I was recently sitting around thinking about food and lists. I had thought it would be fun to list some my favorite restaurants of 2013. The list is extensive and diverse, ranging from a vegan asian place in Providence, RI to the first place on my list in Tampa, FL.

I have since rethought the list idea, but since I am heading to St Petersburg, FL again for the Temple Beth-el Art fundraiser, I realize that I am excited not just about returning to the show ( which I am ) but also about returning to two of my favorite restaurants in the area.

I was in Tampa running an errand before the show began last year and decided to “google” the best places to eat Cuban food in the area. Two restaurants in the Ybor City section of Tampa came to the top of the search as one might expect. One of the top three, however really grabbed my attention. It was La Teresita Grocery. ( Columbus Ave at Lincoln in Tampa).

In La Teresita Grocery, a huge buffet of Cuban food is on display. For $5.00 I was able choose a meat, ranging from goat to chicken and 2 sides. So, the huge quantity and amazing fresh quality of chicken, black beans, rice and plantains cost me $5.00. I know I mentioned the price before, but is bears repeating. It would have still been a bargain at $12. I sat a a long community table and had one of the best meals of the year.
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The second place in the region is the Taco Bus on Central Avenue in St Petersburg, FL. I was browsing the antique shops and other interesting places along Central Avenue when I came upon a large line of people ordering food. While I assume that the bus is indeed mobile when they want it to be, a large indoor/outdoor seating infrastructure has built up around it making it an great place to eat and people watch. The menu is large and diverse and the food is fantastic. http://www.taco-bus.com/

See you in Florida.

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