Food glorious food

[Chipnpin]

I think the Cattlemans Steak House on I-drive was superb for entrees, but the sides and desserts were limited.
The opposite was true of the Ponderossa, great sides but average entrees.
Anyone know of a place with the perfect combination ???

 

[juliebro]

We went to a Steak and Ale a couple of years ago - and were very impressed. Also Key w Kools on 192 West was very good (again that was 2 years ago)

I'm sure other recommendations will be along shortly!

Julie

 

[Chipnpin]

Thanks' Julie, all suggestions gratefully received!!

 

[Miffy2003]

We always enjoy The Outback and TGI Friday's (I know they are chains but we find the food consistently of good quality).

I will root out the websites if you would find that hekpful?

 

[Chipnpin]

Cheers Miffy thanks for the tip - I've browsed loads of company sights but there's nothing like hearing someones opinion!!,
Have been to the Bahama Breeze on I-drive, just down from the Cattlemans, it was always packed when we tried to go, and we couldn't work out if it was for the food, the entertainment or what???

 

[vernon]

What type of food are you looking for ? Just steakhouses are all different types.
I'd second Key W Cools, it was a bit pricey but great food , steaks in particular. I really like Carrabba's (Italian along the 192 near Splendid China), Bahama Breeze (Caribbean slant on regular "steakhouse style places. The branch at Little Lake Bryant is much less busy than the I-Drive one), Olive Garden (Italian), Benehana's (Japanese tepanyaki in the DTD Hilton) and Pebble's Island Grill in Crossroads. All of the above serve excellent food at a good price for their genre.

Incidently, did you know that Darden group owns Denny's, Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze and Red Lobster ? Being a Denny's fan that might encourage you to try some of their other offerings.

 

[juliebro]

I really like Carrabba's (Italian along the 192 near Splendid China)

Thanks for the tip Vernon - we've driven past there so many times and never tried it - partly because we've never heard from anyone who's been.

Julie

 

[Chipnpin]

I'm definately asking the right people!!
My kids like turf but not really surf, I love Americana, so Denny's hit the nostalgia buttons and I also wanted to try a Crackerbarrel but just couldn't find one.
Vernon's tip on Denny's means Bahama Breeze will probably get a visit.
And if I haven't asked too much already !!!!, we are going to Clearwater after I-Drive for the first time this year, and I really haven't got a clue what's there except Busch Gardens and the sea!!!! any restaurant tips really appreciated.

 

[juliebro]

I also wanted to try a Crackerbarrel but just couldn't find one.

We found a new one when we over there last Easter. It was on 192 - West of Splendid China. Ate some wonderful breakfasts there - Cherry Pancake Sampler - yummy!

Julie

 

[vernon]

For Clearwater, there are a number of minor attractions and things to do, but most are quite different to the Disney parks.

For anyone with even a passing interest in art then the Salvador Dali museum is a facinating place to visit. It's one of the few art galleries in the world to only show the work of one person and as such it's interesting to see how his work developed (and how good he was as a child). There is a small charge to get in, they do a free talk/tour where a guide will explain to you some of the hidden meanings ( very helpful and worthwhile).

If you'd like a bit of history here are a few things near Tampa that are worth investigating. Henry B. Plant Museum (formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel) http://www.plantmuseum.com/ , The Columbia Restaurant Ybor City ( Tampa) http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/ybor.asp , if you get the chance to go in ( not always available) the Tampa Theatre http://www.tampatheatre.org/history.php ( go to view photos to see the buildings) and the sunken gardens at St Petersburg I couldn't find a website for the sunken gardens, but here's a review

Sunken Gardens is one of St. Pete's oldest attractions. It was created from a drained sinkhole. It is filled with exotic plants, tropical birds and wild animals. You must see this treasure in disguise.

 

[Chipnpin]

Cheers Vernon, I would not have found those.

 

[vernon]

I missed out on a link to the Dalui museum, here it is . http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/

 

[tony64]

There is a Cracker Barrel on the 192 opposite the Big Orange.
For a good all round option try The Golden Corral Chain.
or the Las Vegas on 192 just East of the Big Orange .
NO i don't have a Orange fixation!!! ( Just a good land Mark)

 

[Chipnpin]

Nice one Tony, when a big Orange leads to cherry pancakes, it's the sort of treasure hunt I can cope with.!!!

 

[PENCOYS PIRATE]

Another thumbs up for Carrabas, there food is to die for, especially the trio of chicken, steaks, pasta, pizzas etc, etc,
What we have noticed is that the same staff have been there over the last 3 years that we have visited, which to me is a good sign.
Anyway we love eating there and have always been made very welcome and the kids are always looked after

Pencoys Pirate

 

[juliebro]

Will give it a go next month!

Julie