Daily Loaf

Thur. July 30. Swingers Karaoke. ALT Pathway restaurant and lounge. 810 E. Skagway, Ave. Tampa.

Fri-Sat. July 31-Aug 1. ABC and Blacklite Swingers Parties. Come dressed as sexy as you want, just so long as you are wearing Anything But Clothes for the Friday night party. On Saturday night, there will be a Blacklite Party with the heated pool open all night. 9pm. $20-$50 plus the cost of renting a room. Couples and single women only. Ramada Inn. Kissimme FL. For more infor check out the Aahz crew. Read the rest of this entry »

Tucked into a strip mall near USF’s main campus, along with a sports bar and tanning salon, you’ll find Peter Taylor’s passion project: Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar. From the rich orange and gold colors of the floor to the wood burning oven visible from every seat in the house, the entire place was assembled by Taylor’s own hands.

Sinatra music plays in the background and there is not a flatscreen TV to be found. Leather seats convince you to stay a while to enjoy your meal and conversation. Pizzas named Sophia and Raquel are an homage to silver screen icons.

Taylor mans the oven and, if you ask, he’ll tell you how the 16th century cannonball at the front of the store represents the birth of pizza, when Italians first thought to put the once-considered-poisonous tomato on yeast bread. He will convey the story of true Neapolitan pizza and how it became bastardized after arriving in America. That said, he does not claim to make true Neapolitan pies. Read the rest of this entry »

Considering the buzz about Tampa’s two Ethiopian restaurants (Queen of Sheba and Abol Bunna), I was excited to find cuisine available from another African country – Nigeria.  African Eateries (320 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-443-5152) has been open for about two months and this small, cafeteria-style spot is more of a home kitchen than a restaurant.  The same young lady that takes your order also cooks it and settles the bill at the end.  If the drink cooler had not been behind a counter, they might have suggested we help ourselves.  My friend Laurie says this makes it a micro-restaurant.

Some dishes are available with rice or with pounded yam: a large steaming ball of pale dough which we were told to tear and dip into the stews. Read the rest of this entry »

This week, Brian and Taylor just drink and chat about whatever comes to mind, like Taco Bus owner Rene Valenzuela’s new restaurant, or St. Pete’s Buona Vita, or how to chill your wine consumption this summer.

Downland the episode here.

Buona Vita
3 stars
330 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-823-2100.

Buona Vita was born out of tragedy, albeit a tiny one. When Local Coffee + Tea owner Michael Duranko decided to pull out of St. Petersburg, three of the coffeeshop employees took over the place, almost ad hoc. They were on a week-to-week pay schedule with the landlord, with no formal lease. One day, after splurging on two weeks of supplies, the three found that the locks had been changed and they were done with their brief stint as business owners.

The main reason, according to building owner Andy Wallace, was that he wanted something in the space that would better serve the local worker bees in surrounding downtown buildings. There’re already a lot of coffee shops. He had been approached by Allan Galleano, one of the investors in the defunct Desanto restaurant down the street. Galleano was ready to replicate the success he’s had with Italian restaurants in other locations.

Well, there are already a lot of Italian restaurants, too, Read the rest of this entry »

Taco Bus owner Rene Valenzuela has bought the former Malena’s space on 2320 Fletcher Ave. and plans to open an outpost of his Taqueria Monterrey, which has another location in Plant City. According to Valenzuela, “we’ll have a lady in front making tortillas fresh, and all the items that are difficult to do in the Taco Bus.” There will be a larger menu of vegetarian and vegan items, a salsa bar, and more complex food at the new spot, and the prices will be slightly higher than the Taco Bus’ incredibly inexpensive fare.

Sounds like good news, but Read the rest of this entry »

Brian and Taylor chat with Gui Alinat — local chef and recent CL food contributor. We also run down Brian’s obsession with Domenica Macchia of Diner 437, the closing of Ybor’s The Nest, the re-opening of Wild Shrimp Company, and Taylor’s love for white wines from Bordeaux.

Download episode 21 here.

