Things just seem to taste better when they're free. I'm not talking about a friend or significant other paying for you — that always gives me a slight pang of guilt — but truly free. Last week, prior to Thursday's opening of the Chipotle on S. Howard Avenue, the company promoted its new location with two days of free burritos. Being thrifty (read: broke), I took advantage of the generosity. But what's better than one free burrito? That's right. Free burritos ... for life. Apparently, Chipotle competitor Moe's Southwest Grill is jumping on the free burrito bandwagon with a deal of its own. Moe's will give away one burrito per week for the next 55 years to the winner of its national burrito-eating contest.
Interested parties can sign up at any of Tampa's three Moe's locations — 17509 Preserve Walk Lane, 3810 W. Neptune St., 4614 W. Boy Scout Blvd. — now through Mon., July 10 to compete to become the local restaurant champion. Local champions will then go on to regionals and finally to the nationals, where one lucky burrito-lover will emerge victorious. Sounds like a lot to do for free grub.
For those less inclined to stuff their faces, you can enter the random-drawing sweepstakes for the same prize. Sign up for that at Moe's or online at www.moes.com/burritosforlife by August 6.
Louis Pappas to open in St. Pete
After months of work on the building at 1530 Fourth St. N., Louis Pappas Market Café is finally ready to open its seventh location. An official date had yet to be set at press time, but owners anticipate opening within the next week.
The original café, which opened in 2001 at 14913 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., has spawned a chain that specializes in "New Generation Greek" food and serves gyros, salads, sandwiches, soups and entrees. The Pappas name has been a staple of Greek-American cuisine in the area since 1925 with the opening of Pappas' Riverside Café in Tarpon Springs.
Louis Pappas locations are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For information, visit www.louispappas.com or call 727-822-0900.
Jasmine Thai comes to South Tampa
South Tampa welcomed another Thai restaurant to its ranks with the opening of Jasmine Thai at 3218 W. Kennedy Blvd. in May. In the former home of the NK Kitchen, which closed down several months ago, this is the third location for Jasmine Thai, a locally owned chain featuring traditional Thai dishes.
The original, located at 13248 N. Dale Mabry in Carrollwood, has been open for 26 years, and a second location opened a few years back at 1947 W. Lumsden Road in Brandon.
Jasmine Thai is open 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 4 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., 4 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday; 4-11 p.m. Saturday; and 4-10 p.m. Sunday. Call 813-350-9592 for information.
Cappy's moves to Bay to Bay
Nearby at 3200 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., South Tampa staple Cappy's Pizza reopened in mid-June after a move from its former location at 309 S. Howard Ave. Cappy's decided to move to the building which used to house the Thai House restaurant after word that their SoHo building was to be sold. The new location features the same New York and Chicago style pizzas that Cappy's is known for.
There are also plans in the works for a second Cappy's location in the Seminole Heights neighborhood. The franchise will be located at 4910 N. Florida Ave., next door to the Covivant Gallery.
Cappy's is open for dinner only, from 5 to 10 p.m. seven days a week. For information, call 813-835-0785.
Know of restaurants opening or closing? Have news of new chefs, dishes or other culinary gossip? E-mail [email protected].
