A treat with a beat

The Samba Room sways to a Latin rhythm, in food and attitude.

By AMY ABBOTT

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 12, 2001

Continuing with the Miamification of Tampa's restaurant scene, the Samba Room is the first to shimmy its way into Old Hyde Park and give Tex-Mex a run for its dinero.

Located on the busiest corner of the village, it's no surprise that the patio is set for prime people-watching. If you enter through the black wrought iron fence along Dakota Avenue, you'll find a comfortably spaced row of white linen-topped tables and wood-slat chairs.

If the weather is threatening your hairstyle or dry-clean-only suit, you can have a valet park the car and head inside through the revolving door to take in the amber glow of the cozy dining room.

White gossamer sheers divide the lounge from the rest of the bar. Magazines such as Cigar Aficionado sit atop the wood cocktail tables. Sinking into one of the overstuffed leather chairs could make you break your rule to never fall asleep in public.

Over the serpentine bar is a sprawling mural of dancing people in warm earth tones. A dizzying array of liquors and mixers fills the vast bar, where the signature drink is a Mohito, a concoction of rum, lime and mint. This self-proclaimed "Latin fusion" restaurant is the newest addition to a five-restaurant chain that has reached as far as Houston and as near as Orlando.

Executive chef Quinn Timmerman has a flair for style. He is so passionate about the presentation of his dishes, he wants people to have a near dining epiphany when served.

"I want the dish to be so stunning that people will stop talking when it is put on the table and be overwhelmed by it," said Timmerman. "We put love on the plate and love on the table."

That love comes in the form of the exotic fruits and spices that accent the seafood-dominated menu. For people who like their feet and origin of their food firmly planted on the ground, several vegetarian and grilled meats are available in inventive forms.

"We combine South American traditions and Caribbean flavor," Timmerman said.

For side dish options, french fries are replaced with fried yucca. Coleslaw is cilantro-infused coconut rice. And string beans are sweet plantains.

Timmerman's favorite dish is the Venezuelan arepas: grilled corn cakes with queso blanco and shredded beef.

The chain's must-try dessert is the green apple-banana cobbler.

Detail is paramount in the service. A four- to six-week training course schools the wait staff on how to serve. Pen lights are used to point out menu suggestions. Diners are personally escorted to the restrooms, which are labeled Romeo and Julietta. Uniforms are kept pristine.

The intimate yet casual atmosphere is set to Latin rhythms. The walls are bedecked with cigar humidors, wine racks and bongos. The attitude is all Miami.

Anyone looking for a light, breezy, go-with-the-flow feel with meticulous service may find this place to be their new haunt. But there are two stipulations: You have to wait until it opens on April 23, and you have to have the wallet to support your appetite. After all, the Samba Room is in Old Hyde Park Village.

AT A GLANCE

• WHAT: Opening of new Old Hyde Park restaurant, the Samba Room.
• WHERE: 1610 W Swann Ave.
• WHEN: April 23
• CALL: (813) 254-8310

NEW TO THE VILLAGE

E. galerie du Soleil, 727 S Dakota Ave.; (813) 250-9890. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Formerly the Thomas Kinkade gallery, Soleil has broadened its horizons to include works by several other artists. Royo, Marko and Leo Wren are now among the offerings. Another celebrity artist to join Kinkade in the gallery is Jane Seymour, who is an active member and fundraiser for City of Hearts, an organization that uses art, theater and dance to improve literacy.

I. Illuminations, 742 S Village Circle; (813) 254-3370. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. What ever happened to Glade? If you're asking this, then you're oblivious to the back-to-basics movement the candle has led for the past decade. Every scent, shape and holder has flooded gift baskets around the world. Now Hyde Park has an official straight-up candle store, too.

Stores are listed alphabetically. Letters correspond to the blocks indicated on the map.

D. Aldo Brioni, 1603 W Snow Circle; (813) 253-2288. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. In addition to fine diamonds and other gemstones, this jewelry store sells porcelain sculptures and Kathrine Baumann bags. At $2,500 to $3,000 a pop, they're not for everyone, but the window shopping is affordable.

G. Alan Ledo Salon, 1517 Swann Ave.; (813) 254-5700. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon. and Sat.; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Tues.-Fri. Hair, nails, waxing, facials -- you can spend a whole day getting pampered. Haircuts and styling begin at $37 for women and $25 for men. Facials, including deep pore and aromatherapy, start at $50.