When I reviewed The Nest a couple months back, it seemed like the restaurant had enough going for it to make a run during this shitty economy, especially considering the potential of Gaybor’s resurgence. There was interesting tapas, a good wine list, a nice setting and an experienced restaurateur in Sidney Sakho, a guy who’s managed and owned several restaurant in Washington, DC and elsewhere. Then I talked to Sakho, who was less optimistic than I expected. Read the rest of this entry »

Diner 437
3.5 stars
437 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-4370

I freely admit that I’m a Domenica Macchia stalker. I first encountered this former Redwoods chef at MJ’s Martinis and Tapas last year, when she wowed me and the rest of the Bay area food scene with her interesting and precise take on small-plate fine dining. Then, soon after the place opened, Macchia was fired by the owners of MJ’s. And yes, I feel a little satisfaction that the jazz lounge/restaurant is now on a possibly permanent “hiatus” while it looks for a new location.

After a few months of looking, and some concern over her mortgage, Macchia hooked up with Dan Soronen — former owner of the Old Northeast Tavern — and concocted a gastropub menu for his soon-to-open Shackleton’s Folly in south St. Pete. “Soon” became months, and finally Macchia left to find another new opportunity. Fortuitously, Greg Pugh — owner of Ringside Cafe — was interested in opening a new place. Fast. Diner 437 started slinging hash within a couple of weeks.

I love Macchia for her food, sure, but also for how she lays everything on the table when you talk to her, whether it’s for a CL interview or just gabbing with strangers the counter at her new restaurant during a slow moment. She’s frets — about herself, about her food, about the past and the future — and she’s unabashedly candid about herself and her path to Diner 437. You can read all about it on CL’s food blog.

The problem with love — familial and otherwise — is that it comes with expectations. Read the rest of this entry »

Rawbar
3.5 Stars
777 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, 813-422-5220

It’s interesting to see Taps and Rawbar anchoring adjacent corners of downtown Tampa’s Skypoint building. Both are owned by the same man — James DeVito — and both are attempts to fill niches in downtown Tampa nightlife. The jury’s still out as to whether DeVito is meeting a need, or creating one in a “build it and they will come” moment, but the results are shockingly different at the two joints.

Taps always seemed unfocused, a beer bar with lounge aspirations. DeVito’s brand new Rawbar is entirely different, the concept distilled to the bare essentials, which are then taken to extremes. It’s a Miami scene bar built around an updated sushi menu, the decor almost self-consciously hip, the entire package almost veering into poseur territory. Almost. Read the rest of this entry »

Yet again, CL readers turned out in droves to pick their favorite restaurant among the five regional Top 50 winners. And yet again, the restaurants up for the honor mobilized a huge get-out-the-vote drive. Quickly enough, Backfin Blue and Guppy’s slid out of contention, with Bamboozle struggling to stay in sight of  front-runners Bin 27 Bistro and Council Oak Steakhouse.

Who had the stamina to win this marathon of voting? Find out after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

CL received a brilliant and absurd gift basket today from St. Pete’s Wild Shrimp Company (including 4 cans of Colt .45, a cigarette-smoking monkey figure, Trojan Magnums and more – see after the break for a list of the goodies), but with the swag came some terrible news: Wild Shrimp Company is closing up this Saturday. Just after making CL’s list of Tampa Bay’s Top 50 Restaurants.

According to manager and minor partner James Walton, the decision was made just two days ago. Wild Shrimp is largely owned by a local, family-owned equipment company, “and if things were going well over there we’d have no trouble,” according to Walton.

“Its really bad, after Easter sales dropped in half for us and every other business I’ve talked to,” he told me. The restaurant’s losses are not excessive, and Wild Shrimp would have been able to survive the downturn if the original business plan was followed, but hasn’t had the $100k operating capital it was supposed to.

Walton spun a classic restaurant failure tale: Read the rest of this entry »

Yet again, you’ve spoken. And yet again, some restaurants are more popular than others. Or are better at getting out the vote.

We asked you to vote for the best restaurant in each of our five regional categories, to winnow CL’s list of Tampa Bay’s Top 50 Restaurants down to a mere five, the best of the best regional favorites. This coming Wednesday we’re going to ask for your help once again, as we give you the chance to pick among our Top 5 to determine which place you believe should be Tampa Bay’s Top Restaurant.

