BEEF BASCOM'S CHOP HOUSE, 3665 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater; (727) 573-3363. This American chop house showcases a variety of aged beef, hand-cut veal, pork and lamb chops, and a small selection of seafood. Try the expertly seared sea scallops, enhanced by baby spinach and grilled red onions. Enjoy a side dish called Gorgonzola Souffle, a cheesy bread pudding. ($$-$$$) ...more

October 24, 2008

It's one thing to read about a great restaurant on the other coast. It's another to produce a signature recipe. ...more

September 30, 2008

'TOP CHEF' STOP I used to worry that I wrote too much about the Bravo show "Top Chef." Perhaps that worry was unnecessary. ...more

September 24, 2008

Rayetta Seward watches all the food shows on TV at her home in Tampa. She likes to cook seafood - she doesn't eat red meat - and she loves to try the new techniques she sees. ...more

September 21, 2008

TAMPA Rayetta Seward watches all the food shows on TV at her home in Tampa. She likes to cook seafood – she doesn't eat red meat – and she loves to try the new techniques she sees. ...more

September 20, 2008

FRENCH CAFE LARGO, 12551 Indian Rocks Road, Largo; (727) 596-6282. Cafe Largo stands out for its inspired kitchen and presentation, plus personal service from a friendly staff. Strong entree choices include veal scallopini, rare beef tenderloin and rack of lamb with three complementary sauces; and veal kidney flambe with cognac and Dijon mustard. Don't leave without trying the cafe's trademark souffles au choix, made with orange liqueur, chocolate, Frangelico and fruit. ($$) ...more

September 12, 2008

MEDITERRANEAN/ PERSIAN ACROPOLIS GREEK TAVERNA, 1833 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 242-4545. Owner Costa Waez has turned a former pizzeria into a Mediterranean experience. Hearty appetites should consider the moussaka, a casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, sliced eggplant, zucchini, potatoes and a rich cream sauce, all topped with tomato sauce. The Acropolis Sampler comes with four spreads: tzatziki, taramasalata (carp roe puree), melitzanosalata (whipped eggplant) and hummus (crushed chickpeas). Fried squid (tentacles and all) is served crisp from the fryer, with a few slices of red pepper adding color. Greek wines and pastries round out the menu. ($-$$) ...more

August 1, 2008

FRENCH CAFE LARGO, 12551 Indian Rocks Road, Largo; (727) 596-6282. Cafe Largo stands out for its inspired kitchen and presentation, plus personal service from a friendly staff. Strong entree choices include veal scallopini, rare beef tenderloin and rack of lamb with three complementary sauces; and veal kidney flambe with cognac and Dijon mustard. Don't leave without trying the cafe's trademark souffles au choix, made with orange liqueur, chocolate, Frangelico and fruit. ($$) ...more

July 25, 2008

Somewhere beneath the hum of dinner conversation, the muted strains of ney flutes and harmoniums announce the show is about to begin. ...more

July 12, 2008

BEEF BASCOM'S CHOP HOUSE, 3665 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater; (727) 573-3363. This American chop house showcases a variety of aged beef, hand-cut veal, pork and lamb chops, and a small selection of seafood. Try the expertly seared sea scallops, enhanced by baby spinach and grilled red onions. Enjoy a side dish called Gorgonzola Souffle, a cheesy bread pudding. ($$-$$$) ...more

June 27, 2008