51 minute read
Chapel business says it can help you. See
By JOHN C. COTEY
john@NTNeighborhoodNews.com
Monica Crabtree says she has suffered from terrible asthma and allergies her entire life. Even into her 30s, she was a slave to nebulizers and inhalers, four different allergy medicines and constant disruptions of her life.
Knowing this, a friend of Monica’s suggested she give the Salt Room Wesley Chapel a try.
Now, four years later, not only is Monica an employee of owner Danielle Howard’s Salt Room Wesley Chapel, which is located right off Bruce B. Downs in the Windfair Professional Center behind Florida Orthopaedic Institute, she also is one of its top evangelists.
Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, is essentially breathing in salt particles, which is supposed to help with several maladies. Salt therapy can treat upper and lower respiratory conditions like colds and flu, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, sinus infections, hay fever and emphysema. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of salt, according to the Salt Therapy Association, have been shown to help treat eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. When you visit The Salt Room in the Windfair Professional Center off Bruce B. Downs
Blvd., you’ll meet (l.-r.) master esthetician Regina Motter, manager Lana Foti, owner Danielle Howard and manager Monica Crabtree.
At the Salt Room Wesley Chapel, there are explanations on the backs of cards explaining how the salt therapy can help with each of these issues.
Monica says the idea is not so different than other ways of taking advantage of salt’s holistic healing properties, like gargling with warm salt water to help ease a sore throat or breathing in the salty air near a beach, which has long been considered to be beneficial for your air passages even if it’s not medically proven. In Monica’s case, salt therapy helped with her asthma and allergies. Although she was skeptical, she did one session and experienced some nasal drainage, prompting her to try another session. After experiencing the same results, Monica signed up for a one-month unlimited membership and began visiting the Salt Room four days a week.
She says by the third week, she noticed she was not using her inhaler as much, where before, she had been using it multiple times a day. She stopped taking Claritin D every day. Her nebulizer and other medications were no longer such a big part of her daily routine.
Asthma and allergies are barely a part of Monica’s life anymore. As one example, she doesn’t have to vacuum the house wearing an N95 mask with the doors open. When she does feel a little stuffy, she says a therapy session will help flush her out.
“I’m now 34 years old, and I love going to the doctor and finally being able to write N/A under what medications I am using,” she says.
Stories like Monica’s are the reason Danielle opened the Salt Room nearly five years ago. She recently sold her second Salt Room location, located at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center, but is opening a third Salt Room in Citrus Park in late January/ early February.
Before opening her original location, Danielle had been driving her young son to The Salt Room Orlando for salt therapy and was thrilled with the results. She says her son has never been on antibiotics and has never had an ear infection.
A big believer in using what the earth provides — she also owns Lüfka, a refillable, zero-waste store that operates under the same all-natural premise — Danielle says there are plenty of natural alternatives to many of the medications provided by doctors. There is a time and place for medications, she says, but adds that they can be overused and often abused.
One of the Salt Room’s clients, an 88-year-old military veteran, had suffered for decades with sinus issues. After several salt therapy sessions, he said he could taste his coffee and smell his fresh-cut grass for the first time in 40 years.
“There are success stories that will make you cry,” Danielle says.
Relaxation & Results
The Salt Room Wesley Chapel strives to be a relaxing and therapeutic oasis. It has two salt therapy rooms, each with three tons of natural rock salt covering the floors and walls. Clients can sit or lay in the room and relax as soft “spa”music plays in the background.
A top-of-the-line halogenerator also pulverizes pharmaceutical grade salt into small particles that are pumped into the room and inhaled.
Each room, which can be set to a variety of moods (see above) can accommodate multiple people and is even used for salt therapy yoga classes.
A children’s room (photo, right), with more than a ton of salt, also is popular. Children can enjoy books and toys while playing on salt that is providing potential health benefits.
While it is mostly known for its salt therapy, the Salt Room Wesley Chapel also offers other wellness services.
Dr. Stephen DellJones, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) and a Florida Health Department-licensed Acupuncturist, offers acupuncture and cupping, while master esthetician Regina Motter offers holistic salt room facials as well as other specialty facials, and Star Ryan offers organic hair coloring.
Danielle says Covid has helped place an emphasis on respiratory care and selfcare. While the spread of the virus initially shut her business down for six weeks in 2020, this past year has been like a slingshot effect, making it her most successful yet. Clients are seeking her out for what they believe are the physical benefits of salt therapy, as well for the reduced stress and anxiety she says it helps promote.
The Salt Room offers individual 45-minute salt therapy sessions for $45, or you can buy monthly and yearly memberships for the therapy, as well as for the variety of other wellness services offered.
If you mention this article, you can get a monthly unlimited salt therapy membership for just $99 (the regular price is $249).
The Salt Room Wesley Chapel is located at 2718 Windguard Cir., Suite 102. Its hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; 2 p.m.-6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit SaltRoomWesleyChapel.com, call (813) 501-8578 or see the Lüfka/Salt Room ad on page 23.
By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN
When the Covid-19 pandemic forced gyms to close in March of 2020, it took Samantha Taylor Fitness studios just 48 hours to completely pivot their method of delivery so that clients of the private and small-group training studios could continue their workouts virtually.
“We were doing 13 virtual workouts a week within two days,” says Samantha, the CEO who began her career in the fitness industry nearly 30 years ago and launched her own business more than 20 years ago. Today, there are four Bay-area Samantha Taylor Fitness studios — including Wesley Chapel, Land O’Lakes, Carrollwood and Palm Harbor — that have helped more than 7,700 local women lose 54 tons of lbs.
