TAMPA -When 25 Carrollwood Area Business Association (CABA) restaurants set up for the fifth annual Taste of Carrollwood on April 15 at George M. Steinbrenner Field, they'll welcome their frequent patrons from the North Tampa area while letting people in other parts of the city know that Carrollwood has become a culinary destination.
Some greater Carrollwood residents once saw few fine dining options, but over the past decade, the area has experienced a renaissance of new restaurants along the North Dale Mabry Highway corridor.
Since the Carrollwood area is located in the center of several communities, including Westchase, Lutz, University Area and Town 'n County, it's a prime location for restaurants to establish themselves.
Pinchers, Marlow's Tavern, Noble Crust Carrollwood and Black Rock Bar-&-Grill are all among the newest options.
"With Carrollwood being a fun family oriented community, and Pinchers being a family owned restaurant, the Taste is an excellent time for us to showcase our fresh caught seafood," Pinchers Founder Grant Phelan said.
The Taste of Carrollwood provides an opportunity for CABA restaurants to showcase their food to thousands of people from all over Tampa. After participating in last year's Taste of Carrollwood, Bonefish Grill Carrollwood managing partner, Joe DiRoma, saw an 85 percent effectiveness rate after providing samples and coupons.
"There's nothing more important than bringing that business into the Carrollwood area," DiRoma said. "There's a lot of people that necessarily aren't in Carrollwood that want to come try your restaurant."
He also pointed out that having the event in a centrally located and recognizable venue such as Steinbrenner Field allows for great exposure.
Marlow's Tavern also hopes to gain visibility by offering samples of one of their signature items, shrimp and grits. Open for over two years, Marlow's Tavern does not have visible signage to drivers on North Dale Mabry Highway.
"We still get people walking in the door saying 'We didn't know you were here,'" said Danny Davis, general manager.
One of his goals it to get the Marlow's Tavern name out there to other parts of Tampa.
"It's good to have name recognition," Davis said.
Other participating restaurants include Willie Jewell's Old School Bar-B-Q, McAllister's Deli, Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe, Carrabba's, Carmel Kitchen-&-Wine Bar, Earl of Sandwich, Clean Juice, Dolce Enigma, Tiny Bites and many more. Maple Street Biscuits, which is set to open later this month in Carrollwood, will hand out coupons.
In addition to free food samples and lots of giveaways from nearly 100 exhibitors, there will be fun activities for the whole family. Kids can run the bases where the Tampa Tarpons play, enjoy in-crowd entertainment by Star Wars characters, and a special "Kids Corner."
Musical entertainment will include the University of South Florida Marching Band and local youth bands. Attendees can participate in a scavenger hunt where completed entries give attendees the chance to win a free 50-inch flat screen television.
Contact Danielle Hauser at hillsnews@tampabay.com.