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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller, CIPS
Direct - (813)629-5757
Homeward Real Estate
3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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'Restaurants in Tampa'

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Dishtopia and the Anytime Tea Bar…A Unique “Tea” Experience in South Tampa…Tampa Real Estate News and More

Filed under: Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Restaurants in Tampa, South Tampa

Dishtopia….it’s a funny name for a really “cool” place to hang out and enjoy an interesting “tea”, or one of Dottie’s homemade scones or a piece of quiche. Located, right next door to my office, in the Outback Plaza, you will often find me at the tea bar, with my laptop, enjoying a “cool” respite on the hot, humid Florida Summer Days. I’m on a mission to try each of the 100+ teas available, but my favorites are Key Lime iced, Schizandra Black Currant and Bohemian Raspberry.

Also on the menu are  cookies, cheesecakes, pannini and tea sandwiches…I love her Chicken Salad with dates or apricots!

On any given day, you might find a Jigsaw Puzzle challenge event, or some cool music on a Friday evening, or a “mini meeting” with local professionals, who need a break from their  office scene.

For me, it’s a nice respite in the middle of my hectic day…stop in..and make yourself a “regular”!

Dishtopia & The Anytime Tea Bar on Urbanspoon

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.11.2010

Great Places for Lunch in Tampa…Lauro Ristorante…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, Hyde Park Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, Restaurants in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Real Estate Market

The First in a Series on “Great Places for Lunch” in Tampa.

One of my favorite things about selling Real Estate, is introducing newcomers to some of my favorite restaurants in Tampa. I live, and work, in the Plant High School District, so Lauro’s, on Henderson Blvd, is one of my absolute favorite places for lunch, not only for the food, but the atmosphere.  There are plenty of “loud” places, with each of them boasting to have the “best sandwich” for this, or that! Plenty of places where you stand in a very crowded  line, place an order and try to find a (dirty) table where you “wait” for your name to be called.  I don’t do “cattle call” lunches. No cafeteria style. No one screaming my name, or my number, to get my lunch.  It’s neither cheaper, nor more convenient, to dine in one of those places, but it is really annoying.  It’s just not my “thing”.  My work days are hectic.  When I take a break for lunch, I like to sit, relax, peruse the menu and be served by a professional wait staff, not a gum-chewing, tatoo bearing,  piercing loaded, post-teen/pre-adult who doesn’t know on which side of the plate to place a fork.

I have been “lunching” at Lauro’s for years. I love it when one of my friends calls and says she is in the mood for a “Lauro” day.   The same staff greets us at the door. They know our favorite table. The dining room is quiet, the servers are professional  and the owner is always mulling about checking on things.  The lunch specials can’t be beat, as they include the entree and a soup, or house salad.  My favorite soup is the cream of mushroom, but the lentil soup or minestrone are also good choices.  Try a Trout Cleopatra or Grouper Livornese. In the mood for Pasta? The gnocchi, agnolotti and lasagna are all fabulous.  The staff is very accommodating and you can order any fish, or pasta, in any style or sauce.  Each lunch entree comes with either pasta or vegetable. I doubt you will have room for dessert, but you should try the tiramisu!  So, you’ve just had a fabulous lunch, in quiet surroundings, for the same price as one of those “cattle call” places…what kind of lunch hour would YOU prefer?

Try Lauro for dinner….they are offering a three-course meal for $22.50!

Lauro's Ristorante Italiano on Urbanspoon

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles. South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate contact me!

For more news on the Tampa Real Estate Market, go to my Home Page.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.06.2010

Forget the Cantina…Stick With Red Mesa…Tampa Real Estate News and More

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Restaurants in Tampa

One of my absolute favorite restaurants in St. Pete is Red Mesa. Though the dining room is boring, the food is amazing and I have been dying to try their “downtown” spot…Red Mesa Cantina.  On a recent Saturday night, we ventured into the downtown spot for a late dinner.  The cavernous dining room was packed with large parties of the “yuppy” variety.  We were offered a high top in the bar and I was happy to be tucked away in a quiet corner, as my first reaction to the place was…IT IS REALLY LOUD IN HERE!  The server was very attentive and the food was good, but I found the menu far more limited than the original Red Mesa. And, the noise level was very annoying due to the “open” dining room.  Yes, it’s geared to the “tapas” crowd, and I love Tapas, but would find better options at Ceviche, along with a cozier setting.  I will head back to Red Mesa on Fourth Street next time and enjoy the same sangria and a wider variety on the menu. I’ll sacrifice “looks” for “great food” any day!
Red Mesa Cantina on Urbanspoon

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.02.2010

Taps Wine and Beer Hits the Spot for Downtown Tampa…Tampa Real Estate News and More!

