Geno Ate Tampa: Recent Episodes
Geno Knight
Devouring the 813 and 727 one neighborhood at a time. #GenoAteTampa began as a hashtag so I could quickly point listeners to places I've recommended on my Tampa radio show and social media channels. Now, "Geno Ate Tampa" has become the chronicles of my never-ending quest for great burgers, sweet and sour chicken, buffalo wings, fajitas, chicken parmesan, pizza, apple pastries, cheesesteak, grouper nuggets, french fries, lobster rolls and ice cream in the Tampa Bay area. And that's just what I have for breakfast.
Pizza is on everyone's mind lately because Dave Portnoy from Barstool Sports was recently in Tampa trying different pizza places. Among the ones he tried was my favorite spot for the best pizza in Florida: Cristino's in Clearwater. I don't know what score Portnoy gave Cristino's, but it got me in the mood for a Margarita with extra sauce because I hadn't dropped by in a while.
When I pulled in, there were dozens waiting for a table. That's always a good sign. I posted the photo on my Instagram and Facebook of everyone waiting in the parking lot and mentioned that these people don't need Dave Portnoy's endorsement. They know Cristino's Pizza is worth the wait. In the comments, most listeners backed me up - but a few instead suggested other pizzas. And that's where I made my crucial mistake.
There's nothing worse than getting your hopes up about trying a new pizza someone is raving about... and the pizza is just underwhelming. I made the big mistake I don't often make yesterday. In those comments, a listener suggested a popular pizza spot in Largo that I had never tried. I'd heard of it and initially I thought I'd even tried it. But when I looked them up online, I realized I had not been there... and since I was in the area yesterday, I dropped by. After 4 or 5 bites, I got angry with myself. I broke my rule. I forgot to ask the guy who recommended this place 2 important questions before I took his suggestion seriously.
The Florida State Fair opens February 8 and runs through February 19th at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. It’s that time of year when it’s time to finally do away with those New Year’s resolutions. Counting calories is strictly forbidden and carbs are king. This year, there are the usual things on the menu like cotton candy, popcorn, deep fried Twinkies, pizza, turkey legs and fried dough. And there’s no fair in Florida where you won’t find gator nuggets for the adventurous eater.
For those with a sweet tooth, there are some creative new items to hunt down. I will definitely find the Oreo Cookie Cinnamon Bun that Cinnamon Saloon is serving up this year. What an awesome combination of words. And with the Barbie movie being so popular, Paulette’s Food Service has created the Barbie Funnel Cake. It’s got pink icing, powdered sugar and various kinds of sprinkles.
But how about those really weird fair foods? The ones that you dare someone to try. There are always a handful of strange, weird and cringeworthy creations at the Florida State Fair. 2024 will be no different. Pickles are being incorporated into pizza and Pop Rocks. For those who love doughnut burgers, there’s the next level with honey buns and cheese curds. And Mama Jane, famous for her creations on the cable TV show Carnival Eats is back with a new savory funnel cake that is a big departure from the usual.
Let’s dive in. Here are the 5 oddest fair foods that’ll raise your eyebrows when you wander around the 2024 Florida State Fair. Then you can see more things on the Florida State Fair menu that sound a bit more appealing if you’re not the type that dips your dill pickle in chocolate.
Kelly’s Roast Beef is a landmark in the Boston area just as much as the Freedom Trail and Boston Tea Party ship. Boston isn’t known for its beaches. And for good reason. They’re nothing like ours. First of all, there are about 3 months of actual beach weather in New England if you’re lucky. The quality of them is quite low too. BUT Kelly’s on Revere Beach is iconic, serving up roast beef sandwiches and seafood for over 70 years now. There are now a bunch of Kelly’s locations in the Boston area. There’s even one in New Hampshire. But when they opened in Florida, I was shocked.
It must be going well for Kelly’s Roast Beef because now they have as many restaurants in Florida as they do in Massachusetts and New Hampshire combined. They are at the Gateway Shoppes in Naples, Creekside Commons in Parrish, Cypress Woods in Fort Myers and University Park in Sarasota. I’d been meaning to visit one, but I don’t visit any of those areas often. So when I heard their newest location in St. Pete opened, I finally made a trip.
According to the Kelly’s Roast Beef website, everything on the menu is made fresh. It may appear to be another fast food joint. They even have a drive thru. But Kelly’s is definitely a step up in quality, but also in price. The roast beef sandwiches are what made them famous. But what I think will set them apart in Florida is their New England seafood. There aren’t many places in the Tampa area where you can get a legit New England lobster roll.