“I can’t go anywhere in public without people stopping me to say, ‘I know who you are,’” says Samantha, who has made numerous appearances on ABCTV’s Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend” TV show and hosted her own radio show.
The studios have reopened and clients are given many options to work out safely, both in-person or online. “During this difficult time, one thing you don’t want to do is put your health and fitness on the back burner,” says Samantha. “That’s not going to help you reduce your risk.”
She says that the CDC website lists
Sara (left) an instructor at the Wesley Chapel Samantha Taylor Fitness studio located just north of S.R. 56, demonstrates an exercise during a recent small group class. obesity as one of the highest risk factors outs with a private trainer via Zoom. for not only contracting Covid-19, but But, she’s quick to point out that a also for having increased complications. study of 2,873 gyms by the IHRSA (In-
“Everyone’s body responds differ- ternational Health, Racquet & Sportsclub ently, but you have a better chance of Association) analyzed millions of gym it not affecting you as much if you’re check-ins to determine that only 0.002% healthier and have balanced blood sugar,” of the active gym members studied had Samantha explains. “Statistically, if you’re contracted Covid-19. healthy, even if you do get Covid-19, “Some people might think gyms are you’re more likely to get over it easier.” where Covid-19 is spreading, but it’s not
Samantha says she understands that true,” says Samantha, in part because some people still may be fearful of going people coming to the gym are often not to a gym in person and if so, Samantha as high-risk (because high-risk people are Taylor Fitness continues to offer virtual choosing to stay home) and have stronger options, including recorded workouts that immune systems as a result of being genercan be followed at home or virtual work- ally healthy.
She encourages anyone concerned about coronavirus transmission to visit her website at SamanthaTaylorFitness.com to see a comprehensive list of how the studios have responded to Covid-19 (including the new Omicron variant) — with protocols such as limited class size, social distancing within classes, and sanitizing equipment between each class.
The Wesley Chapel location has its own standalone building off of S.R. 56, near I-75, in the Cypress Ridge Professional Center. Samantha moved the studio there in 2018 from its former location on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. The new studio is bigger, with a larger personal training room, specialty rubber floors, and a private, first-floor entrance.
For Women Only!
All of the Samantha Taylor Fitness studios offer a women-only environment where clients can choose personal training in the form of 1-on-1 private training, group training, semi-private personal training or “fitness boot camp” classes. All workouts last just 30 minutes.
Before choosing between the pro-
grams at Samantha Taylor Fitness, a potential client is invited to participate in a body transformation analysis, where you meet with a membership specialist in person, on the phone or via Zoom, to go over the many options available at the fitness studio. But, it’s not just about working out.
She says people can diet temporarily, but if they don’t learn to eat in a way that’s realistic and sustainable for them, they won’t stick to it.
She adds that the pandemic has led to many people complaining about weight gain, and it hasn’t slowed.
Samantha Taylor Fitness also has licensed dietitian Shannon Barker on staff, who is available to consult with clients. A Supportive Community
At Samantha Taylor Fitness, women also find a supportive community, which Samantha says makes it fun and helps women stay on track.
At 81 years old, Lynn Smith (on the right with Samantha in the photo above) is a Realtor who doesn’t yet have an eye towards retirement. She has been working out with Samantha for more than a dozen years. When she first started, she had never exercised in her entire life. “I want to live to be 100,” Lynn says, “so I figured I’d better do something about my health.”
Lynn adds that those early days were extremely hard. “I had no muscle strength,” she admits. And, while she wasn’t obese and didn’t have a lot of weight she needed to lose, she says she lost about 10-12 pounds and has kept the weight off. “Samantha taught me the importance of muscle strength.”
She says now it’s easy, and even fun.
Lynn likes that she works out in a very small group and that it’s for women only. “The trainers are very experienced and compassionate,” she says. “They want everyone to be successful.”
She adds, “I’m very proud to be where I am at my age. It’s never too late to start. I encourage anyone reading this to get started at whatever age they are.”
Among the tools to help make women successful at Samantha Taylor Fitness are an integrated accountability program, which gives them direct accountability to their coach through the Samantha Taylor Fitness custom app.
She adds, “We’ve also added some very effective supplements for those who want to use them, to help expediate their results from a supplement line created by a Ph.D. in biochemistry who previously only provided these supplements for Olympic athletes before making them available to the public.”
STF also offers a 3D body scan machine that takes your measurements digitally once each month and provides more accurate readings of your measurements, body fat and muscle tone.
“It’s not just about weight loss here,” Samantha says. “We focus on how their body shape is changing, not just weight loss,” Samantha says. “So those measurements really help with that.
The studios also offer a variety of payment plans, including new weekly payments and month-to-month options.
The Wesley Chapel Samantha Taylor Fitness Studio is located is at 26908 Ridgebrook Dr. For Samantha’s free New Year’s goal-setting master class, go to SamanthaTaylorFitness. com/new2022. For more information, visit SamanthaTaylorFitness.com, call (813) 377-3739, or see the ad on page 42 of this issue.
Kirkland Ranch Academy To Welcome Students In August!
By CELESTE McLAUGHLIN Correspondent
High school students looking for an innovative alternative to their neighborhood campus will have a new option this fall.
Pasco County Schools will open its Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation (KRAI) on Curley Rd., north of the WaterGrass community, for the 2022-23 school year.
The magnet school will initially start with just freshmen and sophomores, but will add a grade each year to serve ninth through twelfth grade.
