I was cleaning out my 2005 planner this week to make way for 2006 (a little late, but whatever) when I found a piece of paper entitled "Budget." In late November, I had diligently mapped out my expenses, including rent, bills, gas and, of course, food and drink. I projected what my savings would be two months out if I stuck to that budget. It was a good plan, I thought — me being responsible and all. After eating out again last night and checking my bank balance today, I now see how miserably I have failed. Sad for me, but, hey, I'm the same girl who buys a planner, then puts in things that happened a week ago because I'm scared it won't look full enough.
So here's to breaking the budget (Mom would be so proud).
Fish Market opens at West Shore
Joining the ranks of upscale chain restaurants at West Shore Plaza is a newcomer to Florida, Mitchell's Fish Market. The brainchild of restaurateur Cameron Mitchell, who operates several successful chains out of Columbus, Ohio, Mitchell's Fish Market has several locations throughout the Midwest. Mitchell's first project in Florida ambitiously enters a saturated seafood market.
The menu includes items such as cedar-roasted Atlantic salmon; ginger-crusted salmon and hoisin-glazed yellow fin tuna, along with classics like lobster bisque and crab cakes.
The market also features a retail seafood menu where guests can purchase fresh fish and seafood to go.
The 250-seat restaurant, which was carved out of the parking garage, has an ocean liner feel with a piano bar, raw bar, a lounge for private parties and outdoor patio seating.
Mitchell's, at 204 West Shore Plaza, opens to the public on Friday (Feb. 3). Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat. and noon-6 p.m. Sun. Call 813-289-FOOD or www.mitchellsfishmarket.com.
Sushi news
Sushi X, or Sushi Extreme, opened Jan. 7 at 1919 E. Seventh Ave. in Ybor City, the former home of Sushi on Seventh. Owner Khue Dinh said the idea is to serve "non-traditional" sushi in a fun and lively atmosphere. It's open for dinner only, beginning at 6 p.m., and is closed Mondays. Call 813-247-7874 or go to http://www.sushixxx.com/.
A little more low-key, Kampai Sushi, at 3647 W. Hillsborough Ave., held its grand opening on Sat., Jan. 21.
Owner Hiro Tsutsumi moved to the Bay area four years ago from his native Japan where he also worked as a sushi chef. Before branching out on his own at Kampai, he operated the popular sushi bar at The Rack in Hyde Park for a year and a half.
His new digs, just north of Al Lopez Park, boast a weekly rotating sushi menu as well as Japanese steak, teriyaki and chicken dishes.
Kampai is open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 5-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., and 5-10:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Call 813-878-9986.
Sam Seltzer's opens in Brandon
Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse has expanded again, opening its 11th location at the Westfield Brandon Mall in late 2005. Tampa-based Sam Seltzer's was founded in 1995, and has restaurants in the Tampa Bay, Orlando and Ft. Myers areas.
The newest addition is at 475 Brandon Town Center Mall, just outside the food court at the mall.
Office manager Katie Gabric said the restaurant has a slightly different feel with a more open-air setup and no banquet room. The menu, however, is the same.
The steakhouse is open 4-10 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 3:30-11 p.m. Sat. and 1-10 p.m. Sun. Call 813-662-7267 or visit www.samseltzers.com.
Crispers coming soon
Ever since the Publix in downtown St. Pete opened, the rumors have been swirling that Publix-owned salad/sandwich joint Crispers was moving in to the same shopping center. Sadly, it doesn't look like that will be happening anytime soon.
According to Crispers, they have three locations planned to open in 2006, none of which are downtown. Two of the stores, one at Main Street and Bayshore in Safety Harbor and another at S. Dale Mabry and Neptune in Tampa, are scheduled to open in the spring or early summer of this year. The third will likely open at the end of the year at Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and County Line Road in New Tampa. I guess the 'burg will have to wait.
Know of restaurants opening or closing? Have news of new chefs, new dishes or other culinary gossip? E-mail anne.arsenault@weeklyplanet.com.
This article appears in Feb 1-7, 2006.