I'm getting used to it. I don't sniff in disbelief anymore at the possibility that a really good restaurant could be located in a strip mall. I've grown accustomed to the fact that "going out to dinner" in Tampa Bay often means driving several miles down a congested state highway to get to a warehouse-sized joint with valet parking. I don't expect Tampa Bay to be New York or Philly, where you can step out your door into a plethora of culinary possibilities, all within a single block.

But. Ain't it nice that there are parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas where you can do just that? Where there are numerous dining options within short walking distance of one another — so your restaurant choices don't have to be bound to your car?

That's what we're celebrating in this year's Food Issue: Tampa Bay's top Restaurant Rows. Food Editor Brian Ries' criteria were simple: He chose districts where, once you park your car or walk out the door of your condo/apartment/bungalow, you can't walk two steps without running into a great place to eat. OK, maybe a few more than two steps, but on all of these sweet streets, the options for really good food, no matter which way you turn, are plentiful. (Note: For those who like to eat and run, Brian offers some suggestions in each district for progressive dinners — tasting tours for the itinerant eater.)

Granted, sometimes you just gotta get in the car. Tampa's Armenia Avenue is a United Nations of cuisine, but not a walker's paradise; Dawn Morgan points out some good places to stop. Oenophiles could spend a very enjoyable Saturday afternoon in St. Pete driving from one Fourth Street wine store to the next; wine writer Taylor Eason leads the way. In a nod to the weariest of road warriors, Wade Tatangelo hangs out at an all-night diner on Dale Mabry. And Andi Kern tells us where Tampa Prep seniors go once they win the privilege of driving off campus for lunch. (Surprise: They don't head for McDonald's.)

Then there are those fine establishments that aren't about driving per se: They're simply housed inside vehicles. There's the Taco Bus, of course — but have you gotten a taste of the Tandoori Trailer?

In addition to the stories we've put together for this special issue, take a moment to check out the regular food section beginning on page 51. Instead of his usual weekly restaurant review, Brian Ries is using his space to explain his move from freelance critic to full-time CL food editor, and what that means for readers. And if you're looking for a quick index of the best restaurants in town, check out this week's expanded Dining Guide — or go to the "Good Eats" section of tampa.creativeloafing.com.

You may just find a great meal right around the corner.

– David Warner

The Food Issue

Restaurant rows: