DINING By Nanette Wiser
Delivery and take-out dining are here to stay, even if people are flocking to restaurants. UberEats, DoorDash and other delivery app services, mail order or chef-made meals and take-out dining popups (Pipo’s To Go, Kuba, Two Dads) are thriving. Dining at home with gourmet restaurant food is the cool trend during hot summers whether it’s for two or 10 people. Hungry? Let’s eat!
You can find delicious ready-to-heat meals at Belleair Market (Wonderland chicken, chicken enchiladas, beef stroganoff, mahi fresh spread), Fresh Market, Rollin’ Oats, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Publix and Earth Fare. In addition to Publix and Whole Foods, Kroger will soon deliver food and meals as well in the Tampa Bay area.
Ethnic Delights: Gourmet pizzas from Coastal Kitchen (shrimp), Slyce (Greek or mushroom meatball), Gennaro’s or Bavaro step up the pie game. Turn up the salsa and order Cuban dishes beyond the sandwich from Kuba, Pipo’s To Go near Mastry’s, Pipo’s or Havana Harry. With La Segunda Bakery opening downtown, there will be no shortage of good Cuban bread and desserts.
Asian dishes and sushi are always a favorite, especially from Nori Thai and Basil Leaf while gourmet Italian meals from Da Sesto Italiano or Villa Gallace served by candlelight will woo your loved one. You can also pick up Italian meals ready to heat at Ippilito’s or Mazzaro’s.
Nosh Charcuterie: Like to graze? Pick up fish spread from Nachmann’s or Ted Peters, add olives from Kalamazoo, cheeses and charcuterie meats from Mazzaro’s or Brooklyn South, or order for pick up from Annata, Bacchus, Lolita or Hawthorne Bottle Shop. Add a Sancerre, crusty French bread and sliced melon and cue the Michael Buble.
Comfort Food: I love Two Dads to Go in Gulfport for the Southeast Asian beef sandwich made with shaved roasted NY Strip with sweet soy, pickled vegetables, sriracha mayo and sesame seeds, pork belly tacos and meatloaf dinner. Meatlovers enjoy Aloha To Go’s Hawaiian BBQ or Sonny’s Ribs with two sides. Delight in Uptowns Eats’ homemade soups and savory sandwiches such as herbed goat cheese, roasted veggies, fig balsamic reduction and arugula on toasted focaccia.
Sea-Soned Fare: For seafood, Outer Banks Boil Co. offers an authentic Coastal Low Country Boil in a pot to-go. Just add liquid (water, beer, white wine), place on your stovetop, steam and serve. We like the Best Pot On The Beach (red bliss potatoes, an ear of sweet corn, spicy andouille sausage, sweet onions and jumbo shrimp all layered and seasoned served with lemon and Matt’s homemade cocktail sauce) or the Maine-Lander lobster tail pot.
Chef-Made Meal Services: 727PREP is a family-owned business specializing in prepared meals that just need heating and come in eco-friendly containers. Order ahead for the week for dishes such as All-American steak or ethnic delights (pan-seared chicken breast, Israeli couscous, and fresh tomato salad with creamy tzatziki or braised chicken with coconut-curry sweet potatoes, jasmine rice, and chana masala).
FitLife Foods in downtown St. Pete is crave-worthy, with chef-prepared dishes delivered to your door or available for pick up. I adore the mojito lime chicken, pork bulgogi bowl and the gaucho flat iron steak served with roasted broccoli and peppers, paired with a savory Argentinean chimichurri sauce. Lots of vegetarian and gluten free options.
(Call ahead and check website or Facebook for menu/hours.)