But, for 48 hours, everyone can relax and allow these five eateries to bask in their victory -

Results after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

We put it to you, the readers, to help us fill out our list of Tampa Bay’s Top 50 Restaurants, and you spoke. Repeatedly.

Through the six days of voting, many people left heartfelt recommendations in support of their favorite spots, with restaurants ranging from Sarasota to Tarpon Springs. Some were neighborhood haunts, while the big names like Bern’s or Pelagia Trattoria received a few nods from the faithful. But in the end, only five restaurants could ascend to the list.

In first place — thanks to an obvious, perfectly legal, incredibly effective ballot-stuffing campaign — is Paci’s Pizza of Tampa. There were some negative comments about the profusion of Paci’s votes, but there’s no denying the volume.

Second is new (and old) cuban sandwich shop The Floridian, which recently expanded to Tampa from Treasure Island. Bin 27 in South Tampa mounted a final push to easily take the third spot, but the final two spots were much tighter. In a tie, with runner-up Green Springs Bistro a mere single vote behind, was Backfin Blue in Gulfport and Bamboozle Cafe in downtown Tampa.

The full list of Tampa Bay’s Top 50 Restaurants will appear this Wednesday at our Top 50 landing page, a full week before it hits the newstands. Why so early? We want your help, again.

We’ve split the Top 50 into five categories, and need your votes to determine the best in each. Check back this Wednesday to support your favorite restaurants and propel them to victory. Voting will end Monday, June 15, at 3 p.m.

You eat, so you make the call.

Where else can you get this for $6?

May I present the new Fleming’s “5 for 6 till 7″ menu. Essentially, you can almost eat for free. Almost. Every night from 5-7 pm, Fleming’s now offers a menu that includes five cocktails (like the Basil Lemon Drop you see above), five full-sized appetizers and five glasses of house wine by the glass. All for only six dollars each. I still just can’t get over it.

Last night I was presented with tantalizing dish after tantalizing dish, Read the rest of this entry »

Diner 437 is the new venture by Greg Pugh of Ringside Cafe, with Domenica Macchia in front of the stove. Look for it to open tomorrow, June 2, in the former location of Grillside Central, which was recently dropped as part of the Craig “Chappy” Chapman restaurant fiefdom.

Diner 437 will be serving three squares a day — breakfast, lunch and dinner — with a shortened brunch selection on Sunday, and closed on Monday. The food looks to be upscale, reconstructed diner-style dishes, utilizing Macchia’s aborted gastropub menu from Shackleton’s Folly as a template. Sure, you get eggs all day, but you’ll also find duck-fat fries, flatiron pork steaks, and a bevy of fine-dining touches on sandwiches and salads. I’m jazzed — considering how much I’ve loved Macchia’s food in the past — and the price point seems right.

As Maccchia says, it’s inexpensive, but “you cant say cheap, that’s for the girls on the corner.” Everything is under $20, much of it under $10. Beverages match that, with no wine above $18.

Check out Macchia’s rough-draft menu below, although she’s still working out the kinks: Read the rest of this entry »

When MJ’s Martini and Tapas opened last year, I didn’t expect much. It was billed more as a jazz club than a restaurant, and the location — tucked behind a defunct Bennigan’s on St. Pete’s North 4th — was terrible. One visit changed my mind about the place, thanks entirely to chef Domenica Macchia.

Then, soon after the place opened, Macchia was fired by the owners of MJ’s. After a few months of looking, and some concern over her mortgage, she hooked up with Dan Soronen with plans to create a gastropub menu at his soon-to-open Shackleton’s Folly in south St. Pete. “Soon” became months, and finally Macchia left to find another new opportunity. Fortuitously, Greg Pugh — owner of Ringside Cafe — was interested in opening a new place. Fast.

Tomorrow, Diner 437 (check out the full menu) opens in the former space of Grillside Central, with Macchia in the kitchen, back doing what she does best. She is one of my favorite chefs — or even people — to just gab with, thanks to her unedited, machine-gun delivery. So I decided to give her a call and ask her about the past few months.

I talked to her this morning, much too early in the morning for most chefs to be awake.

