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By CHRIS SHERMAN
© St. Petersburg Times, published June 21, 2001
OPEN, SHUT
Tony Roma's in Clearwater is closed, so Tony devotees must go to Orlando for nearest fix or turn to rival Damon's. Ex-Roma's here will re-open as a Kobe Japanese Steak House (28775 U.S. 19, Clearwater; (727) 791-1888), which has one location in Tampa and six in Orlando.
Little Travis bistro went dark last week after a year's struggle to give Countryside a rare helping of elegance and modern cooking on U.S. 19 N. No successor known yet.
Former Chef's Corner has gone beachy as Paradise Island Grille (14701, Madeira Beach; (727) 319-0103), with salads, sandwiches, half-pound burgers and seafood baskets. Prices from $5.95 up to $11.95 for steaks.
Next round of chain concept restaurants bow in Tampa next week:
Howl at the Moon and Stump's Supper Club, its Southern fried sibling, open softly Tuesday. (Channelside; (813) 226-2261).
Maggiano's Little Italy opens to the public two days later on June 28 (WestShore Plaza, (813) 288-9000).
Dessert sampler. Restaurants with great desserts have a new choice for diners forced to select among the likes of chocolate indulgence, creme brulee and blueberry cobblers: All of the above. At Ybor's Big City Tavern, a platter with a half dozen desserts sweetens a whole table for $14; Island Way Grill in Clearwater offers three desserts for $6.95.
-- CHRIS SHERMAN, Times food critic