The author of a noted Mexican cooking book will be in Tampa this month at the behest of a local Mexican restaurant owner. And other food-related news. ...more

January 28, 2009

HOLA, MICHELLE Michelle Bernstein gets the question a lot. ...more

October 24, 2008

MEXICAN/ SOUTHWESTERN CARMELITA'S, 5211 Park St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 545-2956. Carmelita's has been cooking since 1983, and for good reason: The down-home casual atmosphere, inexpensive menu and hearty fare keep customers satisfied. Consider the generous, sizzling mound of ideally marinated beef that makes up the fajitas, along with fresh guacamole. The same goes for the delicious and filling Tacos al Carbon, the meat tender and laced with flavor. The kitchen creates a Del Rey wet burrito drenched in a heady ranchero sauce, and mixes scrambled eggs and Mexican sausage in the chorizo burrito. ($$) ...more

January 25, 2008

Rene Valenzuela was 9 when he started his first business. His grandmother would help him pack his tacos in a cooler so he could sell them at the local produce market. ...more

December 29, 2007

MEXICAN/ SOUTHWESTERN ALGUSTO TORTILLA & SALSA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 912 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 250-3500. This colorful, casual cafe in the Hyde Park area has good guacamole, pork enchiladas and other Mexican fare. Its green mole is extremely hot. The place recently expanded with a second dining room. ($) ...more

December 5, 2007