Why up so early?
I’ve never done lunch or breakfast, so I’m trying to get used to this. The concept [at Diner 437] for me is why not get great eggs all day long?

What went wrong at Shackleton’s Folly?
I started in February. We planned on two weeks afterward I’d get on the payroll, construction was going well, and planned on opening on St. Patty’s day. I’ll tell you everything, I was heartbroken. After four and a half months [Soronen] had no money to pay. I believed in the place, and believed in him, but I realized in the beginning of April I had to move on. I couldn’t lose my house over his dream. He’s kind of mad at me, I wish him the best, but love is not enough. You have to pay your bills.

How did you hook up with Greg Pugh (owner of Ringside Café and now Diner 437)?
I don’t think of myself as spiritual, I think it just sounds good when you’re meeting people, but it all seemed to work out for the best. I left Shackleton on Thursday, in worse shape now than ever before, then Friday I got a call from Greg. He said, “Can I come get you?” I didn’t know him, thought maybe I should bring my knife. But hey, in desperation I’ll get in anyone’s car these days.He showed me a space and I thought, “Wow, right back on Central, kind of where I started down at Redwood.” After a five-minute walkthrough, I said, “I think a diner would work there.”

He asked me to work up a menu and I said, “it just so happens I have one right here.”

What is Diner 437 going to be like?
Well, there’s the counter so I have to learn not to drop f-bombs. My inside voice is, uh, really …
I took the menu from Shackleton’s and made it fit. Read the rest of this entry »

Just in case you missed anything, here’s a week of CL’s food blogging in easy, clickable blurbs:

Upcoming Bay area beer events
“Be Remarkable”- video of Greg Koch’s inspirational speech from 2009 Craft Brewer’s Convention
Grazing: Lunching at Cafe Hey
Nosh Pit Episode 15: Wat Tampa, Memorial Day wine, Edmeades winemaker Van Williamson
Organic farming can be more productive than conventional
Win beer fame from Schmaltz Brewing for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah pics
PF Chang’s giving away free lettuce wraps
Brews and bites : the beer and snack pairing marathon
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
The raw and living food diet: What is it?
Big error in the book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day
Diet dilemmas: staying on track while you travel
$100 Case of Wine: Best wine deals at Mazzaro’s Italian Market in St. Petersburg
Classic Chili Recipe
Can hemp help create a green economy?
Bottle Shock movie released on DVD
Instead of beef and potato, try this lamb burger and eggplant fries

Wednesday, May 20: The Grape
Throughout the month of May, The Grape pairs interesting Italian wines not featured on the regular menu with a special chef’s tasting menu. It includes delectable selections like grilled shrimp crostini, Portobello carpaccio, paillard of chicken breast puttanesca and an artisanal Italian cheese plate. $35. 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa (813-354-9463)

Wednesday, May 20: World of Wines South Tampa
Wine-Down Wednesday. A wine tasting featuring several bottles from California, Chile and Australia along with snacks from Robert’s Catering. Free. 6- 8 p.m., 3431 South West Shore Blvd., Tampa (813-835-9463).

Thursday, May 21: Vino 100
This ladies night out features a wine tasting, appetizers from Let’s Eat and massage chairs to melt away workday worries. Free. 5-8 p.m., 5056 Fourth Street N., St. Pete (727-522-8466)

Thursday, May 21: WineMall
Sample fine wines paired with appetizers by Roy’s at this charity event that raises funds for leukemia and lymphoma research. The evening also features a raffle and a silent auction. Please RSVP to Courtney Simons at csimons@sptimesforum.com. $25. 6-8 p.m., 11246 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa (813-855-7711)

Many more upcoming events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Taylor went to China and all she brought back was this lousy podcast! We dissect her culinary travels, and discuss Brian’s review of Ocean Prime.

