IN THE NEWS: The Associated Press’s Brendan Farrington reports that Richard Gonzmart, whose family has owned the Columbia restaurant in Tampa’s Cuban-American Ybor City section for four generations, won’t serve grouper, because he can’t be sure he is getting the real thing from his suppliers. Many restaurants in Florida have been caught passing off Asian catfish, tilapia or other cheaper species as grouper. ap.com … The New York Times details the opening of Hip Hop Soda Shop (1241 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, 813-977-1200), owned by a company whose chief executive is Benjamin Chavis, a former executive director of the NAACP. nytimes.com … The St. Pete Times’s Laura Reiley lists 100 things she likes about Tampa Bay dining, beginning with appetizers from Yummy House (2202 W Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-915-2828) … Jessica Brady reviews Jenn’s Wine Bar (11724 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-960-4808, www.jennswines.com). … Chuin-Wei Yap reports that Bagel Bagel has closed its Brandon and Wesley Chapel locations. tampabay.com … Creative Loafing’s Brian Ries gives four stars to Council Oak Steaks and Seafood (Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 5223 Orient Road, Tampa, 813-627-7625 or hardrockhotelcasinotampa.com). tampa.creativeloafing.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Filed under: Tampa - St. Petersburg Restaurants | Tags: Bagel Bagel closed, Columbia, Council Oak Steaks and Seafood, grouper, Hip Hop Soda Shop, Jenn's Wine bar, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Yummy House |