No students are zoned for attendance at KRAI. Instead, students who are interested in its specialized programs will apply for a lottery. The school plans to prepare students for in-demand, high-salary, high-skill careers.
KRAI’s program options are: • Applied Cybersecurity & Computer Science Principles • Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair • Automotive (Diesel) • Biomedical Sciences • Building Trades & Construction Technology • Electricity • Digital Media/Multimedia Design • Engineering & Applied Robotics • Patient Care Technology • Welding Technology Fundamentals
DeeDee Johnson (photo) was named the principal of the school last September. The former principal of Wesley Chapel High was serving at Pasco Middle School and transitioned to oversee the opening of the Kirkland Ranch Academy this January.
“I am most excited about the opportunities that it’s going to bring students in the District,” she says, “whether it’s college, ca-
reer, or preparing them for life.” She emphasizes that while the school can provide a pathway to an in-demand, highpaying job right after high school, it’s also a great choice for college-focused students. “There are industry certifications, but also Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses,” says Johnson. “It’s going to give students a leg up by having connections with business and community partners.” She says that one feature students will be excited about is that the school will have a DeeDee Johnson 1:1 ratio of students to electronic devices. She anticipates that all students will be assigned a personal laptop for their own use, with some laptops being specialized to fit their chosen program of study. The building and its construction are innovative, as well. The school overlooks the property’s large wetland, and was designed with energy efficiency as a priority, and its orientation creates a natural breezeway. The first lottery for students to apply to attend the school closed in January, after we went to press. However, Johnson says she expects that a second window will open for students to apply later in the spring. To get more information about how to apply for Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, visit the school’s website at KRAI.pasco.k12.fl.us. “I’m excited about having the opportunity to build from scratch,” says Johnson, “including our school culture – what we’re going to believe and how we’re going to get there.” Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation is located at 9100 Curley Rd. in Wesley Chapel. For more information, visit KRAI.pasco.k12.fl.us.
Weightman Soccer Kicks Its Way To Second Straight Title
The Thomas E. Weightman Middle School (TEWMS) boys soccer team closed out the 2021 season in December by winning a second consecutive Pasco County Championship.
The Wildcats defeated the John Long Middle School Bulls in the final by a 4-0 score to finish with an 8-0 record. Not only was it the second straight league title, but it was the second straight undefeated season for the team, which is coached by Brian Dorkowski and has now won 15 straight games.
The team was led by a group of 8th graders, many of whom have been on the team since they were in 6th grade.
Team co-captain Malte Koerber provided most of the offensive firepower for the team, scoring 22 of the team’s 46 goals. The 22 goals shattered the previous school record of 15 set last year by Cameron Brunner.
Co-captain Chris Koschman anchored the defense by shutting down teams with his impressive speed and skill. Goalkeeper Cameron Davis had another outstanding year in goal, only allowing two goals in the regular season — and both of those were scored off of penalty kicks. The Wildcats only allowed six goals all season. Saif Nasri, a newcomer, helped dominate the center of the field by leading the team in assists and the eighth grader also provided outstanding defense. — Special to the Neighborhood News.
Malte Koerber set a school record with 22 goals in leading Weightman Middle School to a second straight county championship.
Gary’s Favorite Wesley Chapel Restaurants 2021 — Treble Makers Goes Back-To-Back!
Local Dining Opinions by Gary Nager Every year, in the issue after we report the results of our annual Reader Dining Survey & Contest, I always feel compelled to give you my dining favorites, including all of the restaurants that opened in (or very near) Wesley Chapel and New Tampa the previous year. As someone who remembers when Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, Waffle House and Brewmaster’s Steakhouse (the original tenant in Vallarta’s spot in the Village Market plaza) were the only “restaurants” in Wesley Chapel outside of Saddlebrook Resort — and who has sampled every new place to eat since then — I do feel uniquely qualified to provide you with my annual list of favorites in both of our distribution areas.
And, even though quite a few new eateries opened in our distribution areas in 2021 after the reader voting ended, my top-25 “survey” lists aren’t quite as different from the readers’ lists this year as they have been in previous years, especially here in Wesley Chapel. And, I’m excited to say that this year, Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant has won my Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel title for the second year in a row, which is a pretty big accomplishment, considering all of the new competition that opened in 2021 in the Wesley Chapel area (which, for our purposes, also includes the area around the Tampa Premium Outlets, even though those addresses are technically Lutz).
On pages 28-34, you’ll find short write-ups about my 25 favorite restaurants (new and existing) in Wesley Chapel for 2020, which includes an expanded write-up about my two-time Favorite Wesley Chapel Restaurant — and, for the first time, Favorite Bar in “The Chap,” too — Treble Makers! There’s also an alphabetical listing of my #s 26-50 favorites — of the nearly 100 eateries I sampled in 2021 in Wesley Chapel alone — as well as top-10 lists of my Favorite New Restaurants, Favorite Pizza Places, Asian/Mediterranean and Latin eateries, Dessert places and Bars in and around Wesley Chapel.
Enjoy! And, try to remember that, as it says above, these opinions about local restaurants are mine alone, so I don’t expect you to agree with me about everything (or anything). Feel free to let me know (see pg. 3) when you agree or disagree!