So how does a Florida Kelly’s location measure up against the original? I’ll do my best to compare the experience. Truth be told, I didn’t go to Kelly’s often when I lived up north. Roast beef isn’t one of the foods I often crave. And while I do like a lobster roll in the summer when I visit family in Maine, I usually pass on them otherwise. They’re expensive and really don’t fill you up much. So my plan when I got to the Kelly’s in St. Pete was to stick with their traditional roast beef sandwich.
“Mama Jane” Harris is a favorite on TV shows like Carnival Eats. There’s always a line for her fair food creations for the Florida State Fair and Florida Strawberry Festival. Today she let me in on her two new creations for Tampa and Plant City next year.
The Florida State Fair
Head to the Florida State Fairgrounds between February 8 and February 19 to try Mama’s newest savory funnel cake: The Temperamental Hog Funnel Cake. Mama wanted to get crazy and do a savory creation that would be all-new. It’s a funnel cake with cornmeal that gives it a bit of a crunch, barbecue spices and there’s pulled pork on time. Then you pick your temperament: happy, angry, or FURIOUS! There’s a thinned down cream cheese glaze to cool the cake down. It’s not sweet – it’s a straight cream cheese flavor.
The Florida Strawberry Festival
Love Almond Joy candy bars? Mama has nailed the flavor with her new Almond Joy Funnel Cake. It’s got the chocolate, almonds and coconut flavor you love in the candy bar. Mama said she’s a big fan of the candy bar – it’s one of her favorites, so this one was all her idea. It’s a traditional flavor with the coconut and almond topping and drizzled chocolate.
If neither of those spark your curiosity, Mama Jane will also have her usual elephant ears and other funnel cakes too, like strawberry cheesecake, red velvet or the turtle with the chocolate and caramel. You can find Mama’s truck near the main stage.
The Bolts invited me over to Amalie Arena to check out the new stuff you can chow down on between periods during the 2023-2024 season. From flatbreads to tacos to pork bowls and loaded nachos, there are some creative new items to check out. If you'd like the visual to go along with this audio, head to my Q105 page and check out photos of all of the foods we talk about with Bubba Flores and Stephanie Swanz from Wicked Oak BBQ, Paul and Brittany Eppler from Bull Market, and Taro Larrea from Loli's Mexican Cravings.
Ever had a meatball sub salad? Sounds interesting but I'm hooked on the Number 5... the Hot Italian sub with the capicola, ham, salami with hot giardiniera and house dressing. DeCosmo opened their new Italian market in Pinellas Park in September 2022. But the family already had legions of fans from their sub shops back in the 80s.
I had a chance to head over to the store and chat with Paul, Steven and Vincenzo about their first year in business. What's worked? What have they tweaked? What's to come as DeCosmo continues to grow? We talk pizza, food delivery and hopes to open a full scale butcher shop on this episode of Geno Ate Tampa.
Got to catch up with Brad Scholten from Disney Water Parks as they get ready for another summer of H20 Glow Nights. It's where you can get back in the Disney parks with smaller crowds, shorter lines and free ice cream and popcorn. Brad always creates fun colorful options to stick with the neon glow theme. Brad says many of the easiest foods to make colorful for kids are actually the ones that are good for them... fruits and vegetables. We also talk with Brad about his Chicago roots and favorite foods to look for at the parks this summer.
Fried chicken fingers, hot buttered Texas Toast, crinkle cut french fries and sweet tea. That's the magic combo in the South. Stephanie Wielinski from Raising Cane's joins me to talk about their first location in Tampa Bay. It's on Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater between Home Depot and Sam's Club. The chain will open in Largo next, followed by Carrollwood and Tampa.
Check out pictures from my visit. See the outdoor dining, the disco balls and of course close up pics of those chicken fingers. Its on my Geno page at myQ105.com.
The people of Tampa have spoken... often. They LOVE Eddie & Sam's Pizza downtown Tampa. I've had it. I like it. But I have found better. Another year has gone by... and my list of the best pizzas in Tampa Bay hasn't changed much.
I'm bummed to see this is a "limited time" thing. Ever since the supply chain issues began, it's been impossible to find the Coffee flavor of those little bottles of Starbucks you see at Publix. They always have caramel, vanilla and mocha. But you never see the coffee flavor anymore... EXCEPT if you want to buy the big bottles. But even the little bottles are now starting to get up around $8 for one of those 4 packs. But when I was at Sam's Club in Clearwater this week, I found a brand I'd never seen before... "Black Stage." Same bottle shape and size. The case comes with 12 bottles for about $14. So way less money... but how do they TASTE? And what's with this limited time thing? Anyone know where else you can buy them in Tampa? Seems like it's an exclusive Sams/Walmart thing.
