the Ready-To-Go case for a selection of homemade soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches, entrees and sides offered on the menu. Bring the kids on a Wednesday night, and they eat for free. Choose from an array of craft beers and fine wines, or try a freshly baked dessert. Weekly food and drink specials are offered.
This article appears in Nov 10-16, 2011.