Check out the rest of Gary’s 2021 Favorites in Wesley Chapel on pgs. 28-34! Co-owner and managing partner Jamie Hess (left) and Executive Chef Kevin Maggard of Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant in The Grove pose with a certain editor during the “Gary’s Favorites” photo shoot, as Treble Makers was named Gary’s Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel for the second year in a row. (Photo: Charmaine George)
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6034 Wesley Grove Blvd. The Grove at Wesley Chapel (813) 406-4371
Even though a number of local chain restaurants made it to my top-25 list of Gary’s Favorites in Wesley Chapel for 2021, I am still someone who most appreciates great mom-&-pop eateries. And, as someone who has been observing, enjoying and writing about the local dining scene for 28 years next month, I just have to say that of all the mom-&-pop places that have opened in Wesley Chapel and New Tampa (at least those that are still in business) since I bought the Neighborhood News in 1994, Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant (see ad on pg. 34) truly is my #1 favorite — now for two years in a row!
In order to be at the top of my Favorites list, a restaurant has to specialize in the items that I appreciate most when Jannah and I go out to eat, whether for lunch or dinner.
First of all, we love sharing a great steak (Jannah prefers a filet, but I also love the New York strip on this page).
Second, our favorite places always have to have great fresh fish on the menu, too. You can keep us coming back for more with grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi or the amazing wahoo bianco shown on this page — it’s my favorite new dish in Wesley Chapel for 2021 — so thanks to Treble Makers Executive Chef Kevin Maggard for staying creative.
Whether you simply want a great NY strip steak (above) or truly fresh fish, like the amazing wahoo bianco topped with spinach in parsnip purée, check out Treble Makers.
The Treble Makers story continues on pg. 30!
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GRILLSMITH
2000 Piazza Ave #100
The Shops at Wiregrass
S(813) 907-1900 peaking of fresh fish, Grillsmith’s “short trip” fish entrée (above) has elevated the Tampa-based mini-chain to near the top of my rankings since it was first added to the Grillsmith menu a few years ago. We’ve had everything from grouper and mahi to corvina and amberjack since then and we’ve never been served anything but nice-sized portions of fresh, delicious fish. We’re also really fond of the smashed cauliflower side shown above, as well as the crunchy tuna appetizer, the lemon feta chicken, port wine filet and the outstanding service we always receive at the spacious bar. I also enjoy the skirt steak chimichurri entrée and the desserts, and Grillsmith currently has “Fireside Flavors” like white chicken chili and burgundy braised beef tips. The Sunday brunch menu is outstanding, too.
FALABELLA FAMILY BISTRO
6027 Wesley Grove Blvd. Suite 105
C(813) 428-6957 ongrats to owner Steve Falabella, his family, GM Adrian Luna and the staff of Falabella Family Bistro (see ad on pg. 26), my favorite new restaurant (see pg. 33 for that list) to open in Wesley Chapel in 2021. Steve also managed to open his second local pizza place — 900º New York Pizza — adjacent to the Bistro in The Grove, all while turning the Bistro into the favorite Italian restaurant in The Chap. With delicious Italian specialties like beef short rib ragu, Sam’s meatballs and the spaghetti with white clam sauce shown above, plus amazing desserts (amazing cheesecakes, tiramisu, etc.) by Evelyn Barreno of 7 Layers Bakery, if the Bistro adds a fresh fish dish other than salmon to the regular menu (I loved the mahi-mahi special), the Bistro could move up in my ratings.
ZUKKU-SAN SUSHI BAR & GRILL
25916 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz
T(813) 419-1351 he second year of Zukku-San being open on the north side of S.R. 56 hasn’t done anything but confirm for me why we loved it so much in the first place. From the most creative and delicious sushi (try the bluefin tuna options) and the appetizers like the chicken and beef tenderloin yakitori shown above, the gyoza dumplings, Japanese spring rolls, tempura and more, to the best chicken teriyaki entrée (served with amazing fresh, sautéed veggies) and the best Japanese-style fried rice, and its full liquor bar, it should come as no surprise that ZukkuSan is again my favorite Asian restaurant in Wesley Chapel. And, later this year, the owners of Zukku-San (see ad on pg. 26) will open Ato Sushi Burritos & Poké Bowls in the KRATE Container Park at The Grove.
FLORIDA AVE. BREWING CO.
2029 Arrowgrass Dr. (813) 452-6333
Although the menu is missing some of our favorite items, what remains available at Florida Ave. Brewing Co. (see ad on pg. 33) still keeps it near the top of my rankings. And, with the opening of what may be the largest microbrewery in Florida in 2021, Florida Ave. is only getting more popular. The restaurant’s cutely named specialty burgers are tasty, but you can still order a plain bacon cheeseburger with fresh veggies (photo) — and you won’t regret it. Florida Ave. also has crispy wings, a great chicken club sandwich and popular Korean-style bibimbap bowls (now available with a variety of protein options, from chicken and bulgogi shaved prime rib to salmon and vegan Beyond burger), plus beers, ales, hard seltzers and ciders and a full-liquor bar.
NOBLE CRUST
28330 Paseo Dr. Shops at Wiregrass (813) 703-2602
Iwould be lying if I said that so many of you voting for Noble Crust in this year’s Reader Survey didn’t convince me to take Jannah there a little more often towards the end of last year. Although I enjoy a lot of Noble’ Crust’s ever-changing menu items, my favorites are still the house-made gnocchi, the unique beef and pork meatball appetizers (there’s even Impossible meatballs available now), as well as the chicken fried chicken parm (above) entrées. And, I believe the fried chicken and waffles are outstanding, too. We also enjoy Noble Crust’s oven-baked pizzas, although we usually go for the entrées. We wish the bar area was a little bigger, but it offers an amazing selection of ultrapremium liquor and a great, fun vibe.