I finally got to visit Chicago this year. I'd had connecting flights for years through O'Hare, but I never had a chance to wander around one of the best food cities in the world. Within an hour or two of landing, I was sitting at a Lou Malnati's. For years I wondered... how does Cappy's deep dish pizza measure up against the real deal in Chicago? I love Cappy's basic tomato and cheese deep dish. It's a monster. Paul's Chicago is a close runner up, but Cappy's is definitely the best in Florida. But how does it do vs. Lou's? Take a listen!
It was a night of wine, Chicken Parmesan, cannoli and wonderful Italian restaurant smells Friday night in Oldsmar as I checked out the new Mandola's Italian Kitchen. I haven't had a chance to check out the Tampa or Riverview locations yet, but word spread fast in Oldsmar about this opening. Thanks to Shawn Tegtmeyer and the staff for inviting us over to check out their creations! Let's eat!
With Kids Day Tampa coming up at Raymond James Stadium Sunday, I did a list last week of 5 great places to grab a bite to eat after the kids have their fun with the super heroes, alligators and water slides. Mom and Dad are going to need to chill out and refuel. One of the spots I picked I haven't visited yet, but I included them because so many friends have recommended The Boozy Pig.
Andrew from The Boozy Pig came by and brought along his take on the Cuban Sandwich called "El Mixto." We talked about the significance and meaning of the name both for the sandwich and the restaurant name.
I'm about to say something that could get me run out of town. I'm NOT a big Cuban Sandwich guy. Cuban sandwiches are often too bready and dry to me. Not the El Mixto. It's a great mix of meats with great flavor. I would suggest adding their fresh marinated peppers and onions though. I know many would roll their eyes when I say that, but it took it the next level. This Cuban was phenomenal.
The Boozy Pig is located at 3255 W. Cypress Street in Tampa … about two minutes east of Dale Mabry Hwy. It’s a butchery with an attached café restaurant, and the meats are all from local farmers (within two hours of Tampa) who practice regenerative farming (grass fed, free range). What’s also special about Boozy Pig is that they process all of their sausages, deli meats, hot dogs, everything … in-house … home-made, smoked right in the back.
The Boozy Pig is currently open Wednesday through Sunday – both the butcher shop and restaurant, for breakfast and lunch/brunch. Sometime in August they’re expanding their hours to include dinner, and adding on some new dinner menu items, on Friday and Saturday nights.
Julia Childs I am not. I’m more of a lesser-known Guy Fieri. Except I can’t cook. But I’m pretty proud of my creation – Geno’s Ruffles Cheesesteak.
There’s a little bar near the radio station that I frequent for lunch after my show. Brewer’s Tasting Room in St. Pete is mostly known for their selection of craft beers, but I usually have to be responsible because I usually head back to work after. So I get their craft orange cream soda from some brewery in Pennsylvania. There’s also a root beer, cherry cola, grapde soda, and ginger ale. But the beer options are pretty spectacular. You can take a live look at today’s list of breweries they’ve got on the menu on their website.
They partnered with the Cheesesteak Company some time back. I’m assuming that used to be a food truck and now they just have a spot within Brewer’s Tasting Room. My thing to get their is their basic Signature Cheesesteak with cheddar fondue. You can get a little more creative – there’s a buffalo style, a pizza-steak, or if you like it extra cheesy, there’s a Quad Cheesesteak. But I keep it simple – the Signature comes with a bag of Ruffles chips. My magical culinary creation? Dump the bag inside the sandwich. Let the fondue crawl through those Ruffles ridges and enjoy that crunch when you bite into your cheesesteak. On some days they have regular plain Lay’s chips – and I kind of like those better. But either way, the combo of the soft bread and crunch chips with that gooey fondue is pretty awesome. Have I wow’d you with my kitchen prowess?
I’m not even saying this is the best cheesesteak in Tampa Bay. It’s not. Delco’s in Dunedin will probably forever own that title. But Brewer’s Tasting Room is an easy 5 minute drive away from the radio station so the next time you’re coming over to pick up a prize, drop in if you’re hungry. I haven’t tried any of their apps yet but they have all the bar basics: quesadillas, wings, chicken tenders, and pretzels. The cheese fries are a great addition to your cheesesteak if you’re super hungry.
