Sunday, March 26, 2017

New Striptease menu at WingHouse

One of the perks of being a food blogger is being invited to private invitation only tastings like this one that happened last week at Ker's Winghouse.  I've always enjoyed Ker's wings but seldom deviate very far from wings while I am there.  I am glad that I had the opportunity to taste some new menu items featured in the limited edition "Striptease Menu" as I will definitely be eating more than wings during future visits to the Winghouse!

I like the inside décor of WingHouse.  It's more than a bar but not overwhelming.  This location (as is the case with all of the ones I have been in) is very clean.  When people leave, things of not stay on the table very long before the table is cleaned and ready for someone else.  [Pet Peeve - tables of dirty plates waiting to be removed and cleaned.]
Our evening started with the new Flip Flop Wines.  Four fizzy flavors are offered: fizzy chill red, fizzy crisp white, fizzy moscato, or fizzy pink moscato.  I was quite apprehensive to drinking canned wine, but they were not bad! The fizzy crisp white was surprisingly quite tasty.
Moving on to the appetizers!  We were given three things to try. Cheesy broccoli bites, fully loaded fresh potato chips and the shrimp and chicken combo.
First up, cheesy broccoli bites. Breaded and fried bites filled with creamy cheese and tender broccoli. As the menu states - they are like broccoli cheese soup in a bite!
Next we have the fully loaded fresh potato chips.  These chips are house-made fresh and flash fried to perfection. The chips are covered with blue cheese crumbles, tomatoes, jalapenos, and hot sauce. They are served with a creamy ranch dip and Winghouse cheese sauce.
These were great, but personally - just give me the chips and blue cheese and I am a super happy camper!

Out of the three, this one was my favorite. Shrimp and chicken combo. I love this because it is one less decision I have to make.  Do I want chicken or shrimp? BOTH!  These bad boys are made with a blend of Winghouse seasonings and served with ranch dressing.
Just give me those and a can of wine and leave me alone!!  No, really - let's keep tasting more food!

Here's a review:


The next items served are sandwiches.  We were given the Strip Cheese, Stripclub, and bacon ranch chicken wrap.  All sandwiches are served with a dill pickle and chips.

The "Strip Cheese" consists of layers of fried chicken strips, pepperjack cheese, bacon, and tomatoes on marble rye.   This sandwich seemed to win the consensus of most of the bloggers there.  (Not me. I liked it, but I will save my favorite until last.)
"StripClub" is made with strips of gilled chicken topped with swiss cheese, sliced ham, crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato with the Winghouse signature sauce.  This one was really good too, but still not my favorite!
Finally, the bacon ranch chicken wrap. This wrap contains chunks of fried chicken, bacon, zesty ranch, tomatoes, and cheese wrapped in a chipotle wrap.  I think it may have been the wrap itself that made me fall in love with this sandwich, or they way it was grilled. Not sure, but this is my favorite!
Recap:

Could these possibly be anything else?  YES! Dessert!!
Deep fried twinkies are now on the menu!! (Limited time, so hurry in and try them.)
The twinkies are deep fried and drizzled with a delicious raspberry drizzle.
 The StripTease menu is available at all 29 Florida WingHouse locations.


While we were on our way out, we noticed that the gentleman in the picture was Luke, who prepared our food that night!!! Of course pictures had to be taken with him! If you are on a banner of any size, I am stopping to get my picture with you!!

The other mangers were gathering around to see why there was so much noise (cackling!)
For your enjoyment... here are the MEN of WingHouse!

There is also a small merchandise store off to the side. The picture of the whole store didn't turn out, but the picture of this shirt tells all!

Go and check out the new menu.  There are 29 locations throughout Florida.  Several locations have ordering online and some have delivery services!

Be sure to like Tampa Bay Afternoon Delight on Facebook and Instagram for fantastic food pictures of locally owned restaurants throughout Tampa Bay.




**I was invited on behalf of the Tampa Bay Bloggers and Ker's Winghouse to review their new Striptease menu and in exchange was given a swag bag.  All reviews and opinions in this post are my own.** 






















Wednesday, March 22, 2017

The Tavern at Bayboro - it's not just for students!!

Imagine my surprise when I found out that the Tavern at Bayboro is not just for students!  Three of us were debating where to have lunch and someone said, "I heard the grouper is really good at The Tavern at USF."  I said, "Who is a student so that we can go?"  Honestly, no idea that it was open to the public!! 

There is limited parking.  I was just about to go park on the street when I saw an open space close to the building. (No, not the one in the picture!) 

We went and sat down at a table around the corner awaiting service.  We didn't know that you have to go inside and place your order, then they bring it to you!  We sat there for a while before I finally decided to go check out the inside.
The inside was full of customers waiting to place their orders and people waiting to pick up their to go orders.   I had my heart set on the grouper and when I heard the cashier tell the people in front of my that they were out of grouper, I almost cried!! 
 
