Plate to Palette

If you want to understand the DNA of the modern Tampa food scene, you have to go back to the source. Before the kaleidoscope of "bowls" and "lifestyle brands" took over South Howard Avenue, there was Ciccio & Tony’s . It was the mothership, the place where the now-massive Ciccio Restaurant Group (CRG) first planted its flag in 1996. Today, that location has evolved into Water + Flour , a concept that feels less like a rebrand and more like a graduation. It has shed the old-school Italian skin of its predecessor to embrace a sleeker, sexier identity: a hybrid of California cool, Miami heat, and South Tampa energy. Located at 1015 S Howard Ave, Water + Flour isn't just a restaurant; it’s a history lesson in how to stay relevant. By splitting its personality into two distinct elements— Water (fresh, raw, oceanic) and Flour (baked, comforted, grounded)—it manages to be everything to everyone without losing its soul. The Atmosphere: Cali-Cool Meets SoHo Chic W...

 If traditional Italian restaurants are the strict, old-school nonnas of the culinary world, Jay Luigi is the cool, modern cousin who studied abroad in Rome but still knows how to party in South Tampa. As the latest heavy-hitter from the Ciccio Restaurant Group (CRG) —the powerhouse behind local favorites like Green Lemon, Taco Dirty, and Fresh Kitchen—Jay Luigi brings a refreshing "New Italian" concept to the Bay Area. It is a collaboration that feels like a destiny match: the operational genius of CRG’s James Lanza paired with the dough-obsessed expertise of "Pizza Savant" Jason Brunetti. The result? A dining experience that respects tradition but isn't afraid to break the rules. The Philosophy: "Trust The Crust" At the heart of Jay Luigi is a slogan you’ll see plastered on their walls and merchandise: "Trust The Crust." And you should. In a world where "pizza" often means greasy, heavy fast food, Jay Luigi treats dough with sci...

 If you have spent any time walking down South Howard Avenue in the sweltering Tampa heat, you know the craving: you want something cold, you want something sweet, but you don't necessarily want the sluggishness that comes after downing a heavy, dairy-filled milkshake. Enter Sweet Soul , a vibrant, plant-based superfood bar that has mastered the impossible art of making "healthy" taste like an indulgence. Located at 1101 South Howard Ave, right in the pulsating heart of the SoHo district, Sweet Soul is the younger, lighter, and more angelic sibling in the local culinary family (often associated with the heavy-hitters of the Ciccio Restaurant Group). While its neighbors might tempt you with tequila and tacos, Sweet Soul offers a different kind of buzz: a sugar rush fueled by nature, not refined corn syrup. As a food reviewer who has eaten their way through most of Tampa’s "health food" scene, I can tell you that "plant-based" is often a synonym for ...

 If South Tampa had a pulse, you would likely find it beating loudest on South Howard Avenue, directly inside the neon-lit, high-energy dining hall of Green Lemon . In a city teeming with culinary options, standing out as one of the premier Mexican Restaurants in Tampa requires more than just good guacamole; it requires an atmosphere that feels like a party from the moment you walk in. Owned by the Ciccio Restaurant Group (the same innovative minds behind Taco Dirty), Green Lemon takes the concept of "Modern Mexican" and injects it with adrenaline. It isn't just a place to eat; it is a social destination. Whether you are kicking off a night out in SoHo or recovering from one, this spot has cemented itself as the go-to hub for Mexican Food South Tampa . The Vibe: "I Didn't Call You, Tequila Did" The first thing you notice upon entering isn't the smell of spices, but the electric energy. A neon sign on the wall declares, "I Didn't Call You, Tequi...

 In the bustling culinary landscape of the Tampa Bay area, where fast-casual concepts often struggle to find the balance between speed, affordability, and genuine nutrition, one brand has managed to turn a cheeky name into a badge of health-conscious honor. Taco Dirty , a vibrant concept under the umbrella of the renowned Ciccio Restaurant Group (CRG), has redefined what it means to grab a quick Mexican meal. With locations in the trendy South Tampa district and the growing community of Riverview, Taco Dirty offers a dining experience that is paradoxically named. While "Dirty" might imply greasy spoons or guilty pleasures, the reality of the menu is quite the opposite. This is a celebration of "clean" eating disguised as indulgent comfort food, offering a customizable experience that caters to vegans, carnivores, and gluten-free diners alike without sacrificing a single ounce of flavor. The Philosophy: "Clean" Ingredients with a "Dirty" Attitude ...

We have all been there. It’s 8:45 AM. You are hosting the quarterly team meeting, or maybe it’s the morning after a bachelorette party, and you are staring at a sad box of stale donuts and a jug of lukewarm coffee. The morale in the room is low. Stop doing this to yourself. I recently discovered the catering menu at Daily Eats (901 S Howard Ave), and it has officially changed my hosting game. If you want to look like the most organized person in Tampa without actually cooking a single egg, this is your playbook. Here is the deep dive on how to hack their catering menu t o feed a crowd without breaking a sweat. The "Serves 5" Strategy The genius of the Daily Eats catering menu is the math. Almost everything is portioned to "Serve 5." This makes headcount math incredibly easy. Have 10 people? Order 2 platters. Have 15? Order 3. No complex fractions required. The Handhelds: No Forks Required If you are doing a working lunch or a standing mixer, you need food people c...