Dear Residents,
Just a friendly reminder, the NFPA 1 Section 10.11.7 prohibits gas-fired grills and charcoal grills to be kindled on any balcony or under any overhanging portion or within 10 feet of any structure. Electric ranges, grills or similar electrical apparatus shall be permitted. Note: A gas grill may not be stored within any multi-family unit not within 10 feet of any multi-family building.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and making Courtney Trace a great place to live!
Courtney Trace Management
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tampa's SOHO District
On any given night along south Howard Avenue, aromas cascade through the air, carried by the breeze off Hillsborough Bay and into the noses of those in search of a meal.
The smells of poached fish and hot pizza, spicy baked chicken and cafe con leche linger in pockets through the neighborhood, enticing us to make a choice. Will it be Ceviche or Mangrove's, Soho Oasis or Seven 17 South?
The options, of course, are what make south Howard — affectionately known as Restaurant Row — a tantalizing place to consider when the appetite calls. Few places in the area offer so many eateries along one pedestrian stretch, which is why we include it as part of our occasional series on walk-able dining.
Extending roughly from Bayshore to Kennedy boulevards, Restaurant Row literally percolates with places to chow down, from quick bites to big nights, all within a brisk stroll of one another. Happy hour crowds create a bustle early on, followed by mid-evening diners. Another wave arrives as concerts and hockey games let out, and people tarry into the wee hours.
More than 20 restaurants line the avenue, some open for more than 50 years — an anomaly in the business. That historic foundation is what others build on, says Bill Shumate, owner of Bella's and former president of the Florida Restaurant Association.
''I think Bern's being here helped because it established a reputation of excellence in Tampa, the state and the country,'' he says. ''Once you get a pattern of quality established, a reputation, it becomes a norm for what people expect in the area.''
Howard Avenue also has a built-in customer base. It runs smack through some of the most densely packed, and affluent, neighborhoods in Tampa.
''Those neighborhoods are a big help,'' says Joey Reinbold, manager of Mangroves, which has been on the culinary strip for 12 years. ''It's a pretty decent demographic here that's within walking distance to the restaurants.''
The abundance of restaurants, however, comes with a price — parking. Finding a weekend spot requires perseverance and luck, or the necessary evil of the valet.
''Parking is a big problem," Shumate says. "But people seem to come here in spite of it.''
RESTAURANT ROW
Here's a selective look at the restaurants along south Howard Avenue.
1. Mangroves Seafood Grille, 208 S. Howard Ave., (813) 258-3302. Luscious catches from the sea are the marquee event here, although carnivores will want to sink their fangs into the dry-aged Angus Buckhead rib-eye. ($$-$$$)
2. T.C. Choy's Asian Bistro, 301 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-1191. This Oriental bistro cooks up more than 100 Chinese dishes, including eel, octopus, abalone, and whole duck. ($$)
3. Cheap, 309 S. Howard Ave., (813) 258-5878. Despite its name, Cheap is richly rewarding, offering a tantalizing sampling of small-bite items prepared and presented with an understated, artistic flair. The menu features two columns -- epulae (feast) and crudo (raw fish) -- small portions that double as appetizers and entrees. ($)
4. Taqueria Cantina & Burrito Joint, 402 S. Howard Ave., (813) 259-9982. This is the place to gorge yourself with Mexican food at lunch or dinner, on the cheap and in a casual setting right on the main strip. ($)
5. MacDinton's, 405 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-8999. Beef stew simmering in vegetables and a rich broth of Guinness Stout is enough to bring the Irish out of anyone, and it's a staple here, along with other gut-busting pub fare. ($)
6. Soho Oasis Cafe, 410 S. Howard Ave., (813) 849-7482. Creative and healthful Lebanese cuisine, featuring a variety of dishes from Shawerma lamb to charbroiled baby quails. And what other restaurant offers a bottle of Chateau Kefraya? ($)
7. Manny's Bistro, 516 S. Howard Ave., (813) 253-0042. The newest kid on the block features American grill fare, including sandwiches, pasta, seafood and beef, with live music on weekends. ($-$$)
8. Evos, 609 S. Howard Ave., (813) 258-3867. The place to go for soy burgers, nutritious smoothies and other healthful goodies. ($)
9. Seven 17 South, 717 S. Howard Ave., (813) 250-1661. The menu features Italian cuisine on one side, Pacific Rim on the other. The kitchen takes its diners on a culinary tour that begins in Tuscany, then jumps to Hawaii, China and Japan. ($$)
