Wow!  It has been an extremely long time since I have shared fabulous local restaurants with you.

It's been a little while since I have been out to lunch, but we ventured out today to HaLong Bay in Largo Mall. This restaurant screams clean from the minute you walk in the door. It is bright and very pretty inside with several large screen tvs.  I didn't take any pictures of the inside as I was not even thinking about posting this, but here we are!

We started with the spring rolls. Pork, shrimp, rice, vermicelli, lettuce, cucumber, and mint leaves wrapped in rice paper. Served with house peanut sauce ($8.95 5pcs). These were so fresh and tasty I could have eaten all five!! 

My husband thoroughly enjoyed the eye round steak and meatball pho. ($9.95)

I crave Vietnamese bun. (Thin rice vermicelli with your choice of meat, topped with shredded lettuce, picked carrot & daikon, cucumber, fresh mint, and a side of homemade fish sauce. )  My only problem is trying to decide if I want pork, egg rolls, chicken, or shrimp.  I opted for the pork and couldn't have been any happier.

 

Just looking at this picture makes me drool. 

  

So happy with everything! We will definitely return. Food was fantastic, service was fabulous, and my husband loved watching (something that I can't remember) while we were eating!!

 

Check out The Spot Sushi Burritos/HaLong Bay located in Largo Mall at 10500 Ulmerton Road. 

Concettina's Kitchen in Largo for authentic Italian comfort food

I was so busy today that I missed lunch! I know, who does that?!?!  I was so tired and hungry that I decided to call in and place an order from a new Italian place that had opened. 

I called and ordered a meat pizza pot pie (filled with meatball, sausage, pepperoni and homemade tomato sauce and a layer of mozzarella cheese with a homemade pizza dough crust [$6.99]), a side of meatballs (3 to an order [$2.25]),  a New York Calzone (seasoned ricotta, mozzarella and one topping in a tender crust and brushed with olive oil [$8.99]).  As I was placing the order, I couldn't decide what topping I wanted in the calzone and when asked if the mushrooms are from a can, she replied that they were fresh! Nothing better than fresh mushrooms!

I had 20 minutes to get there and pick up my food. I was happily surprised at the shortness of wait time.

Unfortunately, I was soooooo tired and hungry that I forgot to even take pictures of the strip center so that you could see where it is!  But, it is on Ulmerton Road, on the big bend, just before it turns into Walsingham on the north side of the road. (That would be the right side if you are heading towards the beach.)

I arrived and the owner was super friendly and explained that they are still re-vamping the menu. They have removed all of the cold subs, as they are not "authentic Italian comfort food." Soups will be a seasonal item and daily pastas will be featured on Facebook.

She went and got my food from the kitchen and opened everything to show me!  The calzone was beautiful -- I couldn't wait to get home and devour it!!  I loved that she took the time to show me all of the items and make sure they were okay.

I drove home, faster than a speeding bullet, and grabbed some plates so that we could eat!
The calzone was huge - I mean - really big!!!  And, the best part was that there was actually a cup of sauce -- not a soufflé cup with a dab of sauce - but a correct amount of sauce for a calzone this size!!

 I have never seen a pizza pot pie and was excited when I saw this.  My husband inhaled - honestly - it was gone - the whole thing. When there were 2 bites left, he asked if I wanted a bite.  Um, yes!!  It was cheesey, heavenly, deliciousness!!!

 The meatballs were homemade.  They were not frozen meatballs that were just heated.  Very impressed,

 The side of bread that came with the order was ah-mazing!  Hot and delightful!

Concettina's Kitchen is located at 12543 Ulmerton Road in Largo. (Across from Botanical Gardens.)
I couldn't locate a menu anywhere online, but here is the email address. Maybe they can send you one!

When I left, she said that they were open til 8, which is different than there menu -- so I am not sure of the hours. I will post updates as I find out more information.

With all that being said -- go there - NOW!!! You will love it!

Tell them Tampa Bay Afternoon Delight sent you!