We have 2 nights,2days in Tampa mid-March
at end of a kayak trip-1 day we'll spend
at Busch Gardens.Next day must leave for airport 2pm so thought maybe spend morning at Dali museum(is this enough time or too much?) and have lunch-any thoughts on where?Also if only 1 place to go for nice dinner-where?Know about Bern's and Mise en Place-is there a second Mise en Place as well?Is Bern's really coasting on rep now?
Thank you so much for all help.

Ann...there is a second Mise en Place, Mise en Place Market, formerly just a market, but they now do lunch there as well. I haven't eaten there but understand it's good.

You can do the Dali then lunch there, but it might be more rushed than you want. The Dali is great though...and if it was a choice between the Dali and lunch, I'd do the museum and skip lunch. The Dali has a guided tour which is the way to see it as they point out aspects you would never be able to get on your own. We've done it a couple of times and if I recall correctly, the tour takes about 1-1 1/2 hrs.

It'll take you about 20-25 minutes to get to the airport from Mise en Place Market. There is some ramp construction at the airport exit from 275 that is currently causing delays. Hopefully that will be completed by your trip.

Ann...Zagat used to have a site for Tampa Bay but I can't find it now. In searching for that, I did come across another online guide which covers Tampa,St Pete, Clearwater etc which might be helpful. It's address is: http://www.insiders.com/tampa/main-r....htm#Heading35

It's not that you won't like the food at Berns, it's very good, but it certainly isn't the best in town and the decor leaves a lot to be desired. If you can locate the Zagat's Survey for this area, their ratings were the most informative of any I've seen, covering food, service, atomsphere, cost.

AnnB,
If you're going to the Dali Museum you might want to spend some time at The Pier, a top attraction in St. Pete not far from the museum. Good restaurants there.

Also, there's an area in Tampa called Hyde Park that you should visit as well.

When you go to the Dali museum, make sure you go on a guided tour (no additional cost). You get ten times more out of the museum because they explain all the weird stuff in the paintings, that helps it all make sense.

Hi all,
Thanks for the help-Zagat gives Bern's
high points on everything but decor-It must be someting-it was hard to tell from pictures on their website.I'll have to decide soon...Glad to know about museum tour-anyone ever been to
Blue Moon Cafe(my friend said she thinks
it's close to Dali Museum)-FoundTampa is lumped in with Orlando www.zagat.com

Ann..Thanks so much for clearing up the mystery of Zagat's disappearance. I didn't think to look under Orlando area for Tampa restaurants! The site covers not just central FL, but the Atlantic and Gulf coasts as well--but for anyone interested in the reviews...it's not as daunting as it sounds as it's broken down by city as well, once into the site.

As far as Berns decor, think bordello. That's how it's most often described. It's windowless--not in a bad area, but there would be nothing to look at even if there were windows as it's hunkered down by the Crosstown Expwy overpass.

For what it's worth, this was our impression of it. On the negative side, a wine list that was 1/3 whited out and chained to the table with a chain like you'd use to lock a bike. That set my teeth on edge...waiter said they lose a lot of wine menus...as husband said (to me) replacement cost should be built into the meal if that's the case. The particular Amerone we wanted wasn't available despite the extensive list, but replacement they suggested good.

Flatware and china used for the meal was just plain cheap..presentation dish an inexpensive alloy. Salad just ordinary, even if they did grow the veggies themselves, with uninspired dressing. (Sort of like what we get at home gt;) Side veggies good...but virtually everyone in the dining room had the same thing. Bread--reminded me of zweiback..ugh. Onion rings on the steaks a throwback to another era, but I know they are fresh as the restaurant is on my running route and I can smell them cooking most every morning as I pass!

Not knowing if we wanted dessert when we began the meal, we didn't make reservations for the dessert room, as you must do. So...at meal's end, when we knew we had room, we were told there would be an hours wait for that. Our table meanwhile had been turned while we were on the kitchen tour, so that was it for us.

On the positive side, the steaks were well trimmed and cooked perfectly. The kitchen tour was fascinating and kitchen just astoundingly immaculate. Walk through of wine cellar interesting too. Service was excellent, not at all stuffy.

In retrospect, probably "over-rated" would be a better description than "has been". It just was not what we expected. Having heard about it we had to do it once just to see--but that's it!

Have a great trip...the weather is perfect for a kayak trip now! If you are going to be anywhere near mangroves though, bring skin so soft for the gnats! They've returned en masse just this week.
Caro

annB, I was a docent at the Dali Musuem for quite awhile. I think you will enjoy the Dali experience even if you aren't a Dali fan (though I'm biased). John is correct about the tour, each docent has their own style and perspective on Dali. You could take several tours and learn something different each time. Before you come to Tampa/St Pete, check out www.daliweb.com.

Ann:

Having been raised in St Pete I can tell you that the Dail is a must see, but consider going to the Museum of Fine Art and the International Museum as well. They are both very close to the Dail, Downtown near the waterfront. Also, if you have kids with you you might want to go to the Great Explorations Interactive Center, a museum-like educational center geared toward kids. A great lunch spot near the Dali is a place at the foot of the Pier called Apropos. Have fun.

I have only been to Bern's once, but left wanting to go back as soon as possible. We had a great meal and I highly recommend making reservations for the dessert room, in fact you may want to do this even if you decide on another restaurant for dinner. It was great!

AnnB:
I live in Tampa Bay and own a restaurant here, so I'd love to answer (my restaurant is not convenient to the Dali):
Bern's is an INSTITUTION here. However, for my dough, I'd go to their new spinoff gourmet restaurant called Sidebern's, also in Tampa. Food is not steak and taters...you better call for a res first though!
Also, I'm not sure if you realize, but you have to come over the bridge into St. Pete and back for a visit to the Dali. Also, Apropos is closed. Blue Moon is convenient to the Dali, although not quite walking distance. The food is good, sort of British/Indian, with neat decor and a nice outdoor seating area across street from the Bay. Hope this helps. IF you need anymore info, email me!
Joan