10. Royal Palace Thai Restaurant, 811 S. Howard Ave., (813) 258-5893. Enjoy the yum salads, with shrimp, squid or beef in a zesty lime juice-chili sauce with cucumbers, carrots, onions and chili peppers. A chicken version of Nam Sod is a treat. ($$)
11. Daily Eats, 901 S. Howard Ave., (813) 868-3335. Bite into classic American comfort food with gourmet ingredients like cilantro aioli and goat cheese. For dessert, try the bread pudding and pie. ($-$$)
12. The Lime, 915 S. Howard Ave., (813) 868-5463. The Lime excels by mixing standard Mexican dishes -- tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas - with rotisserie-fired lamb, sirloin, pork or chicken, different cheeses and choices of sauce. It's also a hot spot for the young-and-hip. ($$)
13. Mr. T's Italian Restaurant, 927 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-3969. A Davis Islands landmark in the early 1980s, Mr. T's recently relocated to Restaurant Row, cooking up affordable, no-frills Italian dishes. Go easy on the garlic rolls. ($)
14. Hugo's Spanish Restaurant, 931 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-2842. Nestled in an 88-year-old building, Hugo's lays no claim to gourmet fare, but prices are reasonable and the grub hearty. Try the chicken and yellow rice. ($)
15. Water, 1015 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-8406. Clean, crisp and transparent are apt words to describe Water, the simply appointed sushi restaurant connected to Ciccio & Tony's The modest offerings are zesty and fresh, and gracefully priced. ($$)
16. Sidebern's, 2208 W. Morrison Ave., (813) 258-2233. The contemporary alter-ego of its big neighbor, Bern's, this elegant spot serves classy, eye-appealing dinners with a polyglot of flavor sensations. ($$-$$$)
17. Ciccio & Tony's, 1015 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-8406. With its sassy atmosphere, good food, and local crowds, this restaurant is a weeknight standard for a bite and conversation. "California Bowls," pastas, seafood and pizzas all rock. ($$)
18. Bern's Steak House, 1208 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-2421. The king of steak houses in Florida, Bern's has been a culinary institution for a half century. People fly in from all over the country to dine here and sample exceptional cuts of beef and the most extensive wine list this side of the moon. Bring your paycheck. ($$$)
19. Sally O'Neal's Pizza Hotline, 1319 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-0220. Specialties are homemade pies, pastas, calzones and salads. The owners insist on fresh ingredients, fine-quality baker's yeast, double-smoked bacon and high-gluten flour. ($$)
20. Bella's Italian Cafe, 1413 S. Howard Ave., (813) 254-3355. If location is everything, this venerable Hyde Park restaurant will be around for a long time. Bella's features a classy but comfortable ambience and a solid menu of Italian dishes made from scratch, from personal pizzas to veal. A big spot for the late-night crowd. ($$)
21. Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant, 1502 S. Howard Ave., (813) 250-0203. The classy tapas bar and restaurant in the old Le Bordeaux digs presents hot and cold delights in small bites, as well as paella and excellent sangria. The structure was built in 1957, a year after Bern's opened. ($$)
The smells of poached fish and hot pizza, spicy baked chicken and cafe con leche linger in pockets through the neighborhood, enticing us to make a choice. Will it be Ceviche or Mangrove's, Soho Oasis or Seven 17 South?
The options, of course, are what make south Howard — affectionately known as Restaurant Row — a tantalizing place to consider when the appetite calls. Few places in the area offer so many eateries along one pedestrian stretch, which is why we include it as part of our occasional series on walk-able dining.
Extending roughly from Bayshore to Kennedy boulevards, Restaurant Row literally percolates with places to chow down, from quick bites to big nights, all within a brisk stroll of one another. Happy hour crowds create a bustle early on, followed by mid-evening diners. Another wave arrives as concerts and hockey games let out, and people tarry into the wee hours.
More than 20 restaurants line the avenue, some open for more than 50 years — an anomaly in the business. That historic foundation is what others build on, says Bill Shumate, owner of Bella's and former president of the Florida Restaurant Association.
''I think Bern's being here helped because it established a reputation of excellence in Tampa, the state and the country,'' he says. ''Once you get a pattern of quality established, a reputation, it becomes a norm for what people expect in the area.''
Howard Avenue also has a built-in customer base. It runs smack through some of the most densely packed, and affluent, neighborhoods in Tampa.