Brewers Tasting Room is at 11270 4th Street North in St. Petersburg. They open for lunch at 11am and close at 11pm, except on Friday and Saturday when they stay open until midnight. If it’s not too hot out, there’s a patio and some outdoor seating. There are trivia and open mic nights too.
Did a road trip for this episode of Geno Ate Tampa. I did that awful drive on I-4 over to Orlando Sunday to check out the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride. But it's always about food with me so I also got a chance to head over to Typhoon Lagoon to chat with Disney Chef Brad about new items his team has created for Disney's H2O Glow at the water park. There's a Chicago-style footlong hot dog, but lots of healthy options too.
I had a chance to chat with Niki Austin from 3 Sheets Events today. She brought by some of the food creations as well as some microbrews and wines you'll see at the first Annual Backlot Wine & Beer Weekend. The event happens May 20 and 21 in the lot between 3 Daughters Brewing and the Old Train Station in St. Pete. The weekend raises funds for two important local non-profits: Hero to a Child which advocates for children of abuse and neglect as well as Operation Craft Beer Deployment which is a new foundation with a mission to provide craft beer to our soldiers and provide them with a taste of home.
There are two nights... with totally different vibes.
Friday 6-9pm, May 20 is Wine & Jazz night. Guests may sample up to 50 wines in a sip and stroll atmosphere with live music by Hot Tonic in a night market setting with over 25 arts and craft vendors. VIP entrants can enjoy special pours in the tent sponsored by Bogle Winery along with a special catered menu.
Saturday 1-4pm, May 21st is Beerfest (Q105 will be there)with live music by local favorite, the Spazmatics. With sampling cups provided by Visit St Pete Clearwater, guests can sample over 100 craft brews. VIP guests will enjoy a beer-inspired menu (attached) from Toasted Associates along with unique local craft brews along with a special visit from Horse Soldier Bourbon.
Breweries featured include Sea Dog, Bayboro, 3 Daughters, Cigar City, Motorworks and more. Many have made special and rare donations that will be up auction at the event including a Keys Weekend Giveaway Islamora Brewing.
If you've been in the pizza game for over 40 years, chances are you're doing something right. Many times when I have talked about pizza, listeners from the Brandon area tell me I've gotta try Babe's Pizza. I used to live nearby, but somehow it never hit my radar and now that I live on the Pinellas side, I'm not over in that area often. But after a Lightning game a few weeks ago, I did the drive and gave their double decker approach to pizza a try. Did Babe's find a spot in my top 10? Take a listen!
I was CRUSHED when I walked up to Italia Mia in St. Pete last month and the doors were locked.
The pandemic has been a nightmare for Tampa area restaurants. Labor shortages and costs going up… it’s led to some great places closing their doors. The one that crushed me last month was when I visited Italia Mia in St. Pete. It has been my go to spot for great Chicken Parmesan ever since I moved to Florida 10 years ago. Truth be told, the last few visits were not so great, but I kept going thinking they were facing those pandemic problems I mentioned. Last month, I wanted to have Mason Dixon’s producer Andrew give the place a try. When I walked up, my heart sank. The doors were locked. It was dark inside. They were usually closed Mondays – but this wasn’t a Monday. And peeking through the windows, it was clear Italia Mia hadn’t been open for a few weeks if not months.
A guy who runs a marital arts gym next to Italia Mia told me the new owners couldn’t make it work. New owners? This was news to me. I’d noticed staff changes over the past year or so, but didn’t think much of it. Come to find out, those times I was not really enjoying the food… it was after the original owners had left. Some Q105 listeners let me know that they opened a new spot called Italian Touch. I looked the place up online and sure enough, there was the short Italian woman who’d served me many times right there on the hompeage. When I pulled up the menu, it was almost an exact match to Italia Mia. So after the show yesterday, off I went to see if the magic was still there. The new place is nowhere near Italia Mia geographically. Mama Rosa’s Italian Kitchen is in the Kenneth City area (8211 46th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709). Although it’s far away, taste bud wise, it’s the 100% Italia Mia experience that I thought was long gone. As soon as I walked in that hypnotizing smell of great Italian food got me psyched. As I passed the counter and into the dining room, there she was… Mama Rosa. Working a room twice the size of Italia Mia all by herself, she frantically went from table to table. After the first bite of my salad, I knew my favorite spot for Italian is back. The dressing has that vinegar and garlic punch I loved at Italia Mia. When the Chicken Parmesan sub arrived, I attacked it viciously. It was just as I remembered… fresh bread with a crunch on the outside but chewy and soft inside, flavorful sauce and chicken prepared just right.