F. AMC Old Hyde Park 7 Theatres, 1609 Swann Ave.; (813) 251-9131. With all the big multiplexes around, who would want to go somewhere with only seven screens? Someone who wants to stroll by the neighboring shops and restaurants and perhaps grab an ice cream cone all in one parking stop. (www.moviewatcher.com)

I. April Cornell, 800 S Village Circle, (813) 251-3019. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sun. There is more to this shop than feminine clothing and cute pottery. This store is the brainchild of its namesake, who, inspired by her travels, designs the prints on the clothing and kitchenware. The national chain is also sponsor to several children in India, and the company's Delhi factory focuses on employing local craftswomen. (www.aprilcornell.com)

A. Ann Taylor, 1618 Snow Ave.; (813) 251-1919. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Wed. and Sat.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thur.-Fri.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Work wear, evening attire and casual clothes for women. Your teenage daughter might like it, but chances are she'll think it looks better on Mom. (www.anntaylor.com)

E. Anthropologie, 705 S Dakota Ave.; (813) 250-3600. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-6 p.m. Sun. New to Tampa Bay, this store will remind you of Urban Outfitters, Abercrombie & Fitch and Pier 1 Imports. It offers a unique combination of clothes, shoes and housewares, although you might be able to find some of them at yard sales and flea markets. (www.anthropologie.com)

D. Austen-Hyde, 1607 W Snow Circle; (813) 251-4933. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. High-quality leather accessories such as handbags, backpacks, briefcases and day planners.

A. BabyGap, 1608 Snow Ave.; (813) 251-3300. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5:30 p.m. Sun. The name says it all. (www.gap.com)

A.Banana Republic, 1610 Snow Ave.; (813) 253-3005. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5:30 Sun. A branch of the Gap family tree, this store offers mass market chic for those who must wear the label. Men's and women's fashions, undergarments, accessories and shoes. (www.bananarepublic.com)

E. Bijoux, 729 S Dakota Ave.; (813) 254-5968. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Remember the locked cabinet full of sparkling wonders that your grandma placed just out of reach? Now you can add to your collection of glass, crystal and porcelain figurines. (www.bijouxjewelers.com)

C. BlackHawk Coffee Cafe, 1628 W Snow Circle; (813) 258-1600. 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 7:30 a.m.-midnight Fri.; 8 a.m.-midnight Sat.; 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun. Do you eat green eggs in a house and would you eat them with a mouse? Probably not, but you can rest your eyes on the Dr. Seuss artwork for sale. If you're searching for Bobby Fischer, you might find him at one of the chess tables. BlackHawk serves wine, beer, coffee and food. (www.blackhawkconcepts.com)

A. Brooks Brothers, 1616 Snow Ave.; (813) 251-4711. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Wed. and Sat.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thur.-Fri.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Work wear and casual wear for men and women. Monogramming and alterations available. (www.brooksbrothers.com)

C. Cactus Club, 1601 Snow Ave.; (813) 251-4089. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Mon.-Thur.; 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat.; 11 a.m.-10 a.m Sun. Southwestern grill and bar serves burgers, salads and cappuccino pie. (www.cactusclub.com)

I. Chico's, 704 S Village Circle; (813) 254-4575. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-6 p.m. Sun. This women's boutique offers relaxed yet stylish clothes, often in bold colors and non-traditional shapes. (www.chicos.com)

D. Collection Privee, 1627 W Snow Circle; (813) 258-6199. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat; noon-6 p.m. Sun. A lifelike wax figure of a butler stands near the front door of this gallery showcasing contemporary artists' work. (www.collectionprivee.com)

D. Collective Souls, 1623 W Snow Circle; (813) 254-1144. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Got a footwear fetish? This is the place. You'll find Kenneth Cole, BCBG, Dr. Martens, Prada, Moda and more.

D. Color Me Mine, 1609 W Snow Circle; (813) 258-8368. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Thur.; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; noon-9 p.m. Sun. Like a pottery class without the kiln. The possibilities are endless. The studio offers a wide variety of plain pottery pieces, colors, patterns and stencils. Purchase your piece and some studio time, and put your artistic abilities to the test. Good for kids. (www.colormemine.com)

I. Crabtree & Evelyn, 702 S Village Circle; (813) 251-5278. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Besides upscale soaps and bath gels, the shelves offer teas, preserves, cookies and personal products for cooks. (www.crabtree-evelyn.com)

A.Gap, 1608 Snow Ave.; (813) 251-3300. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5:30 p.m. Sun. Owned by the same company as Banana Republic. Similar style, more affordable. (www.gap.com)

A. Gap Kids, 1608 Snow Ave.; (813) 251-3300. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5:30 p.m. Sun. Smaller versions of the clothes in adult Gap. (www.gap.com)

D. Georgette's, 1619 W Snow Circle; (813) 254-1141. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. A women's boutique. The inventory ranges from T-shirts to ball gowns, jewelry included. Definitely high fashion, but not necessarily names you will recognize.

