Tampa Heights Food News

I don't have as much exciting information to post about Ye Olde Hoode, not like the Seminole Heights blog anyway.

Oh well, I'm trying. That counts for something, right?

So, my only news recently comes in the way of food. Bear with me.

I ate at Grass Root Organic (well, I got takeout anyway) for the first time earlier this week. I have to admit, I was extraordinarily impressed. I was a bit bummed they were out of the makings for Miso Soup and the Burrito made with a sunflower seed refried bean-like substance. I guess that's one of the pitfalls with an organic place - if you're out of stuff or waiting on seeds to sprout etc, you're at the mercy of availability.

I did have a lovely flatbread/hummus item called a Marakesh and a ramen soup. Both were quite good. I was particularly impressed with how little they feared garlic. the Marakesh was extremely fresh and tasty. I'd like to go back and eat in, everyone there was very friendly. they even let me put out cards for the show.

I also note the transition is basically complete over at the old House of Soul to it's new owner/name My House. I did have the food once since the change and I noted no real difference in quality. Good stuff.

Speaking of BBQ - I've noted Oceanic Grocery is getting a lot more variety in the meat case. It used to be all you saw were ducks, roast pork, cuttlefish and various parts I wouldn't really consider food (somebody else apparently does, so to each his own). Lately I've been seeing a lot of bbq chicken legs quarters and rib slabs - both done in that sorta 5-spice bbq style - and they're all delicious. I picked up some of both of those today as well as some supremely garlicy greens.

I got no real other news ... oh, except does anyone else notice it seems that the YMCA on Palm and Florida is constantly replacing a chunk of that iron fence because someone manages to plow into it at least once a month? That's gotta be costly to keep replacing ...

Please don't forget to send me any news tips, garage or property sales or anything else Tampa Heights related, I'll be happy to post it.