The daily lunch specials from Italia Mia are at Italian Touch too. With the prices of everything from gas to groceries going up, I don’t know how they can charge only $8.95. Choices include ravioli, lasagna, and one of my favorites – ziti with sausages, peppers and onions in marinara. Bread and salad is included. Lunch specials end at 3pm. A personal pizza with a topping is $9.95. I must’ve gone to Italia Mia 30 or 40 times before I ever tried their pizza because the Chicken Parm was my thing. But the pizza is fantastic too. You can get it by the slice during lunch hour.
I speak with "Mama Jane" Harris from Carnival Eats. Every year for Plant City, she creates something new for fair food fans to try.
I first fell in Mama Jane's desserts about 5 or 6 years ago when she invented "Funnel Bacon on a Stick." She took a stick of thick bacon, dipped it in funnel cake batter, fried it up and topped it with powdered sugar and a maple butter glaze. It was something. Last year it was eclipsed by a strawberry lemon ricotta funnel cake. But this year, she might even top that.
Mama announced that Plant City will get a Strawberry Key Lime Funnel Cake for 2022. Two Florida flavors in one dessert. The strawberries will be from Plant City and fresh lime juice will be used to give it that local flavor. Top it with powdered sugar and some fresh strawberries and a key lime glaze.
French fries are such an underrated food. We always talk about who has the best pizza or Chinese food. But sometimes a french fry can be the highlight of your meal.
Want a great steak or the perfect Italian restaurant? The last person I'd ask is some 20 year old hipster in skinny jeans. The free newspaper for college kids and 20 somethings does a web poll every year and quite honestly, I think people take it far too seriously. They got a few things right, but I'll tell you were to get a great burger and wings. Or you can listen to the kids whose major priority is taking an Instagram selfie.
It's not easy to find great Chinese food in Florida. Here are 3 on the Hillsborough side and 1 on the Pinellas side. 2 are good dine in sit down spots. 2 are just take out. In this episode we talk about Zom Hee in Seminole, Yummy House in Tampa, Shang Hai in Tampa and China One in Brandon.
My pal Shiner from Tampa Bay Today invited me on to help interview Shake Shack Area Director Erik Hugley about the opening plans for the chain's first area location in Midtown Tampa June 7, 2021.
There are some "gotta try that" creations and a few "uh, no thanks... hard pass" items on the menu at this year's Florida State Fair in Tampa. My bias for apple desserts will be a big factor here. The one item that has made headlines more than any other this year is one in my "hard pass" column... the pickle pizza. I like unique. But maybe not THAT unique.
Two newcomers to my list this year. If you're heading to Plant City, don't eat the foods you can easily find the other 51 weeks of the year. Live a little. Try something unique that is a once-in-a-lifetime creation by one of the fair food aficionados. I spend most of my time at Mama Jane's truck. Her creations have been featured over a dozen times on Carnival Eats on The Cooking Channel and she always whips up something new for the Florida Strawberry Festival. Several years ago she made what, until this year, was my all-time favorite fair food: Funnel Bacon on a Stick. This year, she outdid herself. But there are many must-eats... from Smitty's Corn Dogs to Amish Doughnuts, here's my list you can listen to on your drive to Plant City for the 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival.
Sunday is going to be a monumental day in Tampa Bay sports history. After an incredible year of success with the Lightning and Rays, it's the Bucs turn to make us proud. No one is more pumped that NFL Hall of Famer and Buccaneers Super Fan "Big Nasty" Keith Kunzig. He'll of course be at Raymond James Stadium but I asked him for his picks for places to hit up if you won't be able to be there in person. Beyond his picks for great Tampa area sports bars, Nasty also shared his game day plan for where he'll be fueling up before he heads to Super Bowl 55.
It's a big deal. She's a regular on the cable TV show Carnival Eats but her fair food masterpieces have been featured on The Today Show, CBS This Morning, and The Travel Channel. Every year "Mama Jane" Harris creates something new for the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City and this year, it sounds like she's got another winner.
The Strawberry Lemon Ricotta Funnel Cake has a crunch factor that's "phenomenal" according to Mama. The crazy thing is Mama doesn't even have a sweet tooth herself. She doesn't usually eat her own desserts, but she says she loves this one. She's done a similar cake in Pensacola with blueberries, but given that this is Plant City, it's gotta be fresh Wish Farms strawberries.