Big night done right

So you're hungering for a special night out. Where do you go? Sam Seltzer's tops our poll, with Bonefish, Carrabba's and Outback close behind.

By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN, Times staff writer
Published August 17, 2007

If the Pasco Times' Favorite Restaurant Reader Poll is any indication, what constitutes a "Big Night Out" varies according to the social and gustatory tastes of the person deciding.

"Don't have one," wrote Betty and Bob Hope of New Port Richey, regarding their big night out. "(We) enjoy the company of friends."

"Sorry. Not in Pasco. Can't find a place," wrote Grace De Diminicantanio of Holiday.

Another 27 voters said they had no favorite.

But the rest were exuberant about 34 Pasco places, including several who voted for the Show Palace Dinner Theatre or the combination of a downtown New Port Richey restaurant and a show at Richey Suncoast Theatre.

Getting the most votes for a pure restaurant was Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse at Gulf View Square Mall, one of the 10 Sam Seltzer's in south-central Florida.

Its burnished wood walls, glowing chandeliers, comfortable booths, clubby atmosphere and extensive menu earned the loyalty of large cadre of Times readers.

Some put it simply: "Great steaks," wrote Diane S. Diamantopoulos of Holiday and Lois McDevitt of Hudson. "Great prime rib," wrote Bill Scheiblein and Tom and Nancy Coffey, all of New Port Richey.

Others enjoy the extras. Ruth Nelson praised the free glass of wine on her birthday, and Gladys Langmead is grateful that the restaurant takes reservations.

The 350-seat restaurant is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 to 11 p.m. Friday; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. There's a banquet room for 80 and about 30 seats on the outdoor patio.

Close behind Sam Seltzer's in the voting were Bonefish Grill, Carrabba's Italian Grill and Outback Steakhouse, all owned by OSI Restaurant Partners of Tampa, with locations in east and west Pasco.

At Bonefish, "presentation of food and service make one feel special," wrote New Port Richey resident Mazie F. Musial.

"Freshest and best prepared seafood," said Trinity resident Anne Gusler, another Bonefish fan.

"As special as it gets in Pasco," said Hudson's John Cassano of the new-to-Pasco restaurant.

As for Carrabba's, which won the "Favorite Ethnic Restaurant" division in the voting, "It's lively, clean, professional and love this bread," wrote Jeanette Borst of Port Richey.

"Love the wood burning grill," wrote Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Vaughan of Holiday.

The top restaurant in the poll with the longest presence in Pasco, Outback Steakhouse, has the "best deep fried onion, great steaks and friendly staff," said Carol Gray of New Port Richey.

"Excellent food, good sides, especially the signature salads, friendly service, affordable prices," said Tom and Carol Ross of New Port Richey.

"Impossible to beat their steaks," Janet Bosch of New Port Richey wrote.

Other places receiving "Big Night Out" votes were American Legion Post 335, Applebee's, Benedetto's, Blue Dolphin, Boulevard Beef & Ale, Chili's, Crab Shack, Giordano's, the Grand, Ile de France, Inn on the Gulf, Jade Fire, Kafe Kokopelli, La Belle Donna, Leo & Joe's New Jersey Restaurant, Longhorn, Maximilian's Restaurant, Niko's Place, Raymond's, Red Lobster, Remington's Steakhouse, Rossi's Italian, Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, Sioux City Steakhouse, Vincenzo's, Waterside Landing, Your Favorite Place and Zen Forrest.

[Last modified August 16, 2007, 20:26:02]