Here are three places that have opened in the past month; check them out, and drop me a line with your perspective.
De Santo Latin American Bistro, 128 Third St. S, St. Petersburg, 727-895-6400 or pushlounge.com
Latin tapas that melds Caribbean, Mexican and South American flavors. There's also a giant "ultra-lounge" attached, for all your ultra drinking and dancing needs.
Derby Club, Derby Lane, 10490 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727-812-3339 or derbylanedining.com
The buffet is gone, replaced by an upscale, club-like menu and a newly refurbished dining room. Eat your 32-ounce prime rib while watching dogs chase a bunny.
Hip Hop Soda Shop, 1241 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-977-1200 or hiphopsodashop.com
Is it really open? After three years of teasing, this video game, hip-hop and burger joint finally opened its doors with a blow-out bash last month featuring Busta Rhymes. We think.
This article appears in Jan 16-22, 2008.