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Channelside Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Restaurants in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods

I had heard really mixed reviews about Taps Wine Bar  since it’s entry on the Downtown Tampa Restaurant Scene.  A prime location on the ground level of Skypoint, the only Condo Skyscraper, it has a natural clientele with the “resident GenX/yuppie crowd” who inhabit the glassy tower.

I stopped in for a bite after a movie at the Tampa Theatre nearby, and was pleasantly surprised.  A female vocalist, Kim, was crooning sweet melodies and keeping the back room crowded, so we headed to one of the sofas in the front room and settled in for a bite.   The atmosphere was very relaxing and the servers were very apologetic about being busy. I thought they were fairly attentive, though they continued to apologize for the slow service.  Though the menu is a beer drinkers delight, we focused on the wine list and perused the dinner menu. I ordered the Ridge Zinfandel, which I really enjoy and  is hard to find on a wine list. One of the managers, “Matt”, suggested I try the Prisoner Zinfandel Blend instead.  His suggestion was “right on” with a blend of Zinfandel, Cab and Syrah, it was bold and rich with just the right “berry” fruit finish. Next up, he suggested the Carmenere, from Chile and poured me a sip! Rich and dark, but not heavy tannin, I could taste a hint of current and oak.  It was very smooth and a great alternative for Cabernet drinkers. With a glass of that in hand, I was ready to order a bite to eat.

The variety and reasonable pricing would please most palates, from appetizers to salads, sandwiches and desserts, it was a decent “noshing” menu.  The Far East salad was delicately flavored and loaded with fresh Ahi Tuna.  It was delicious.  The cheese plate featured five very generous portions of various domestic and imported cheeses, salted nuts and sliced fruit.  My only complaint was the lack of a “blue” cheese and a sharp knife. Overall, the food and wine pairings were very good and I will definitely be back for more “sampling”.

Servers were busy, but they continued to check on us and Matt seemed thrilled to have a couple of adventurous “guinea pigs”  for his wine recommendations.  The music was great and the atmosphere cozy…check it out and tell me what you think!

Taps Wine & Beer Merchants on Urbanspoon

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   07.31.2010

Ciro’s Speakeasy Heats up the Howard Avenue Scene…Tampa Real Estate News and More

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Restaurants in Tampa, South Tampa, Where is Jackie Now?

Bored with the “same old” South Tampa restaurant scene, I was pondering some dining choices last week, when a friend suggested trying the “new place” in the spot on Howard Avenue once occupied by Ceviche. Intrigued by his recommendation about the fabulous food served in “private, curtained booths”, I decided to check it out.

Ciro’s Speakeasy is the latest venture by Gordon Davis and is located in the first floor of the Bayshore Royal Condominium. I was anxious to see his latest creation, as I loved Le Bordeaux and Ceviche is one of my favorites. The entry to the restaurant is unmarked! Ring the bell and they “peek” before granting entry! Step into the bar and your eyes must adjust to the very dimly lit (pitch black) bar area which features the same high tops as the old Ceviche, but with a fabulous aquarium, as the focal point of the room. The “sultry experience” and prime seating is definitely achieved via the “private booths” with curtains, so plan to get there early if you want to snag one of those precious spaces. They are first-come, first-served.  Positioned well away from the bar, they offer a very intimate lounge experience. Draw the curtain, dim the light and press the button to summon the wait staff for your hand made libations. Enjoy some of the “french inspired” items on the menu, which are  more tapas-style than full-course. The menu has some nice options.  The tuna poke was fabulous.  A huge fan of “pork belly”, we also ordered the flatbread but the barbecue sauce was overwhelming and the “flatbread” was really focaccia. Please, Gordon, leave the barbecue sauce over at Smoke, but keep the pork belly.  Overall, I really enjoyed it.  On the plus side, the atmosphere is intimate and romantic. The small tables and booth configurations can be cramped, as the tables are tiny and won’t hold more than a couple of drinks and plates.