BLUEFIN JAPANESE RESTAURANT
6034 Wesley Grove Blvd. (813) 803-4709
Based on the rankings shown on this page, BlueFin was my second favorite new restaurant to open in Wesley Chapel in 2021 (see page 33 for the complete list). It also qualified as my second favorite Asian restaurant in Wesley Chapel, behind Zukku-San. And for good reason. This newcomer offers completely different takes on its large sushi and sashimi menu, and its gyoza dumplings (photo), and veggie tempura, soft shell crab, chicken teriyaki and steak fried rice are all outstanding. We also really enjoy the hibachistyle filet mignon, chicken and scallops, the fried pork or chicken katsu and the overall vibe of the place, which is located directly next door to Treble Makers in The Grove. There’s also a great variety of beer, wine and sake.
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OMARI’S GRILL
Lexington Oaks Golf Club 26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd.
O(813) 907-7270 mari’s Grill at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club (see ad on pg. 26) may have dropped a little in my rankings this year, but not because the quality of the food has slipped at all. The problem is that, like many restaurants nationwide, Omari’s has greatly reduced the number of choices on its menu, including several of mine and Jannah’s favorites. The good news is that you can still get co-owner/chef Anass ElOmari’s perfect grilled mahi-mahi topped with mango salsa, crispy, but tender chicken parmigiana, filet mignon with cream sauce and Cajun pasta with andouille sausage, but only as Friday night dinner specials. The burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches, wings and salads on the regular menu are all as good as you’ll find here.
TOP SHELF
SPORTS LOUNGE
AdventHealth Center Ice 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd. (813) 953-1032
When Top Shelf first opened at what is now called AdventHealth Center Ice, it was a best-kept secret as far as being a place with great food and a rockin’ full-liquor bar scene for watching Tampa Bay Lightning games. Well, the word is out now, as Top Shelf is almost always packed, especially for Bolts games, but the food is still outstanding. Top Shelf still has some of the best wings, burgers and bar food around (you can even get delicious mixed veggies as a side), and has added new menu items like the brisket quesadilla (above) and ahi tuna and Havana bowls. The true Canadian-style poutines are super-popular, as are the craft beers from owner Keelan Cottle’s own 81Bay Brewing.
CHUCK LAGER
AMERICA’S TAVERN
2001 Piazza Ave, Suite 175 Shops at Wiregrass (813) 820-4500
Now in its second year, it didn’t take much for this third link in a new, small chain with a menu inspired by celebrity TV chef Fabio Viviani to surpass its predecessor (Primebar) in its space at the Shops at Wiregrass. Chuck Lager is a beautiful restaurant with a great vibe and a unique menu that has caught on with locals, even though it opened deep into the pandemic. Jannah and I love the Fabio’s meatball sub and Cajun grouper taco (above) handhelds, as well as the chicken parmesan, pork chop Milanese and Italian steak entrées and the sautéed baby broccolini is amazing. There also are great burgers, flatbreads and salads. Try the bourbon flights, featuring everything from Redbreast to Hotel Tango. Smooth.
LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE
2647 Creek Grass Way, Lutz (813) 909-0003
While a lot of people will scoff at this choice, Longhorn is the highest-rated full-fledged chain on my list because the steaks (like the 9-oz. Flo’s filet above) are consistently tender and flavorful — and priced right — and the side dishes, like crispy Brussels sprouts (which also is available as a starter), baked sweet or white potatoes, and even the salad dressings and fresh honey wheat bread served with your meal, are always top-notch. Jannah also loves the parmesan-crusted chicken. And, best of all, if you’re somehow ever not happy, the management will always make it right. And, although we wish the bar area was a little bigger, the bartenders and drink prices are always outstanding, too.
THE HUNGRY GREEK
2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
A(813) 345-8526 s one of the longest-running restaurants in Wesley Chapel, The Hungry Greek is now a mini-chain that attracts waves of customers because of its unique combination of speedy service, quality food and fair prices. But, if you enjoy great Greek specialties (as I do) in a fast-casual environment, The Hungry Greek continues to get high marks from our readers, as well as yours truly. Recent additions include Greek bowls (with brown rice, garbanzo beans, tomatoes, feta, olives, pepperoncini and tzatziki sauce, with your choice of chicken, gyro meat, shrimp, falafel or salmon), but the spanakopita, gyro platters and souvlaki dinners (shown above) never disappoint, especially with a Mythos or other Greek beer.
BONEFISH GRILL
25264 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz (813) 907-8202
When Bonefish Grill moved from its previous location on BBD Blvd. in Wesley Chapel to the north side of S.R. 56 in Lutz, Jannah and I weren’t sure we liked it as much. Then, the corporate folks at Bonefish changed up what had always been our favorite seared tuna appetizer and we were really concerned. No more. The revamped ahi tuna app (above) is actually a higher sushi-grade and the addition of tempura crunchies was a bonus. Bonefish also features excellent fresh fish, but not as good for my money as Grillsmith’s or Treble Makers’ and the number of options were reduced. And, while Bang-Bang shrimp is still the most-ordered appetizer, I can’t eat it because of my accursed shellfish allergy (but they will make it as bang-bang chicken for folks like me). We live so close and love the bar area and much-improved parking, so we still visit a lot.
