Bay Area Eateries Gear Up for Restaurant Week

It’s that time of year again…

Time to bust out your elastic-waist pants and bring your friends, family AND appetite, to Tampa Bay’s Restaurant Week 2011. 

This two-week promotion, which runs from Friday, August 19 to Friday, September 2, provides “foodies” with an opportunity to savor an array of specially priced three-course meals (appetizer, entrée and dessert) from some of the Bay area’s finest eateries, including eleven right here in South Tampa.

Though Restaurant Week has been a longstanding event in many cities nationwide, 2010 was the inaugural year for Tampa Bay.

“Last year was a great success. Lots of restaurants got involved and were very pleased with the uptick in business that was generated during that period. We’re thrilled to have many of them return for a second year, while welcoming a handful of newcomers as well,” said Travis Claytor, communications manager for Tampa Bay & Company. 

And speaking of “newcomers,” restaurateurs are hoping to impress both long-time devoted patrons and fresh faces.

“It’s a fantastic way to introduce new guests to what Datz offers as a dining and entertainment destination. And, it’s a great way to give our loyal customer-base another reason to visit – kind of a mini ‘thank you’ for their continued support,” said Heather Stalker, director of fun at Datz.

Here is a rundown of South Tampa’s participating restaurants.  Prices will vary (either $25, $35 or $45) and are also listed below. *Please note that these prices do not include beverages, tax and gratuity.

1. ($25, Italian) at 1413 S. Howard Ave. | (813) 254-3355 | Website

2. Bistro Bleu ($25, American) at 2402 S. Macdill Ave. | (813) 514-0691 | Website

3.  ($25, American) at 2616 S Macdill Ave. | (813) 831-7000 | Website

4. Donatello Italian Restaurant ($45, Italian) at 232 N Dale Mabry Hwy. | PHONE | Website

5. GrillSmith of South Tampa ($25, American) at 1108 South Dale Mabry Hwy. | (813) 250-3850 | Website

6. Hula Bay Club and Duke’s Retired Surfer’s Island Bar ($35, American) at 5210 Tyson Ave. | (813) 837-4852 | Website

7. Kon Tiki at the Tahitian ($25, Asian) at 601 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. | (813) 877-6721 | Website

8.   ($25, American) at 442 W. Kennedy Blvd | (813) 254-5373 | Website

9.  ($45, American) at 2208 W. Morrison St. | (813) 258-2233 | Website

10. The Colonnade Restaurant ($25 – Steak/Seafood) at 3401 Bayshore Blvd. | (813) 839-7558 | Website  |

11.  ($35, Italian) at 1610 Swann Ave. | (813) 254-5870 | Website

For many, these reduced prices couldn’t come at a better time, with more and more cash-strapped families making lifestyle changes.    

“It’s harder to obtain new customers. We’ve seen a difference in the last three years, but have managed to maintain a core of local clientele. We like to think that in addition to our cuisine, our reputation and high caliber of service plays a role in their decision to come back again and again,” said Gino Tiozzo, owner of Donatello Italian Restaurant, who participated last year.

The 76-year-old family-owned Colonnade Restaurant, located on Bayshore Boulevard overlooking the downtown skyline, has also dodged tough times thanks to their loyal patrons, some who dine there daily. 

Manager Stacey Whitfield is grateful for the ongoing support of the community. “The people of South Tampa have been good to us. Our residents embrace local businesses through thick and thin, and we’re excited to participate this year and offer everyone a unique dining experience, combining both new and traditional menu items.”  

Restaurant Week, presented by Tampa Bay & Company and The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, begins Friday, August 19.  Read chef bios, make reservations and browse special Restaurant Week menus at the Dine Tampa Bay website.