''Those neighborhoods are a big help,'' says Joey Reinbold, manager of Mangroves, which has been on the culinary strip for 12 years. ''It's a pretty decent demographic here that's within walking distance to the restaurants.''
The abundance of restaurants, however, comes with a price — parking. Finding a weekend spot requires perseverance and luck, or the necessary evil of the valet.
''Parking is a big problem," Shumate says. "But people seem to come here in spite of it.''
RESTAURANT ROW
Here's a selective look at the restaurants along south Howard Avenue.
1. Mangroves Seafood Grille, 208 S. Howard Ave., (813) 258-3302. Luscious catches from the sea are the marquee event here, although carnivores will want to sink their fangs into the dry-aged Angus Buckhead rib-eye. ($$-$$$)
2. T.C. Choy's Asian Bistro, 301 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-1191. This Oriental bistro cooks up more than 100 Chinese dishes, including eel, octopus, abalone, and whole duck. ($$)
3. Cheap, 309 S. Howard Ave., (813) 258-5878. Despite its name, Cheap is richly rewarding, offering a tantalizing sampling of small-bite items prepared and presented with an understated, artistic flair. The menu features two columns -- epulae (feast) and crudo (raw fish) -- small portions that double as appetizers and entrees. ($)
4. Taqueria Cantina & Burrito Joint, 402 S. Howard Ave., (813) 259-9982. This is the place to gorge yourself with Mexican food at lunch or dinner, on the cheap and in a casual setting right on the main strip. ($)
5. MacDinton's, 405 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-8999. Beef stew simmering in vegetables and a rich broth of Guinness Stout is enough to bring the Irish out of anyone, and it's a staple here, along with other gut-busting pub fare. ($)
6. Soho Oasis Cafe, 410 S. Howard Ave., (813) 849-7482. Creative and healthful Lebanese cuisine, featuring a variety of dishes from Shawerma lamb to charbroiled baby quails. And what other restaurant offers a bottle of Chateau Kefraya? ($)
7. Manny's Bistro, 516 S. Howard Ave., (813) 253-0042. The newest kid on the block features American grill fare, including sandwiches, pasta, seafood and beef, with live music on weekends. ($-$$)
8. Evos, 609 S. Howard Ave., (813) 258-3867. The place to go for soy burgers, nutritious smoothies and other healthful goodies. ($)
9. Seven 17 South, 717 S. Howard Ave., (813) 250-1661. The menu features Italian cuisine on one side, Pacific Rim on the other. The kitchen takes its diners on a culinary tour that begins in Tuscany, then jumps to Hawaii, China and Japan. ($$)
10. Royal Palace Thai Restaurant, 811 S. Howard Ave., (813) 258-5893. Enjoy the yum salads, with shrimp, squid or beef in a zesty lime juice-chili sauce with cucumbers, carrots, onions and chili peppers. A chicken version of Nam Sod is a treat. ($$)
11. Daily Eats, 901 S. Howard Ave., (813) 868-3335. Bite into classic American comfort food with gourmet ingredients like cilantro aioli and goat cheese. For dessert, try the bread pudding and pie. ($-$$)
12. The Lime, 915 S. Howard Ave., (813) 868-5463. The Lime excels by mixing standard Mexican dishes -- tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas - with rotisserie-fired lamb, sirloin, pork or chicken, different cheeses and choices of sauce. It's also a hot spot for the young-and-hip. ($$)
13. Mr. T's Italian Restaurant, 927 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-3969. A Davis Islands landmark in the early 1980s, Mr. T's recently relocated to Restaurant Row, cooking up affordable, no-frills Italian dishes. Go easy on the garlic rolls. ($)
14. Hugo's Spanish Restaurant, 931 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-2842. Nestled in an 88-year-old building, Hugo's lays no claim to gourmet fare, but prices are reasonable and the grub hearty. Try the chicken and yellow rice. ($)
15. Water, 1015 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-8406. Clean, crisp and transparent are apt words to describe Water, the simply appointed sushi restaurant connected to Ciccio & Tony's The modest offerings are zesty and fresh, and gracefully priced. ($$)
16. Sidebern's, 2208 W. Morrison Ave., (813) 258-2233. The contemporary alter-ego of its big neighbor, Bern's, this elegant spot serves classy, eye-appealing dinners with a polyglot of flavor sensations. ($$-$$$)
17. Ciccio & Tony's, 1015 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-8406. With its sassy atmosphere, good food, and local crowds, this restaurant is a weeknight standard for a bite and conversation. "California Bowls," pastas, seafood and pizzas all rock. ($$)
