Writes of Passage

2420 W Brandon Blvd,
Brandon, FL 33511

… more pix n videos on Google Maps, Yelp, TA*, FB, Insta

Will return when in the vicinity. A 3.5, really.

It feels like a remake of DTF.

The food is small portioned and decent, with pleasant decor; Yanco melamine tableware. We’ve

– scallion pan cake: too hard
– Napa pork dumplings: could be a bit saltier
– XLB: one is broken.

For Xiaolongbao/soup bun:

– skin is 3.5/5: thick & dead
– soup is 5: clear and not sweet
– meat is 4: on the dry side 柴
– vinegar is 3: murky
– ginger is 5: fresh and thin but I’ve to ask for it.

For dumplings:

– skin is 3.5/5: thick
– filling 4: pinkish and tight but not pureed

We went during the lunch hour on a Wednesday, and it was packed with a few empty tables. We were seated immediately. It’s pretty noisy; the women’s bathroom has a line, tho at times.

The chilli oil on the table is excellent: 5.

According to our server, they opened three months ago, and he encouraged us to use social media to promote it.

I haven’t seen the pink fillings for a long time. A friend of mine used to make it, using his secrete medthod. Googling now, I got the following from ChatGPT:

为什么有些饺子的猪肉馅煮好了以后会有些粉粉的

饺子肉馅出现粉粉的, 大多数是正常的. 常见原因包括：

1. 肉本身偏嫩、颜色浅
2. 加了淀粉
3. 蛋白质结构改变
4. 使用了保水剂 (磷酸盐)

Why my pork dumpling’s filling shows pink when it is cooked?

These help the meat stay tender but also make it look lighter, slightly pink or pink-grey when cooked. For dumpling filling, people often add:

1. cornstarch
2. potato starch
3. water
4. egg

It’s a Tuscany night, all about Sangiovese grapes, that also grow in Corsica, France, Napa CA, and Washington State.

I always enjoy a glass of Super Tuscan, which, simply put, has no DOC or DOCG rating.

The four wines are very similar, except #1 Ruffino’s Chianti Classico Riserva, which is decisively dry.

The retail prices for the wine

1. Ruffino, $32
2. Monsanto, $34
3. Rosso $27 – the best value
4. Barbi $69

Italian wine label ranking:

1. Vino da Tavola (VdT)
2. Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT): table wine
3. Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
4. Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)

A “Super Tuscan” is a Tuscan wine that intentionally broke from Italy’s traditional classification rules—often by blending in non-native grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and aging in French oak. Although many were once categorized simply as vino da tavola (table wine), they are now typically sold under the Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) designation. Super Tuscans are renowned for their high quality, complexity, and rich, full-bodied style.

930 S Howard Ave,
Hyde Park, Tampa, FL 33606

… more pix n videos on Google Maps, Yelp, Insta, TA

Will return for their delicious bar food & rooftop bar

We’ve three reds
– Santa Julia Melbec: my fave of the night
– Monteceillo Rioja: no backbone, an easy drink
– Alta Pavina Pinot Noir: biting

For food, we’ve
– Hummus: the crispy chickpeas are heavily airy
– Potatoes: I call them the Spanish fries, they are yummy
– steak: tender
– pork skew Pintxo Pollo: delicious
– Sauteed shrimp: I even finished the oil with the bread – pls just don’t tell anyone (They mistakenly charged us for two, but the manager rectified it immediatly, thanks.)

The decor is inviting, with different seating arrangements. The rooftop bar is beautiful, with different menu.

The hooks under the bar counter are a plus: thank you.
Wine glasses could use some updating. We later learnt from another couple that they’re having wine tasting/masterclass that night: another reason to return. According to the manager, the wine-tasting events are organized by their headquarters with different wineries. There are nine Bullas around the country, with #10 in Aventure coming soon.

A fruit fly is hovering around my plate. I’ve spent most of my life in big cities, and I’m still not used to having the company of insects. Give me a little more time to adjust.

A public parking lot is next to the building.

They’re a stone throw away from Haven, one of my faves.

Bern’s park & Soho Building

1400 S Howard Ave,
Tampa, FL 33606

… more pix and video on Google Maps, Yelp.

A lovely yard, three blocks away from the namesake steakhouse, which is dedicated to Bern Laxer, the founder of the famous steakhouse in Tampa, a tribute to his legacy.

It’s located in the historic Hyde Park district, with a water fountain.

Dinner at Bulla is wonderful

1413 S. Howard Avenue
Hyde Park, Tampa

A small strip mall, with a few shops and a, Italian restaurant Bella’s Italian Cafe.

It’s across street from the Bern’s Park.

25 Sale Pl, Tyburnia,
London W2 1PU, United Kingdom

… more pix on Google Maps, TA, Yelp*

Will not return: decent duck but no alcohol.

We’ve
– Ma Po tofu 麻婆豆腐
– Duck noodle

Both are flavorful but slightly sweet, especially the tofu. The noodles are al dente.

This homey Malaysian restaurant is three minutes away from our hotel. After a long day of travel, the soup hits the spot.

The bonna brand porcelain hand-painted tableware from Turkey is quite attractive.

The restaurant’s reply:

Thank you Irene – we really appreciate your review . Our restaurant is a 100% halal concept therefore alcohol is not served . You are however welcome to bring your own as we do have a regular customers from our neighbour pub

… My bad