A large, loud group seated across from us was “cramping my style”. I think being “loud” is against the rules (yes, they have rules), but they never did get around to telling us what the rules were!

If you are looking for the most interesting and romantic spot in South Tampa…this is it! It’s on my “Best Places” list.

Ciros Speakeasy and Supper Club on Urbanspoon

Real Estate Sizzle Tampa Bay restaurants

Looking for the perfect house in Tampa? Wondering about the best Tampa neighborhoods? Contact me today!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   07.13.2010

Join the 3/50 Project and Help Support Small Business in Your Neighborhood…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Architecture, Buying a House in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Restaurants in Tampa

The Latest News on Tampa Real Estate, Living in Tampa and the International Real Estate Scene, every day on The Tampa Real Estate Sizzle!

I LOVE to support the small, local businesses in Tampa, and South Tampa is filled with unique shops, restaurants and locally owned businesses, including the Real Estate company that I work for.  When I learned of the 3/50 project, I felt compelled to blog about it!

The 3/50 Project, or “Eat Down the Street”, encourages each of us to choose three  locally-owned restaurants, or businesses, and spend $50.00 at each of them. What a great idea! Just drive down Howard Avenue, or Davis Islands, and take your pick!  Stop in at Dishtopia for a spot of tea and a blueberry scone! Try the Queen of Sheba for some great Ethiopian food.  The idea is to support our LOCAL economy.  Have you been to Stowe, Vermont?  That is the “utopia” of “small businesses”…they ran McDonald’s out of town! Kudos to them!

Three local businesses….spend fifty dollars. Simple. Do it today! AND, be sure to comment below and tell me what YOUR favorite places are.

You can check out some of my Local “hot spots” in some of my previous articles:

Great Places to Eat in Tampa

New Dining Choice in St. Pete is “tres bon”

Queen of Sheba

My Restaurant Reviews on Urban Spoon

When you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, contact me, to find the right home for your family’s needs!

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles, MacDill AFB,  South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, Pasco County, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Houses in the Plant High School District, Tampa Schools, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa, the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, or International Real Estate contact me.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   05.25.2010

A New Dining Choice in St. Pete is “Tres Bon”…Tampa Real Estate News and More

Filed under: Restaurants in Tampa

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Living in Tampa and the International Real Estate Market…

Living in South Tampa, diners have many great restaurant options. I have a list of favorites, but often I want to venture across the bridge to Downtown St. Petersburg to get out of my “rut”. My new “favorite” on the scene is the St. Pete Brasserie on Central Avenue.  The decor is chic moderne, but the menu is a twist on the Classic  French Brasserie.

There are few options in the Tampa Bay area for escargot lovers like myself, so I was pleasantly surprised when the “slugs” appeared “en pot”, yet doused in the fabulous garlic butter. So, fabulous, they were, that I ordered them again, on my second visit, but was really tempted by the mussels gratinee, sampled on my first foray at the venue. A wide variety of menu options should please most palates and a four course prix-fixe menu for $19 is a steal!

What to order? Cassoulet…delicious. Moules frites…yummy!  Roast chicken, duck confit, lamb chops, steak frites? You can’t go wrong! And, yes, take a chance on the Cod with Brussel Sprouts…fabulous!

The unique wine list offers some GREAT wines, so ask for a recommendation.  We enjoyed a popular Malbec called Mar.

The only “negative” comment from my dining companions was about the “smaller” portion size, compared to most restaurants.  Having lived in Europe, I laughed at the comment and said, “this is a normal portion, hence the obesity in the U.S.”.

All in all, the St. Pete Brasserie makes my “top ten” favorite restaurants in the Tampa Bay area.