E. Godiva Chocolatier, 725 S Dakota Ave.; (813) 253-2483. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat. noon-5 p.m. Sun. Chocolate for any occasion, most sold by the pound. (www.godiva.com)

I. Home Elements, 720 S Village Circle; (813) 251-8280. Need a chair that matches your spring green walls? This could be your place, with more than 650 fabrics to choose from. Stroll the themed living rooms to get some decorating ideas.

H. Jacobson's Beauty Salon, 1510 W Swann Ave.; (813) 251-8410. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Women's haircuts from $35 to $50, men's from $20 to $50. Nails also. (www.jacobsons.com)

H. Jacobson's, 1510 W Swann Ave.; (813) 251-0930. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-6 p.m. Sun. A high-caliber department store in a formal setting. If you need quiet to shop, this is the place. (www.jacobsons.com)

D. June Simmon's Designs, 1621 W Snow Circle; (813) 251-5000. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Exclusive edition jewelry, custom work. (www.junesimmonsdesigns.com)

D. Lazy Iguana, 1631 W Snow Circle; (813) 253-3392. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat., noon-6 p.m. Sun. Unique resort wear for the fashion-savvy traveler.

I. MAC, 706 S Village Circle; (813) 250-2947. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thur. and Fri.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. If you're serious about makeup, MAC is for you. For those who apply mascara like Tammy Faye Bakker, lessons for application are $90 and sessions are $40. (www.maccosmetics.com)

I. Mimi Maternity, 714 S Village Circle; (813) 254-9959. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Trendy maternity clothes -- swimwear, business, casual and lingerie -- that will flatter you from conception to delivery. (www.mimimaternity.com)

A. Nature's Table Cafe, 1622 Snow Ave.; (813) 254-9288. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Menu devoted to healthy foods: fruit smoothies and juices, sandwiches full of vegetables, soups, salads and yogurts.

C. Nicholson House, 1605 Snow Ave.; (813) 258-3991. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thur.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Bold colors, funky forms and tantalizing textures will draw you in from the sidewalk. Demeter fragrances consist of Gin & Tonic, Popcorn, Sugar Cookie, Leather, Tomato and even Dirt. (www.nicholsonhouse.net)

I. Origins, 716 S Village Circle; (813) 253-5440. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Wed. and Sat.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thur.-Fri.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Environmentally friendly skin care and makeup line owned by Estee Lauder. Also on the shelves are items for canine pals.

I. Pottery Barn, 802 S Village Circle; (813) 251-2227. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thur.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Trendy home decor. (www.potterybarn.com)

I. Pottery Barn Kids, 804 S Village Circle; (813) 253-0964. 10 a.m.-7 pm. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Trendy home decor for kids.

E. Restoration Hardware, 711 S Dakota Ave.; (813) 258-9062. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-6 p.m. Sun. Novelties, housewares, furniture -- and some hardware. Not exactly the necessities of life, but a different shopping experience. (www.restorationhardware.com)

A. Sharper Image, 1602 Snow Ave.; (813) 251-6151. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thur.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. A wide variety of gadgets, from ones that give deep massages to ones that scrape your tongue. (www.sharperimage.com)

D. Stationery Square, 1601 W Snow Circle; (813) 251-1601. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Stationery, greeting cards, wrapping paper and trinkets.

C. Sunglass Hut/Watch Station, 1609 Snow Ave.; (813) 251-8668. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. An impressive selection of name-brand sunglasses, watches and accessories. (www.sunglasshut.com)

F. Talbot's/Talbot's Petites, 1601 W Swann Ave.; (813) 254-9515. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Clothes for dress, casual and sleep wear. Great place to shop for Mom. (www.talbots.com)

C. Tarpon Bay Trading Co., 1610 W Snow Circle; (813) 258-8190. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Men's shirts covered in schools of fish . . . an angler's clothing paradise. (www.tarponbaytrading.com)

B. Tommy Bahama's, 1623 Snow Ave.; (813) 258-8688. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun. If you're planning a safari or a luau, this attire for men and women should be suitable. (www.tommybahama.com)

D. Village Threads, 1605 W Snow Circle; (813) 250-1510. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. A women's shop filled with an eclectic mix of colors, textures and styles.

I. White House/Black Market, 718 S Village Circle; (813) 254-0703. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Day vs. night. Good vs. evil. Naughty vs. nice. Women's clothes set to a theme.

I. Williams-Sonoma, 732 S Village Circle; (813) 253-0743. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Housewares, kitchenwares and other culinary items for the serious chef. (www.williams-sonoma.com)

F. Wine Exchange, 1611 W Swann Ave.; (813) 254-9463. 11:30 a.m.-10:15 p.m. Mon.-Thur. and Sun.; 11:30 a.m.-11:15 p.m. Fri. and Sat. Romantic and quaint restaurant with a wine list befitting its name. A patio for smoking and outdoor preferences.

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