Anybody here from Tampa Bay area??

[Kitt*Tenn]

We are going to Clearwater for a week and are renting a home for the duration. I wanted to find out where to shop for low carb food while in the area... Anyone here from around that area that can direct me??

Thanks,
Kitt

[dietsprite]

I don't live in that part of Florida, though I have family who does. You most likely will have a Super Walmart around, that's where I do most of my shopping.

[HolyHottie]

I'm from Clearwater, living in Grand Rapids, MI, and moving back to Clearwater mid-June. Are you wanting to know about local grocery stores, or restaurants?

The main grocers are Publix and Albertsons. There is also a "newer" Costco in Clearwater and they always have great meats/cheeses. Regarding eating out, I would HIGHLY recommend Bonefish Grill if you like seafood. It's amazing food, and located in Belleair Bluffs right near the beach. Of course there are all the typical chain restaurants like Chile's, Outback, and quite a few BBQ joints to choose from. If you head into the city there are TONS of great places to eat. Go to Cheesecake Factory and get their LC cheesecake. Hopefully this helps. If you have specific questions I haven't answered just post them, and I'll be happy to answer! Enjoy your stay in my hometown!

[Kitt*Tenn]

Good Morning..

I am more interested in grocery stores... We lived there for nearly 30 years, and hubby retired from the Clearwater Fire Dept. in 1986. But things have most certainly changed in the 21 years we have been away. We are basically going down there to spend some time with my stepson who in in Hospice care in Safety Harbor...He has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and has only a short time left. It is really tough, especially for my hubby... but God is helping us deal with this one baby step at a time.
I will be doing 90% of our cooking at home..and maybe eat out a couple of times. We had wanted to eat at our long time favorite restaurant, Siples's Garden Seat" near Morton Plant, but sadly it has closed since the owner retired a few years back.

Anyway, I am wanting to stock up on low carb goodies when we get there on Saturday..

Thanks for any help you can give me.. and congratulations on your move back to the area again...



Kitt

[i-can-do-it]

I'm sorry to hear about your stepson. . I live in New Port Richey. I've found Dreamfields only at Publix, Walden Farms products at Winn Dixie, and you can't beat Super Walmarts price for Bars, Shakes, Calorie Countdown Milk ect. Also, I've seen Davincis at TJ Maxx. I haven't been there myself, but I heard there is a whole foods store on the corner of Curlew and US 19. Hope to help.

[Kitt*Tenn]

Oh thank you so much Michelle... Curlew and US 19 are just around the corner from where we will be staying.. We are staying in Palm Harbor... .. That will be awesome..

Blessings,
Carolyn

[Tippy Toes]

Hi Kitt. Sorry to hear the news.

Publix is one of my favorites. Just do a google search for the one nearest you. And yes, Super Walmart has a lot to offer and the best prices but they do inject thier meats with sodium so steer clear of them. But they have Davinci Syrups, Dannon lc yogurt, EAS and Atkins shakes, ect.

[sugarless4life]

I am in Tampa (well closer to Oldsmar, really) ..

I don't buy alot of LC products, except for Dreamfields that I get at Publix, and also my Publix carries the Calorie Countdown (formerly Carb Countdown) chocolate milk and the Heinz One Carb Ketchup. They also have the Nature's Own Wheat & Fiber bread which is good for maintenance. Super Walmart has the KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce (classic blend) which is LC. Other than those products, anything else I need I get from Netrition.

for your family.

Betty

[HolyHottie]

Kitt,

I'm so sorry your trip won't be under better circumstances. I'm praying God gives you the strength to persevere. Thankfully, His grace is sufficient (though it doesn't always feel that way).

I would just concur with the above posts. Publix is a great option. The new Costco is just East of US 19 on Gulf to Bay in Clearwater. In fact it's a whole new outdoor shopping center where you'll probably find most everything you need on your trip.

Blessings,
Jocelyn

[Kitt*Tenn]

That must be where the old shopping center used to be... Clearwater Mall or something.. Hubbies fire house was next door.. Bombay Bicylcle Club was there too. Bennegans across the street... Hmmm wonder if Tio Pepe's is still there on down towards Tampa Bay.. That used to be good.. but probably better stay away from there... I love their bread.. YIKES !!

I am definitely going to lookin around.. I am encouraging hubby to spend quite a lot of time with his ex and his son. His son never really liked me much and never really approved of me marrying his Dad.. (even though we have been together for over 35 years).. Plus with the brain cancer eating away, his son is getting very child like and so I think his last memories should be of his "Mom and Dad" spending time together with him as a family. My stepson is in Hospice care, so it won't be like he is spending the entire days with his ex.. I will have some time to shop around and look for some of these places..
I am needing to get a nice Low Carb dinner done cuz I am inviting the whole family over to our rental place for a dinner.. even the ex is coming.. actually she is helping me with the planning of it..

Thanks for the info my dear friends.. thank you so much.

Kitt

[stellamair]

That whole foods store on the corner of Curlew and US 19 is called Palm Harbor Whole Foods, I believe. In the bread section, they have their own low-carb bread, cinnamon and raisin bread, and dinner rolls. Each piece/roll has about 4 net carbs. It is WONDERFUL stuff. I could go through a whole loaf in two days.

I have had the best luck finding low-carb alternatives and nice meats at the new Sweet Bay grocery stores. They have replaced all the Kash 'n Karrys. They have two whole aisles of natural foods and carry the Hood milks, etc.