Looking for the perfect house in the Tampa Area? Relocating to MacDill AFB? Contact me today!

St. Pete Brasserie on Urbanspoon

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   01.13.2010

How To Get the Latest News on The Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, International Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Places to Live, Real Estate Blogs, Relocation, Restaurants in Tampa, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Things to do in Tampa, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

If you are looking for the latest information about the Tampa Real Estate Market, moving to Tampa, relocation to MacDill Air Force Base, or what’s new in the International Real Estate Market, you can get the latest posts from The Real Estate Sizzle in a variety of ways!

Get a daily email of the latest articles, on The Tampa Real Estate Sizzle, or sign up for an RSS feed!

Use Twitter? Go to my Twitter page and Follow Me! Unlike many people on Twitter, I don’t “tweet” all day long!  You will only get the latest Real Estate Articles, or my latest Restaurant Reviews!  If you don’t use Twitter, you should give it a try.

Do you want to receive my email newsletter?  Sign up here! You can “opt out” at any time.

While most of my articles on The Real Estate Sizzle are about the Tampa Real Estate Market, you will find plenty to read about living in Tampa, fun things to do in Tampa and great places to eat in Tampa.  Check out my favorite restaurants and read my reviews at Urban Spoon!

How about a “Google Alert”? I stopped reading the newspaper and get the majority of my “real estate news” via google. You can set up an an alert for “Real Estate Sizzle”, or “Tampa Real Estate”, or any subject you are trying to follow.  When an article is posted on that subject, whether it’s in the Wall Street Journal, the local news, or on a website, “google” will find it and email the link to you!

Do you want to receive listings in any Tampa, St. Pete, or Clearwater Beach area?  That’s easy…send me an email and tell me what you are searching for!

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles, MacDill AFB,  South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Houses in the Plant High School District, Tampa Schools, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa, the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, or International Real Estate contact me today.

 

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   01.26.2009

Just Weeks to Superbowl in Tampa…Find Superbowl Rentals and Great Places to Eat in the Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Celebrity Homes inTampa, Restaurants in Tampa

Superbowl Sunday is fast approaching and football fans will be heading to Tampa!  Tampa is a great city with plenty of things to do and great places to eat! You can get from Downtown Tampa to the airport, or Raymond James Stadium in 15 minutes.  You can be on Clearwater Beach in 30 minutes!

If you choose to stay “in the heart of South Tampa”, you will find great places within a 5 minute drive.  I live in South Tampa…it has unique shops and restaurants, little traffic and a “small town feel”…like “Mayberry” in the middle of a big city!  Just ten minutes to the Stadium…you can’t beat it!While there is a “Bonefish Grill” or “Outback Steakhouse” nearly everywhere (though they started in Tampa), you should avoid the “chains” and experience some of our unique places to eat.

Enjoy some of my previous articles on “Great Places to Eat” in Tampa…you are likely to see me at any one of them while you are here!

Enjoy your stay in Tampa….please contact me if I can help with a luxury rental for Superbowl week, Tampa Real Estate, Clearwater Real Estate, or just need a little “local” advice while you are in town!

Best “Sizzle Reader” Restaurants in Tampa

Best Restaurants in Clearwater

Best Restaurants in Tampa

Great Outdoor Dining in Tampa

Ethiopian Food in Tampa

I can help with your move to Tampa, or an investment property, second home, or beachfront condo in Tampa Bay….contact me today!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   01.07.2009

Heading to Ybor City or Downtown Tampa This Weekend? Take The Trolley…Tampa Real Estate News and More!

Filed under: Channelside Tampa, Restaurants in Tampa, Shopping in Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Market, Things to do in Tampa

The Latest News on Everything about Living in Tampa and the Tampa Real Estate Market, every day on the Real Estate Sizzle…

If you are venturing into Downtown Tampa this weekend, for dinner, the theater, or just for fun, you should consider taking the Trolley!  Park your car and hop the Hart line Trolley around Downtown, Channelside, and Ybor City!

Check out how easy it is to get around the city on the Trolley System!

You can read some of my previous articles about Channelside and Ybor City!

Have a great weekend!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   07.11.2008

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