Local flavor emerges as Tampa favorites compete

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By ERNEST HOOPER

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 12, 2001

In the spirit of Mary Ann vs. Ginger, Gomer vs. Goober and Sean Connery vs. Pierce Brosnan, we present a collection of favorites pitted against their natural rivalries.

Don't ask about criteria, because the answers should be snap reactions from the heart, not overwrought explanations based on requirements and guidelines.

Check out my selections, and ponder yours.

TINY TAP VS. CHATTERBOX: These two Tampa bars are replete with pool tables, jukeboxes and character (translation: dives) but it's not exactly a fair fight. The Chatterbox serves liquor while Tiny Tap only serves beer. Thanks to that difference and Dan Lea's indomitable spirit, we give the nod to the Chatterbox.

But the next time I roll up in the 'Box, the jukebox better be working.

HOOTERS VS. RED DOG: One is a rollicking national chain that started in Clearwater, the other just a watering hole on Bay-To-Bay. In terms of chicken wings and fries, there's probably no comparison, but, believe me, in other ways Red Dog stacks up very favorably with Hooters.

MOSES WHITE AND SONS VS. BIG JOHN'S: Two of Tampa's top barbecue places. Moses White's Ybor shop offers a tangy tomato-based sauce and collard greens to die for. Big John's is on the east side of Tampa (40th Street) and its sauce is a little more savory.

A side-by-side taste test on Saturday prompted my older son and fast-growing rib expert to say Moses White's, but this one may be too close to call. Plus, there are three or four other places who would want in on this battle, including Holy Smokes on Armenia. Maybe I need to call in The Nibbler.

RICK'S ON THE RIVER VS. JACKSON'S BISTRO: With Jackson's catering to an upscale crowd and Rick's offering common-man appeal, this may seem like a ridiculous comparison. But they are the only two Tampa bars on the river.

Jackson's gets the nod because it plays disco on Fridays, but if those 2012 Olympic village plans impede on Rick's in any way, I'll fight the bid tooth and nail.

FOUR GREEN FIELDS VS. MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN: Four Greens is a personal favorite, but, ask yourself, do we really want to pit the Irish against the English?

CENTRO YBOR VS. SHOPS ON CHANNELSIDE: Centro got the head start and has more stores (with Urban Outfitters on the way) and a comedy club drawing huge crowds every weekend. Clearly, it's a more popular destination, yet it has not fully established itself amid all the other Ybor night spots.

Channelside is growing in popularity, but people still hate the seemingly unnecessary walk from the garage to the entrance. There was talk of a Cuban restaurant being added to the mix, and I'm still waiting for more stores.

GAMEWORKS VS. POP CITY: A subset to the battle above, these are Tampa's two high-tech, multipurpose video arcades. GameWorks, in Centro Ybor, is better lit and has a higher ceiling and seemingly a few better games. Pop City offers the new Arctic Thunder game and a quiet place to drink overlooking the water.

I say Pop City in an upset.

TARGET VS. WAL-MART: I'm letting the wife judge this one, because she has the ability to lose me in either store on her daylong sojourns. Her initial response was, "Depends on what you're shopping for," but when pressed, she had to go with Wal-Mart.

I say credit Wal-Mart for its willingness to keep the Dale Mabry store open all night. Nude dancers need to shop too, you know.

In case you were wondering, it's Mary Ann, Gomer and Sean Connery. Everybody knows that.

-- If there's a comparison you want Ernest Hooper to ponder, call (813) 226-3406 or send an e-mail to Hooper@sptimes.com. His column appears on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

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