They did have the best low-carb store I've ever been too right near US 19 and Alderman. However, they just closed.

I also second the rec for Bonefish, it's great!

Is your stepson at Woodside or does he have in-home care? I used to work for Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. Not sure what their management is like nowadays. I hope you're trip isn't too stressful and good luck!

[Kitt*Tenn]

Hi Stellamair, It sure looks like I have some neat choices while there.. thank you.. My stepson is in Tanden Health Care Facility on 4th st (or is it avenue) in Safety Harbor.. I think they just changed their name, but same facility, different governing forces I think.... He has been there for a bit over 2 years, and is now taken a turn for the worse.. We knew this was inevidable.. but still it difficult to deal with. My DH's ex has been really a rock through it all, and we really appreciate her so much.. She is a truly wonderful lady and we depend on her for so much...

I will check on those store you mentioned for sure. Do you live close by?? Oh and btw.... welcome to the LC forums... this is a super duper wonderful place for info and inspiration... I hope to "speak" with you lots here..

Thanks bunches, and God Bless You,
Kitt

[quiggley]

There is a store called Lo Carb Connection at Largo Mall that carries almost everything. Now this is in Tampa on Busch Blvd but Sami's Bakery that sells to HFS's is located there they have some great stuff the Flax Chips etc

Let me know if you are anyone else want to meet for a Lunch or a Dinner while you are in town.

I am sorry that it is your SS's illness bringing you here

[Tippy Toes]

You can count me in for a lunch! Jann, it would be great to have lunch again--been a while. Kit, would love to meet you and any other lcf folks!

[Kitt*Tenn]

Hi, I would love to GTG for lunch.. I am thinking perhaps Thursday, May 10. Hubby is going to Moffitt Center with his ex and his son that day and I think it will be an all dayer for them. Could we perhaps meet someplace in Clearwater or Largo or Dunedin area... We are staying in Palm Harbor but Tampa is a bit intimidating to an old hoss like me. I am lucky to get back and forth to the airport there..lol

I don't have a phone number where we are staying yet and will not have a computer with me, but perhaps you could share your phone numbers with me and I will be happy to call y'all.. how would that be.. I guess they have PM here do they not??

I love the idea.. that would be so neat..
Kitt

[quiggley]

Originally Posted by Tippy Toes

You can count me in for a lunch! Jann, it would be great to have lunch again--been a while. Kit, would love to meet you and any other lcf folks!

Hey Jeannie I have missed you I wondered if you were still here in FL or in TN.

Kitt I will pm you my phone number and everyone can pick a place I will PM Lynn and a few other locals to see if they can make it,

[quiggley]

Kitt I do not think you have PMs turned on since there is now way to PM you.

[Kitt*Tenn]

How do I turn on my PM's.. I went and looked and can't find how to do it..

[Tippy Toes]

Kitt, you have to post more to get PM's. Post away!

Yes, I'll drive to you where ever you guys meet. Maybe get some beach time too?

[Kitt*Tenn]

Anyone that has an eBay account can email me that way. my id is pebblecreek-primitives. I promise to get right back to you..

How many posts do I have to do to do the mail thing?? Yikes... no time. got to do laundry and pack.

Kitt

[Tippy Toes]

I don't know. Keep posting, lol!

[quiggley]

I think you only need 25 post to have pms so that is why I said they must be turned off go into your user control and options

I just looked click on options and under messaging make sure you have it enabled

[Kitt*Tenn]

I just went in and looked around and it said that I had no permission to pm.. so I wrote to ask if they would please let me PM.. so I hope they do before I leave..

[Kitt*Tenn]

Okay folks, you can pm me now.. I got the powers that be to let me get and receive pm's..

I will need phone numbers for a mini Get Together there... I don't know what the phone number at the rental is.. but I can call y'all.

I got Tippy Toes phone number, so if y'all can get ahold of her after tomorrow morning and I will be gone... we can always hook up through her.. errrrrrrrr.. if that's okay with Tippy.. Oh I am sure it is.. she is a sweetie pie..

Blessings,
Kitt

[sugarless4life]

That must be where the old shopping center used to be... Clearwater Mall or something.. Hubbies fire house was next door.. Bombay Bicylcle Club was there too. Bennegans across the street... Hmmm wonder if Tio Pepe's is still there on down towards Tampa Bay..

Yes, Clearwater Mall is no more .. neither is the BBC .. Bennigans is still there and yes, Tio's is around I think .. never been there, but heard great things about it! (SANS the bread!)

I'd love to join you for lunch, but I work during the day ...

Betty

[Kitt*Tenn]

Good Morning,

I got a few minutes before we drive up to Nashville to catch our plane. What I have in mind is a lunch (pool party, so bring your suits) on Thursday, May 10th. Hubby is going with his ex-wife and son to the MOffitt Cancer center in Tampa... and from what I hear they will be gone for a good part of the day.

The address is 2871 Trailwood Dr, Palm harbor. It is only a couple of blocks off of Tampa Rd, near Hwy 19. If you google up a map, it shows just where it is..
I will call you folks I have phone numbers for when we get down there. This sounds like a blast.. and Tippy, you are so welcome to bring a lc cassserole... Maybe we can grill some goodies... mmmm yum...

Got to run.. a bit more packing and then off to Nashville to catch a plane.

Later folks.

Hugs,
Kitt

[Tippy Toes]

Let's all bring a low carb covered dish! We always do that at the gatherings and it's so much fun!