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By CHRIS SHERMAN
© St. Petersburg Times, published November 23, 2000
I've had enough...
"Our espresso machine is broken." "Sorry" could cut it 15 years ago before cappuccino was fully translated here, not today. Insiders say "breakdown" can cover employees who don't want the hassle of making espresso or owners leery of repair bills. Why balk at cost or effort? Espresso ups bill (and tip), and small cups (and no free refill) speed turnover. Mechanics are standing by.
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OPEN AGAIN: La Cachette, a small jewelbox of French classical cuisine, such as quail with figs and pork en croute, is back in action. Martin and Beulah Jackson have reopened for the season. La Cachette (321 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach; 727 596-5439) has expanded to 44 seats, but dinner is by reservation only, Wednesday through Sunday; prix fixe is $31.
NEW IN TOWN: Another pan-Asian splash hit with Pacific Wave ( 211 Second St. S, St. Petersburg, 727-822-5235).Ex-Redwood chef Joe Chouinard has foie gras and kobe beef on his pu pu platter plus noodle and rice bowls with veal, macadamias and such, entrees new and old, from lobster fondue to shabu-shabu. Entrees $11 to $22 and up depending on market.
Fans of Napa (Calif.) restaurants may remember that Michael Chiaretto, the talent behind elegant Tre Vigne, spun off a low-key, quick and fresh sibling, Tomatina. Now a chain, Tomatina's first location here (9214 Anderson Road, Tampa; 813 290-7744) opens here under Ed DeBartolo Jr. Pizza and pasta, of course; main deal is piedini, flatbreads you eat like tacos.
SHUCKED: Butler's Barbecue (1100 94th Ave. N, St. Petersburg; 727 577-3294) started with one strip center stall and one specialty, North Carolina barbecue. Two years later, space has tripled, there's a truckload of country veggies -- and now an oyster bar: fried, steamed and raw.
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