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EXPLORE | | | | | | | 2223 N West Shore Blvd
Tampa,
FL
33607
813-353-0326 | | | | | Description: AIRPORT AREA. A medley of Pan-Asian flavors and textures awaits you at this stylishly comfortable restaurant. Asian-Colonial elements of bamboo and wicker perfectly complete the sleek, contemporary design of the place. The menu is organized according to preparation techniques (steamed, grilled, woked, sizzled), and diners often find themselves fascinated by the goings on in the exhibition kitchen. Be sure to try the crackling calamari salad, and see for yourself why it is a longstanding favorite. NB The bar mixes fantastic, if potent, cocktails that sport colorful handles like Hong Kong Hangover or Mary Francis Fantasy.
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| 13248 N Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa,
FL
33618
813-968-1501 | | | | | Description: CARROLLWOOD. Although the menu can be a tad intimidating, the food is worth the momentary discomfort you feel stumbling through the Asian characters. Perfectly seasoned, spicy and flavorful, each entree is a study in balance, pairing textures and ingredients for optimal appeal. Dishes are tinged with lemongrass, cilantro and hot chilis, but judiciously so that no one component is overwhelming. Try the panang chicken or the beef sa-teh for a main dish, or sip the chicken and cream of coconut soup for a mild, velvety treat. The menu is extensive, so take some time to look over the selections. Then throw caution to the wind and wield your chopsticks in confidence.
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| P.F. Chang's China Bistro219 Westshore Plz
Tampa,
FL
33609
813-289-8400 | | | | | Description: AIRPORT AREA. This fashionable Chinese bistro gets high marks with the WestShore's trendier diners, who adore the contemporary interior and eclectic menu. Start off with do-it-yourself lettuce wraps these alone are worth the trip. Afterwards, go any route you like, from Szechwan or Hunan to Cantonese or Shanghai.
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| 1633 W Snow Ave
Tampa,
FL
33606
813-258-1916 | | | | | Description: HYDE PARK. This Hyde Parker delivers impeccable French dishes accented by the exotic flavors and spices of Vietnam. Both proprietor and head cook, BT pleasantly eschews the title of "chef" as she fuses elements of both culinary traditions into wonderful, new cuisine that's rife with imagination. Spring rolls, cream of asparagus soup and fresh herb salad start a meal in style, only to be outdone by main courses like duck in mango sauce, hot pepper squid with snap peas and jasmine-stead rice, and tofu hot pot. The result is food that looks familiar but has a welcome zing you're not likely to anticipate. It's a satisfying endeavor one that's complemented by intriguing desserts and terrific wines.
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| 4342 Boy Scout Blvd
Tampa,
FL
33607
813-873-7697 | | | | | Description: AIRPORT AREA. Authentic Pacific-Rim cuisine is the hallmark of this chic restaurant. Founded by Chef Roy Yamaguchi, the kitchen masterfully creates exotic dishes like grilled filet mignon or tiger prawns with lobster alfredo sauce. Also look for miso-seared butterfish and Thai-stuffed chicken with fruit chutney. Whatever your selection, be prepared for a fun, satisfying evening. This place is constantly busy and can get quite loud. Still, the great reputation and increasing popularity with business executives make it a desirable destination. Get your reservations in advance.
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| 1600 E 8th Ave
Tampa,
FL
33605
813-242-6688 | | | | | Description: YBOR CITY. Samurai Blue gets high marks from savvy diners for its outstanding lunch choices. Their bento boxes, for example, carry everything from beef short ribs to sushi. If you're looking for something more visually familiar, their panko-seared crab cakes or teriyaki-salmon wrap sandwich pose tasty alternatives. Though prices elevate some at dinner, this fun-loving joint continues to pack folks in, thanks to both its sleek design (the sushi bar, after all, is shaped like a tsunami) and its fantastic nigiri, sashimi and maki creations.
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| 301 S Howard Ave
Tampa,
FL
33606
813-251-1191 | | | | | Description: SOHO. Stylishly appointed, this modern Asian bistro, named for founders Tak and Chan Choy, certainly plays to desires and appetites of the hip, young clientele who tend to patronize trendy Tampa's SoHo area. The fare, while predominantly Cantonese, does issue forth a few delicious surprises like sushi, jellyfish salad, Japanese buckwheat pasta and clay pots. Those yearning for a bite of Chinatown should plan to stop by T.C. Choy's for lunch, when they feature marvelous dim sum specials.
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| 1015 1/2 S Howard Ave
Tampa,
FL
33606
813-514-4426 | | | | | Description: SOHO. Conceived by the culinary tour de force behind Tampa Palms and Daily Eats, this ultra-contemporary eatery fits in well with the SoHo mentality it's got "big city" style, it's sexy and cosmopolitan, and it's the type of place where folks like to be seen. Bright, fanciful cocktails and a cool, underwater motif recall the Pan Asian haunts you'd find in a place like South Beach, and the menu gives the concept of sushi a few surprising twists and turns. For example, the rolls are "clear" that is, everything is rolled in thin rice paper and each truly emphasizes perfect pairings of fresh fish and seafood. NB If you're trying to cut down on carbs, their rolls are available without the sticky rice.
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| 615 Channelside Dr
Tampa,
FL
33602
813-228-9200 | | | | | Description: CHANNELSIDE. This authentic, beautifully appointed Thai eatery offers an all-around dining experience that's sure to set your senses ablaze. If you're looking for pedigree, Thai Thani is actually endorsed by the Thai government.
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