Download

Thursday, May 7: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits
This weekly tasting features wines and cigars. $10 (includes glass and $5 coupon). 6943 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa (813-884-3792)

Thursday, May 7: Carrollwood Cultural Center
Wine guide Charles Visalli will cover the ins and outs of wine in this six week series of classes. This week — Elements of Wine Tasting. $25. 6-7:30 p.m., 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa, 813-664-1430

Thursday, May 7: Vino 100 St. Petersburg
This weekly tasting features wines picked for mom. Free. 5-8 p.m., 5056 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727-522-8466)

Friday, May 8: Uncorked
This weekly tasting will focus on female winemakers in honor of Mother’s Day. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2706 4th St N, St. Petersburg (727-892-9463)

Many more after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Ocean Prime
3 and 3/4 Stars
2205 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-490-5288

Several months ago, when I first heard that Ocean Prime was opening, I wondered if Tampa could handle another high-end steakhouse — a chain, in fact — during tough economic times. Hell, considering the massive representation steakhouses have in the Bay area, I’d ask the same question in good times. Considering the crowd on a Tuesday night in April, I guess I have my answer.

The place isn’t packed, but you wouldn’t know it from the loaded parking lot. The dining room is full, happy people are lounging around the exterior bar area and the restaurant feels like it’s hopping. As the night goes on, the long patio dining area overlooking a surprisingly pastoral retention pond on the border of the International Plaza parking lot starts to fill up. Maybe Tampa isn’t ready for more of the usual luxe steakhouse clones, but it certainly seems to have accepted Ocean Prime.

The tasty and capable food is part of that, but I doubt it’s the main draw. Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, April 29: Avenue Cellars Wine Bar
Avenue’s Red Wine 101 class features an overview of the dark side of the wine world, with a tasting of about ten examples. Reservations necessary. $25. 9662 Linebaugh Ave., Tampa (813-920-9991)

Wednesday, April 29: ABC Fine Wines & Spirits (New Port Richey)
This weekly tasting features wines and cigars. $10 (includes glass and $5 coupon). 6115 US Hwy. 19, New Port Richey (727-842-7749)

Friday, May 1: Vintage Wine Cellars
This week’s tasting features wines rated 90 points and higher by leading authorities. $25. 3629 Henderson Blvd., Tampa (813-879-2931)

More after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

The Floridian
3.5 Stars
4424 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-287-6662

On one level, reviewing the newly expanding Floridian – formerly a Treasure Island landmark in a single location – could be an exploration of what happens to the food and feel when a simple restaurant is turned into a chain. Does it devalue the historical impact of the original? How do the compromises that come with multi-unit distribution affect the product? Should hardcore, local-centric consumers start avoiding the new and old locations?

On the other hand, reviewing the new Floridian could easily be just about the sandwiches and sides. There’s plenty to talk about there without even bothering with the fundamental issues at stake. And, to be honest, what’s more fundamental than some kick-ass french fries and a gooey, crunchy Cuban?
Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, Apr. 22: Cork and Olive
At the Single’s Sizzle and Swirl Cooking Class, learn how to create your own dish and pair wine with your new invention. $45. 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., 10019 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa (813-868-3733)

Thursday, Apr. 23: Kuba Cigars
At this wine tasting, sample dark chocolate, snacks and an assortment of cheeses. There will also be door prizes and a fine wine giveaway. $10. 7-9 p.m., 243 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa (813-258-8191)

Thursday, Apr. 23: Toasted Pheasant Bistro
Enjoy a four-course Chilean dinner complete with wine paired for each course. $45. 7-10 p.m., 14445 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa (813-265-6700)

Many more after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

Wednesday, Apr. 15: ABC Fine Wine and Spirits
Join wine lovers and experts at this tasting and sample from dozens of wine selections. Each guest will receive a souvenir wine glass and a coupon for $5 any purchase that night. $10. 1405 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon (813-685-4832)

Wednesday, Apr. 15: Whole Foods
Learn how to pair cheeses with different wines at this class and tasting. Free. 6-7 p.m., 1548 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813-874-9435)

Thursday, Apr. 16: “Beer Wars”
For one night only, seven local Tampa theaters will be playing this documentary, followed by a live discussion with brewers and beer experts. 8 p.m., click here for a list of theaters

Many more events after the break: Read the rest of this entry »

After four weeks of voting — and over 7,500 votes cast — you guys have picked the most popular tacos in the entire Bay area.

The Championship match pitted the popular Dunedin Mexican restaurant Casa Tina against the surprisingly active fans of Lutz’s Mekenita Mexican Grill in a 24-hour marathon of voting. It was the most active contest by far, with over 2,500 votes cast.