BUBBA’S 33
26340 Silver Maple Pkwy. B (813) 522-5090 ubba’s 33 (see ad on pg. 37) is the epitome of a great sports bar but with restaurantquality food, created as a new concept restaurant by Texas Roadhouse. Delicious starters include the crispy wings in a variety of sauces and dry rubs to unique items like “Big O” (onion) Rings, Bubba’s fiesta dip (with bacon, ground beef and refried beans), plus tasty hand-tossed pizzas, excellent bacon grind bacon burgers and everything from California grilled chicken to Southern fried chicken and recently added super-tasty pasta specialties like lasagna and chicken & bacon mac n’ cheese (photo). There’s even two different Texas Roadhouse-quality grilled and marinated signature ribeye steaks and outstanding drink prices. We also love the fact that while you can watch any game you want on the huge number of TVs, you also get to see/hear fun music videos.
GLORY DAYS GRILL
28812 S.R. 54 (813) 535-7678
Glory Days is mine and Jannah’s other go-to location for tasty food and a watch-every-game sports bar atmosphere. Like so many of our favorite places, Glory Days has done away with many of our favorites — zucchini sticks appetizers, proprietary blend burgers and cauliflower crust flatbread, to name a few, but the remaining menu items, especially at this location, are still great and the service, especially at the fun bar area, is always excellent. We enjoy the All-American cheeseburgers, the comeback chicken (with sundried tomatoes and feta cheese in lemon-butter sauce), fried chicken & waffles, the wine-braised short ribs (and short rib grilled cheese) on the “seasonal special” menu and the ranchero chicken wrap shown above are all among our favorites.
Co-owners Jamie and his brother Joe Hess and Lee Bevan also are to be commended for sticking to their guns with providing an affordable, yet upscale, fine dining experience with great food, located in Wesley Chapel proper, despite all of those chain restaurants and having to fight through the worst pandemic of all of our lifetimes.
An, while Treble Makers is still also an entertainment destination, especially on weekend evenings, you owe it to yourself to check it out during the day or any night other than Friday or Saturday, when Jamie admits that the service can be slower due to the sold-out nature of most of those dueling piano shows.
Jannah and I have enjoyed those shows, but most of the time, we just visit for a great meal. My favorite appetizers are the sesamecrusted seared ahi tuna appetizer (above left), the potato gnocchi with smokey Alfredo sauce and the sweet & spicy fried calamari.
In addition to the delicious, tender steaks and the wahoo mentioned on pg. 28, our favorite entrées are the coconut curry grouper (which doesn’t really taste like curry at all; I told Kevin and Jamie they should just rename it coconut grouper; bottom right), the savory penne alla vodka (to which we add the most tender grilled chicken; above) and my new favorite grilled double lollipop lamb chops. All are amazing. I also really enjoy the diver scallops and bruschetta chicken entrées, but it’s hard to sample everything on the menu because we love all of these items so much. I don’t think we’ve had any of the handhelds on the menu other than the brisket/chuck blend cheeseburger and the blackened chicken sandwich, which also are among the reduced number of menu items available on the lunch menu at reduced prices. Our favorite sides are the Brussels sprouts and the garlic mashed potatoes.
In other words, Treble Makers is my back-to-back Favorite restaurant in Wesley Chapel for good reason.
Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant (6034 Wesley Grove Blvd.) is open every day for lunch and dinner. For dinner & show reservations or more info, call (813) 406-4371, visit TrebleMakersofWC.com or see the ad on pg. 34.
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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE
5710 Oakley Blvd. W (813) 973-7717 hile Outback is another major chain people love to hate, I believe that not only does it offer quality food and very fair prices, its Rewards Program (which also is available on purchases at Bonefish) make it an even better value than most. Every three visits, you get up to $20 off your next visit (up to $40 off at Fleming’s, which also is part of the program). So, instead of sharing our meals when we have a reward available, we’ll order one delicious 8-oz. Victoria filet and one Alice Springs chicken (above) and bring home another meal for later. But seriously, whether you love the bloomin’ onion, grilled shrimp on the barbie or the new hand-breaded chicken tenders, Outback is still a quality choice.
VALLARTA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
5335 Village Market T (813) 907-5161 he Wesley Chapel Vallarta’s (some know it as Los Vallarta), was I believe the second link in a family-owned mini-chain that first opened on N. 56th St. in Temple Terrace. And, even though a lot of Mexican, Tex-Mex, Southwestern and Latin places have opened in Wesley Chapel since Vallarta’s first hit our area at least 15-20 years ago, it continues to be the favorite choice of our readers and yours truly. Jannah and I usually split the sizzling fajitas for one (either just chicken or a steak & chicken combo, photo) — the portions are huge — but sometimes, I get a steak Mexicano and she gets an enchilada combo. Vallarta’s also has an affordable full-liquor bar & our favorite chips & puréed salsa.
UMU JAPANESE & THAI
2653 Bruce B Downs Blvd. W (813) 591-6121 hile I have been a sushi lover for decades, it’s never really been Jannah’s thing. But, once I started bringing home other items for us from Umu Japanese & Thai, Jannah has figured out that there’s even more to love at Umu than the huge selection of sushi (photo) and the best variety of white meat fish nigiri (on rice) and sashimi in our area. I have enjoyed the crispy soy-marinated Kara-Age chicken appetizer (from Umu’s “Hot Tasting” starters menu), the deep-fried chicken and pork (Umu-ton) katsu, the “Wafu-style” Japanese NY strip steak and especially, the miso-marinated Chilean sea bass. Umu also offers a pretty dining room with a spacious sushi bar, plus beer, wine and sake. T ruly one of Wesley Chapel’s best-kept secrets, for its unassuming storefront in a strip plaza on WC Blvd. (and the fact that its small dining room has been closed since the pandemic began), if you’re looking for delicious (which is what “Arroy” means) Thai food, Arroy Thai is a great place for takeout and delivery. I enjoy the lunch specials, which include steamed jasmine rice, fried wontons and a salad with peanut dressing for only $8.95-$13.95, depending upon the protein you choose — which for me is usually chicken or pork, with garlic and black pepper sauce (photo), although I also love the spicy basil and fresh ginger sauces, too. I also love the crispy duck dinner entrées with the ginger sauce on the side.