18. Bern's Steak House, 1208 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-2421. The king of steak houses in Florida, Bern's has been a culinary institution for a half century. People fly in from all over the country to dine here and sample exceptional cuts of beef and the most extensive wine list this side of the moon. Bring your paycheck. ($$$)
19. Sally O'Neal's Pizza Hotline, 1319 S. Howard Ave., (813) 251-0220. Specialties are homemade pies, pastas, calzones and salads. The owners insist on fresh ingredients, fine-quality baker's yeast, double-smoked bacon and high-gluten flour. ($$)
20. Bella's Italian Cafe, 1413 S. Howard Ave., (813) 254-3355. If location is everything, this venerable Hyde Park restaurant will be around for a long time. Bella's features a classy but comfortable ambience and a solid menu of Italian dishes made from scratch, from personal pizzas to veal. A big spot for the late-night crowd. ($$)
21. Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant, 1502 S. Howard Ave., (813) 250-0203. The classy tapas bar and restaurant in the old Le Bordeaux digs presents hot and cold delights in small bites, as well as paella and excellent sangria. The structure was built in 1957, a year after Bern's opened. ($$)
Weekend Weather
TAMPA - The weather will do nothing but get better between today and upcoming Gasparilla events, with rain erased from the forecast and temperatures each day climbing closer to where they should be this time of year in the Tampa Bay area.
This morning, though, the National Weather Service is warning some places, especially in low, rural areas, about dense fog that's cutting visibility to a quarter-mile. The fog in those areas will be patchy and scattered, though.
That's about the biggest weather blemish for the next few days.
Between today and Saturday's revelry, the region will go through a few brisk mornings. But each afternoon's temperature will inch higher into the 60s.
By the time Saturday staggers in, the weather should be what event organizers hope for each year, with the afternoon getting into the low 70s.
Night temperatures may be cool enough to shiver a few timbers around sunup Saturday, with forecasts calling for the upper 40s in Tampa.
Temperatures should hit 70 near noon Saturday, the sky should be scrubbed of clouds and winds shouldn't be enough to hamper the trajectory of a well-aimed string of beads.
This morning, though, the National Weather Service is warning some places, especially in low, rural areas, about dense fog that's cutting visibility to a quarter-mile. The fog in those areas will be patchy and scattered, though.
That's about the biggest weather blemish for the next few days.
Between today and Saturday's revelry, the region will go through a few brisk mornings. But each afternoon's temperature will inch higher into the 60s.
By the time Saturday staggers in, the weather should be what event organizers hope for each year, with the afternoon getting into the low 70s.
Night temperatures may be cool enough to shiver a few timbers around sunup Saturday, with forecasts calling for the upper 40s in Tampa.
Temperatures should hit 70 near noon Saturday, the sky should be scrubbed of clouds and winds shouldn't be enough to hamper the trajectory of a well-aimed string of beads.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Are you buying into the new age of Aquarius?
News that the Zodiac as we know is has been killed, replaced by a new chart that includes a 13th sign, has created a rift in the time-spaced-out continuum.
Some folks are all a twitter (can we say this anymore?) over the news, whilst others could give an Aries' patoot.
Check out the pros and cons and please, feel free to post your thoughts below.
PRO: A Pisces through and through
I am not sure who it is that is telling me I am no longer a Pisces, but I've been one for 50 years now and you're gonna have to pry the fish out of my cold, dead hands.
I am by no means the sort who makes any life decisions based on some crazy chart designed by someone who probably smoked too much back in the day. The typical horoscope you see usually falls along the lines of "something will happen to you today. You may be happy. Or you may cry."
But after five decades above ground, I have found there is something to this Pisces stuff.
I passed up a job in Birmingham once because there was no river.
I love to fish and am at my most relaxed on, in or under the water (including a great trip 650 feet down in a nuclear sub).
But now I find out that there is a new dawning of the Age of Aquarius and I am that sign?
Get outta Hair.
And don't get me started on Ophiuchus.
It sounds like something I would need penicillin to get rid of.
- Howard Altman
CON: What does it mean? Nothing
I guess Copernicus was wrong. So was my horoscope yesterday – as usual.