Did the Dunedin Darling beat the Lutz Lover?

Which taco wins the coveted prize of Readers’ Poll Champion?

Find out after the break –

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s all come down to this. All the signs in the restaurant, the mass emailings to patrons and friends, the voting every ten minutes like clockwork. Casa Tina and Mekenita Mexican Grill have both done their jobs, mobilizing fans and getting out the vote. But now is crunch time for these taco prom queens.

Can the Dunedin Darling beat the Lutz Lover?

Which taco deserves to move on to the Championship?

Vote after the break –

Read the rest of this entry »

With over 800 votes cast — and a fairly close tally throughout the last 24 hours — Mekenita Mexican Grill has managed to knock Mema’s Alaskan Tacos out of the Readers’ Poll by a vote of 455 to 358.

Now it’s time to vote for the biggest match of all, the battle across the bay, the titannic taco-a-taco throwdown finale, the 2009 CL Tournament of Tacos Readers’ Poll Championship! GO VOTE NOW!

If you want to find out who won the Critic’s Bracket, it’s up on the food site.

For all results check out the Tournament of Tacos Readers’ Poll info page.

Updated bracket with all the matchups after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

Taylor and Brian Nosh under the influence of Roederer Estate Sparkling Wine this week, and talk about David Miller’s new Cities Restaurant, The Lodge, Tacos and Tuscany.

Download

Both Mekenita Mexican Grill in Lutz and Mema’s Alaskan Tacos in Ybor have been able to motivate the troops and get out the vote, no matter the competition. But how will the two powerhouses fare against each other?

Which taco deserves to move on to the Championship?

Vote after the break –

Read the rest of this entry »

Wow. WOW! Over 850 votes were cast in this epic battle between two Pinellas taco favorites, but only one can move on to the Bay area championships. With a count of 571 to 293, Casa Tina utterly dominated the vote. So much so, in fact, that Zurritos’ Zack Gross emailed me a concession earlier today.

Congrats to Casa Tina, Pinellas champion of the 2009 Tournament of Tacos Readers’ Poll!

Now it’s time to vote for the Tampa championship match — Mekenita Mexican Grill vs. Mema’s Alaskan Tacos. Can either of those two worthy spots muster the kind of turnout that Casa Tina did?

If you want to find out who won the Critic’s Bracket, it’s up on the food site today. And check back tomorrow at 2 p.m. to start voting for the Readers’ Poll Bay area championship, Casa Tina vs. ???

For all results check out the Tournament of Tacos Readers’ Poll info page.

Updated bracket with all the matchups after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

Zurritos has consistently motivated its loyal customers to get out the vote in the competition, with some of the highest tallies of any of the matches. Casa Tina has had it fairly easy so far. Can they ramp up their efforts to compete with the seemingly unstoppable Zack Gross fans?

Which taco deserves to move on to the Championship?

Vote after the break –

Read the rest of this entry »

I profiled David Miller of Savant Fine Dining for our $20 Menu Challenge last year and was utterly fascinated by his story: 27 years old (now 28), high school drop-out, culinary competition wiz, CIA grad, muscle car hobbyist, sugar expert and owner of two restaurants and a chocolate-making shop. Oh, wait, make that three restaurants.

Tomorrow, his Cities Restaurant (2551 Drew St., Clearwater, 727-421-9975) will open next door to his high-end, prix fixe Savant. The new restaurant (a la carte, not prix fixe) will feature a different city as its theme every month, with menus, artwork and everything else changing to match the mood of the new locale. Prices are still high-end, with entrees ranging from $22-36.

Simple concept, but Miller’s already getting playful with the idea:

Read the rest of this entry »

No matter how much I may disagree with the results, there’s no arguing with popularity. At least, that is, in a popularity contest like the Readers’ Poll. Casa Tina easily surpasses La Cabana Del Tio and moves on to the Final Four

Voting for the final match of the Edible Eight began today — El Taconazo vs. Mekenita Mexican Grill — and continues through tomorrow, so be sure to support your favorite spot! For all results check out the Tournament of Tacos Readers’ Poll info page.

Updated bracket with all the matchups after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »