IN THE NEWS: The St. Pete Times’s Chris Sherman reports that influential chef Jeannie Pierola of Bern’s Steak House and SideBern’s has left the Tampa landmark after nine years of revamping its kitchens. Sherman reports that Pierola split last weekend with David Laxer, whose father founded the steak house in 1956, over a difference in outlook. Local native Pierola vows not to leave the area … Jodie Tillman reports on the Oct. 31 closing of longtime French restaurant Ile de France (13911 Old Dixie Highway in Hudson). … Critic Laura Reilley reviews BD’s Mongolian Barbeque (3140B Tampa Road, AMC 20 Plaza, Oldsmar, 727-785-0300, www.gomongo.com). tampabay.com … The Tampa Trib’s Kurt Loft reviews tapas spot Cheap (309 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-258-5878). tampatrib.com … Creative Loafing’s Brian Ries gives three stars to Bernini (1702 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-0099, berniniofybor.com). tampa.creativeloafing.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Filed under: Tampa - St. Petersburg Restaurants | Tags: BD's Mongolian Barbeque, Bern's Steak House, Bernini, Cheap, Ile de France closed, Jeannie Pierola, SideBern's |