Thankfully, when it was my turn to order, I told her that I was so sad that they were out of grouper because I really wanted the "Crunchy grouper."  She said, "Oh, I have two orders of that!" Happy dance!!!  Next thing I see, is a man walking with a big fish ready to clean it!!  Can you say, "FRESH?"  Wow.
 He proceeded to clean the fish while I stood there amazed!  One of the people that I was with was not enjoying seeing the freshness of the fish - but I loved it!!
We went outside with our drinks. (Side-note:  there is a squeeze bottle of simple syrup so that you can make sweet tea without having to worry about the sugar not dissolving!!  I LOVE this!)
It was gorgeous sitting outside and taking in the scenery.

There is a coffee shop located here, too - but I didn't go in there.
Shortly after, our orders started arriving.  First up is the blackened grouper sandwich ($10) with fries ($2).

 Next is the chef salad. [garden salad with slice turkey, ham, and provolone. $9]  This looked so good, that I had a split second wishing that I had ordered that!
 At that moment of wishing I had ordered the salad - this was placed in front of me!!!! OH MY GOSH!  It was huge and looked delightful.  The crunchy grouper sandwich (breaded with cornflake crisps and sliced almonds. $10) (fries $2)
 There are different events throughout the month.  Check the board for those happenings.
 There are numerous tables for outside dining.  There are a couple places inside, but on a day like today - it was fabulous to be outdoors.  There are accommodations for a large party, but remember that everyone has to go inside to order and it could take a little while.  Trust me, though --it's worth it!

The Tavern at Bayboro is located at 120 - 6th Avenue South in St. Petersburg.  They are open Monday through Saturday from 11am til 11pm.  Summer hours are coming, though  - so check before you go to make sure they are open. 

Friday, March 3, 2017

Mexican Market serves great food ~ Las palamos in Largo.

I've driven by this place thousands of times. I have been in the parking lot at other restaurants and have never entered this market.  I finally decided to pop in yesterday and I am so glad that I did!!
Upon entering the market, I wasn't sure if I was really going to get cooked food!  But keep walking - you won't be disappointed in the food. 


Let me first say that this is no frills. You are not going to get table service and someone is not going to be at your beck and call.   Proceed to the counter and order your food.  There are not menus describing every item. There are boards on the wall. 


 Burritos, tacos, quesadillas, soups and salads.



We ordered our food and then went to the coolers to select beverages ~
and sat down at one of the tables inside. There is also counter seating and one table outside.

My friend ordered the carnitas burrito with a side of chips and salsa. ($6)
                    It looks very unassuming, but it is full of flavor and packed with goodness.
I ordered the carnitas quesadilla with chips and salsa. ($6). Don't let the picture fool you - this thing is huge!  It was so tasty -- I think I could eat one of these every day!
Las palamos is located at 1300 East Bay Drive in Largo.  They can be reached at 727-581-1050.  Check it out - it is one of Largo's hidden gems.  Tell them Tampa Bay Afternoon Delight sent ya!

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Spring Training is a Food Fest! Something for Everyone in Clearwater.

Welcome to Spectrum Field.  Spring Training home of the Philadelphia Phillies and home of the Clearwater Threshers!
Spring Training is my favorite time of year.  What's not to love about great weather, cold beer, good food and athletic men!
Spectrum Field (formerly Brighthouse) is one of my favorite ballparks.  Not only because I have fabulous seats, but the ushers are friendly, the beer vendors are fun and you can get a Delco's cheesesteak! (more on that later)
Security is more enhanced this year and you are not allowed to bring in peanuts or other snacks.  I've always brought peanuts, but I had to leave them at the gate.  You also have to go through a metal detector now.
Since it's the first game I've been to this season, I had to familiarize myself with all of the food options!  A trip around the ballpark is in order.

Of course there is beer.  One of the great things about this park is that the beer options are plentiful!

  The children's area at the ballpark is nice.  There is also a children's concession stand right next to it with smaller priced items!
At this concession stand you can get fries to go with your hotdog.  Here is the All-American meal at the ballpark. Now to go load it up with toppings.

                                                     And of course there is ice cream!
                                                             And dippin' dots!
                                            Oh look, more beer!!!
                      This is world of beer.  There are a boatload of different bottles and drafts!!!
                           One of my favorite stands is the sausage. Bratwurst is one of my favorites (prior years' knowledge) but there is also Italian and hot dogs.
                                               Fresh grilled and hot just for you!
                                           
I would be remiss if I did not include the famous Delco steak and cheese subs.  There is a "bar" across from the stand where you can add raw onions, sweet peppers, hot peppers and more to your burgers and dogs.


                            Abe's place is back this year with boneless wings, French fries and grouper nuggets.
                                         Grouper nuggets are great with a beer!
                                         There's also pizza.

                                          And a addition this year is Tijuana Flats. (I don't remember this being here last year, but I could be wrong.)  Anyway, they have tacos and bowls.  

   Here is the chicken taco which is served with chips. ($5) Served with your choice of toppings.

And of course no game is complete without seeing the Phanatic!!

Enjoy your day at the ballpark.  Spectrum Field is located at 601 N Old Coachman Road in  Clearwater.  Spring Training games are through March and then the Threshers take over the stadium for Minor League Baseball.