The famed astronomer told us five centuries ago that planets did not revolve around Earth, yet we're to put stock in some mystical alignment of stars that are light-years apart and planets that were undiscovered when this practice started (and shouldn't Pluto's demotion make a difference?).
I'm under Aquarius – at least I think I still am – but if not I'm not going to sweat. It's not like being a water bearer has made a difference.
As a child, I'd check the daily horoscope at the end of the day, just to see if it was right. Maybe that's cheating, who knows. But those matters of the heart never came about, despite my supposed natural charm. That forecast of a financial reward was a mistake of astronomical proportions.
After that, I realized it was so much hooey.
So ask me my sign, and I'll tell you. I'll be amused. I may even hum from "Hair."
But let's move on to more practical predictions. Like this weekend. I like the Packers and 2½ at Atlanta.
- Rick Mayer
Characteristics
AQUARIUS: Jan. 21-Feb. 19
Strengths: Witty, Clever, Humanitarian, Inventive, Original
Weaknesses: Stubborn, Unemotional, Sarcastic, Rebellious, Aloof
PISCES: Feb. 20-March 20
Strengths: Compassionate, Adaptable, Accepting, Devoted, Imaginative
Weaknesses: Oversensitive, Indecisive, Self-pitying, Lazy, Escapist
ARIES: March 21-April 20
Strengths: Independent, Generous, Optimistic, Enthusiastic, Courageous
Weaknesses: Moody, Short tempered, Self-involved, Impulsive, Impatient
TAURUS: April 21-May 21
Strengths: Dependable, Persistent, Loyal, Patient, Generous
Weaknesses: Stubborn, Laziness, Possessive, Materialistic, Self-indulging
GEMINI: May 22-June 21
Strengths: Energetic, Clever, Imaginative, Witty, Adaptable
Weaknesses: Superficial, Impulsive, Restless, Devious, Indecisive
CANCER: June 22-July 22
Strengths: Loyalty, Dependable, Caring, Adaptable, Responsive
Weaknesses: Moody, Clingy, Self-pitying, Oversensitive, Self-absorbed
LEO: July 23-Aug. 21
Strengths: Confident, Ambitious, Generous, Loyal, Encouraging
Weaknesses: Pretentious, Domineering, Melodramatic, Stubborn, Vain
VIRGO: Aug. 22-Sept. 23
Strengths: Analytical, Observant, Helpful, Reliable, Precise
Weaknesses: Skeptical, Fussy, Inflexible, Cold, Interfering
LIBRA: Sept. 24-Oct. 23
Strengths: Diplomatic, Graceful, Peaceful, Idealistic, Hospitable
Weaknesses: Superficial, Vain, Indecisive, Unreliable
SCORPIO: Oct. 24-Nov. 22
Strengths: Loyal, Passionate, Resourceful, Observant, Dynamic
Weaknesses: Jealous, Obsessive, Suspicious, Manipulative, Unyielding
SAGITTARIUS: Nov. 23-Dec. 22
Strengths: Independence
Weaknesses: Unemotional
CAPRICORN: Dec. 23-Jan. 20
Strengths: Responsible, Patient, Ambitious, Resourceful, Loyal
Weaknesses: Dictatorial, Inhibited, Conceited, Distrusting, Unimaginative
Source: zodiac-signs-astrology.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
No Snow here!!
Thursday, Jan 13
Rain Chance: 0 %
High:
54
Low:
32
Friday, Jan 14
Rain Chance: 0 %
High:
63
Low:
35
Saturday, Jan 15
Rain Chance: 0 %
High:
68
Low:
45
Sunday, Jan 16
Rain Chance: 10 %
High:
69
Low:
48
Monday, Jan 17
Rain Chance: 30 %
High:
72
Low:
53
Tuesday, Jan 18
Rain Chance: 30 %
High:
74
Low:
60
Wednesday, Jan 19
Rain Chance: 20 %
High:
71
Low:
61
Rain Chance: 0 %
High:
54
Low:
32
Friday, Jan 14
Rain Chance: 0 %
High:
63
Low:
35
Saturday, Jan 15
Rain Chance: 0 %
High:
68
Low:
45
Sunday, Jan 16
Rain Chance: 10 %
High:
69
Low:
48
Monday, Jan 17
Rain Chance: 30 %
High:
72
Low:
53
Tuesday, Jan 18
Rain Chance: 30 %
High:
74
Low:
60
Wednesday, Jan 19
Rain Chance: 20 %
High:
71
Low:
61
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