Thursday, December 25, 2008

Front Porch is still Shining!

With all of the new restaurants opening up in the neighborhood, it is so easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget the regulars. Recently, channel 10’s website had a small blurb about the FP. The best part was the pictures. They have some beautiful photos of the food and bar of the restaurant. This is always one of our favorites as it is now consistent. They have really been fixing the place up. It now has atmosphere, consistent, good food, and lots of neighbors! I noticed the other day that the outside is looking very nice, the sign is being replaced and the live music is wonderful. If you have not been to the Front Porch Lately, you must try it again!

http://tampabay.metromix.com/restaurants/photogallery/front-porch-grille-and/831181/content?photo=1

Posted by Seminole Heights at 13:54:47 | Permalink | No Comments »

Monday, August 18, 2008

Visit back to the FRONT PORCH!

Recently, I ventured back to The Front Porch. It had been almost a
year since I had been. Quite frankly it was so lack luster and bad
service so I never bothered going back.

I have to say. The owners have spent some money in fixing up the place.
The food was excellent. There must be a new chef in the house. First,
our meal started with the Calamari. It was some of the best I have
found in Tampa . It came with the typical marinara, but also a very
tasty Chili sauce. Next came the house salad and a plate of fresh,
hot cornbread with butter.  The veggies were very
fresh, but the best part was the salad dressings. We ordered the
house raspberry vinaigrette and bleu cheese. Both had so much
flavor! Yum! We went with a large party so the plates were all diverse,
fresh and very tasty. By the end of the meal we were so full we did
not get to experience any of the desserts. However, I have to say, I
will be going back to try the Godiva Creme Brulee or the bread
pudding.

The inside of the restaurant is very warm and inviting. Has a very
large bar that feels very neighborly. Live music on the porch. All
in all, it was a very enjoyable experience. I would highly recommend
giving the Front Porch another visit.

The best part, was the total of the bill. With appetizers, salads, dinner
four and drinks (3 wines) the total tab was only $95. For some reason,
I always thought they were overpriced. However, after this visit,
I have to say they were a great value for the quality and service.

Posted by Seminole Heights at 02:13:11 | Permalink | Comments (4)

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Weigh in on The Wet Zoning

There was an article in the Tampa Tribune by Kathy Steel regarding the wet zoning request for Forever Beautiful and Bungalow Bistro. They had some very interesting points.

Personally, I think this request should be granted. Seminole Heights has long been in need of a “nice” restaurant and social place for neighbors to meet, visit, etc. For some, that place is Front Porch. Bungalow Bistro is on a different level, quality of food, cleanliness, atmosphere, etc. While I like the Front Porch and eat there regularly, I also frequent Bungalow Bistro. I feel that they are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Front Porch more casual, beer drinking place. Bungalow Bistro, more of a wine drinking place. If we want to encourage new restaurants into our neighborhood, we have to figure out a way to remove these ridiculous hurdles that our current city zoning continues to throw at the business owners.

Read the entire article here: http://southtampa2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/30/st-council-to-tackle-issue-of-wet-zoning/

Posted by Seminole Heights at 12:46:09 | Permalink | Comments (10)