ARROY THAI
27427 Wesley Chapel Blvd. Pinebrook at The Grove plaza (813) 501-4924
RICE-N-BEANS
27405 Wesley Chapel Blvd.
W(813) 803-7974 hen Rice-N-Beans moved from its original location off S.R. 54 in Lutz to the free-standing building previously occupied by Cody’s Roadhouse (and Remington’s Steakhouse before that), I was excited about the completely revamped interior (including a beautiful, full-liquor bar) and the food. My favorite dishes are the amazing fried chicken chicharrons shown above, the roast pork mofongo, the grilled pork chops and chicken breast in garlic sauce. And yes, the rice and (I prefer the red) beans served with every meal are also delicious and authentic. And, don’t rest on the daily specials. Not only are they served with side dishes and super-fairly priced, they’re also quicker choices for those enjoying lunch. Rice-N-Beans is back to having salsa dancing and other weekend entertainment options.
900 DEGREES WOODFIRED PIZZA
Shops at Wiregrass 28152 Paseo Dr., #195 A (813) 527-6940 lthough I love owner Steve Falabella’s original 900º Woodfired Pizza in the Shops at Wiregrass, the reason his original location makes my top-25 year after year is because of the other delicious food he serves, especially the spot-on pasta pesto Genovese above (add grilled chicken sand spinach to it...yum!) and the alla vodka sauce. Of course, since Steve has now opened the Falabella Family Bistro and his second 900º location in The Grove, I haven’t visited his mall location as often, but I still enjoy the lasagna, Woodfired wings and chicken parmigiana, as well as the NY-style pizza and washing it all down with an ice cold Peroni on draught.
AMICI PIZZA
26602 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Lutz A (813) 973-9734 mici is another excellent NY-style pizza place that also has delicious Italian specialties that make it impossible for me not to include it as one of my favorite restaurants (as well as one of my favorite pizza places; see list on next page) Not only do the Mannino brothers serve delicious pizza, they also offer a very authentic NY-style version of another one of my favorite pasta dishes — the linguine with white clams shown above. I can’t really call it a sauce, because it’s correctly more of a light broth, but it is loaded with whole clams and garlic and is a definite must-try! And, although I’ve never been a big fan of the garlic knots at most pizza places, try Amici’s garlic bread with marinara dip. Yum! The red-sauced baked dishes — veal, chicken or eggplant parm, Marsala & piccata dishes are all legit, too.
CAPITAL TACOS
27209 S.R. 56 (813) 973-3777
This five-location Tampa Bay-area minichain is about to become a player on a national scale (according to a recent Tampa Bay Times report), as Capital Tacos co-owners Josh Luger and James Marcus have plans to sell franchises in other southern states. It does make sense, as Capital Tacos has expanded from its original 1,000-sq.-ft. Land O’Lakes location and has been a success here in The Chap, Riverview, Brandon and New Port Richey, with its cute names for unique takes on Tex-Mex favorites, like the Capetizer platter, “Rule Breakers” like the cluckin’ chicken quesadilla and MC Yum-Yum, Big Kahuna and my favorite Chapel’s Cheesesteak bowl (photo). Jannah loves the Andre 3001 salad (chicken fajitas and sizzlin’ bacon). Hopefully, expansion won’t affect the quality of the originals.
TEXAS ROADHOUSE
26409 Silver Maple Pkwy. (813) 907-8188
It’s tough for me to leave so many high-quality restaurants off of my top-25 list (see my next 25 list below), but it’s really difficult to leave Wesley Chapel’s best value for delicious steak off the list, despite all of the new restaurants that have opened in our area in 2021. With prices several dollars cheaper than either Longhorn or Outback, and of course, those addictive free peanuts, Texas Roadhouse is definitely about value for your money. The pandemic apparently ended the employee line dancing tradition every hour, and you definitely need to call ahead to sit at a table, but we love the Roadhouse for the 8-oz. Dallas filet, the 20-oz. bone-in ribeye, starters like the crispy tater skins and cheese fries, and non-steaks like the country fried, herb-crusted or smothered chicken, and of course, the fresh-baked rolls with honey cinnamon butter.
BROOKLYN WATER BAGEL
27835 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (813) 775-2275
Since it first opened a couple of years ago, The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel (BWB; see ad on pg. 36) has had very good New York-style, kettle-boiled-and-baked bagels, decadent black & white cookies and delicious coffee, all made with water that is “Brooklynized” on site. But, a few months ago, Wesley Chapel owner Daniel Kurland and other BWB franchisees have added authentic Jewish deli corned beef and pastrami from the famed Carnegie Deli in New York City, which closed several years ago but which has continued to supply these favorite deli meats for restaurants across the country. Now, BWB doesn’t have the steamer drawers that kept the meats at the peak of their tender juiciness, but with huge Carnegiestyle half- and full-pound sandwiches (like the Manhattan combo above) available, served on the bagel of your choice or delicious rye bread, BWB has been elevated to my top-25.
GARY’S NEXT 25 WESLEY CHAPEL FAVORITES
(in alphabetical order)
All of these restaurants also are very good, just not good enough to make my Top-25 in (or adjacent to) Wesley Chapel this year.-GN
900º NY Pizza (The Grove) Aussie Grill Bahama Breeze BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse Bonsai Sushi Brunchie’s Chick’n Fun Chuy’s Tex-Mex Cantina Laredo FJ Express Ford’s Garage Fratelli’s Hibachi Express Keke’s Breakfast Café Mellow Mushroom Moschella’s NY NY Pizza O’Brien’s Irish Pub Omnivorous Pasta di Guy Rock n Brews Señor Tequila Shake-A-Salad Tropics at Saddlebrook Yamato
GARY’S FAVORITE RESTAURANTS TO OPEN IN/NEAR WESLEY CHAPEL IN 2021
Considering how the pandemic continued to affect business in our area, a lot of new restaurants still managed to open in (or adjacent to) Wesley Chapel in 2021 and the following were my most welcome newcomers.
1. Falabella Family Bistro 2. Bluefin Sushi 3. Chick’n Fun 4. 900º NY Pizza (The Grove) 5. Shake-A-Salad 6. Omnivorous 7. Señor Tequila 8. Keke’s Breakfast Café 9. Green Market Café 10. Zaxby’s
Although not all of the places listed below serve the true New York-style pizza I love the most, they are all delicious places to pick up a delicious pie an, in many cases, a slice. For me, NY NY is #1 because its Grandma’s pizza sauce and its sausage and pepperoni slices and pies are a tiny cut above Amici, the two 900º locations and Fratelli’s. The next five are all excellent, too, as I am happy to argue with anyone that Wesley Chapel is a great location for pizza. — GN
Most of the places listed below serve either Mexican, Tex-Mex or Southwestern-U.S.-style cuisine, with the exceptions being Rice-n-Beans (Puerto Rican), Arepa Mia (Venezuelan) and Latin Twist (Cuban). I like Vallarta’s best for its sizzling fajitas, although Chuy’s isn’t that far behind, Rice-n-Beans for its chicharrones, Capital Tacos for its bowls and Arepa Mia for its arepas and empanadas. Cantina Laredo would finish higher with me if it was a better value. — GN
This is a tough category for me because 1) I love dessert so much, 2) can’t enjoy it as often as I would like because I’m fat and 3) not all of the places listed below are dessert-only places. Even so, there’s no doubt that Joe Schembri’s Ice Dreammm Shop, with its homemade ice cream and decadent brownies and cookies, is #1. I included and put Falabella second because it does sell its baked goods out of a display case and Culver’s #5 for its frozen custard. — GN
Another super-tough category because each full-liquor bar listed below has different strengths and drawbacks. Treble Makers has piano music and a great crowd. Chuck Lager is our favorite place just to sit at the bar. Joe Whiskey’s has karaoke and the best drink prices. Florida Ave. has the most comfy bar stools. The Brass Tap’s karaoke starts a little late, but it has the best prices at the mall. Glory Days beats Bubba’s because of its superior wi-fi (important for fantasy football). Top Shelf rarely has seats at the bar. O’Brien’s has karaoke and live music, but skews a little country. Rock & Brews dropped when it stopped its live music. Please note that there are no beer-&-wine only bars here because Jannah and I aren’t beer drinkers. — GN
1. NY NY 2. Amici 3. 900º Woodfired (Wiregrass) 4. 900º NY (The Grove) 5. Fratelli’s
6. Noble Crust 7. PizzaMania 8. Pasta di Guy 9. Caprese Pizza House 10. Moschella’s
GARY’S 10 FAVORITE ASIAN/MEDITERRANEAN
RESTAURANTS in WESLEY CHAPEL
Although both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel still have limited numbers of Mediterranean places, I still think I will go back to not including Mediterranean/Greek/Middle Eastern places in the same category as the much more populous Chinese, Japanese, Korean & Thai options. Not quite making this list, but also very good, are Hot Wok 88, Gonna China, Ho Wok, Medilish Mediterranean Grill, Tokyo Grill & Sushi and others. Zukku-San gets the edge over BlueFin and Umu because of its appetizers, moreso than its sushi. — GN 1. Zukku-San 2. BlueFin 3. The Hungry Greek 4. Umu 5. Arroy Thai 6. Bonsai Sushi 7. Yamato 8. Garden Mediterranean Grill 9. Hibachi Express 10. FJ Express
1. Vallarta’s 2. Rice-N-Beans 3. Capital Tacos 4. Chuy’s Tex-Mex 5. Arepa Mia 6. Cantina Laredo 7. Latin Twist Café 8. Señor Tequila 9. Taco Bus 10. Taco Son
1. Ice Dreammm Shop 2. Falabella Family Bistro 3. Nothing Bundt Cakes 4. Crumbl Cookie 5. Culver’s 6. Twistee Treat 7. Brooklyn Water Bagel 8. Moschella’s 9. Cafe 365 10. Barnes & Noble Café (Wiregrass)
GARY’S 10 FAVORITE BARS in WESLEY CHAPEL
1. Treble Makers 2. Chuck Lager 3. Joe Whiskey’s 4. Florida Ave. Brewing Co. 5. The Brass Tap 6. Glory Days 7. Bubba’s 33 8. Top Shelf Sports Lounge 9. O’Brien’s 10. Rock & Brews
