My pal Shiner from Tampa Bay Today invited me on to help interview Shake Shack Area Director Erik Hugley about the opening plans for the chain's first area location in Midtown Tampa June 7, 2021.

My pal Shiner from Tampa Bay Today invited me on to help interview Shake Shack Area Director Erik Hugley about the opening plans for the chain's first area location in Midtown Tampa June 7, 2021.

Devouring the 813 and 727 one neighborhood at a time. #GenoAteTampa began as a hashtag so I could quickly point listeners to places I've recommended on my Tampa radio show and social media channels.  Now, "Geno Ate Tampa" has become the chronicles of my never-ending quest for great burgers, sweet and sour chicken, buffalo wings, fajitas, chicken parmesan, pizza, apple pastries, cheesesteak, grouper nuggets, french fries, lobster rolls and ice cream in the Tampa Bay area.  And that's just what I have for breakfast.

Devouring the 813 and 727 one neighborhood at a time. #GenoAteTampa began as a hashtag so I could quickly point listeners to places I've recommended on my Tampa radio show and social media channels.&nbsp; Now, "Geno Ate Tampa" has become the chronicles of my never-ending quest for great burgers, sweet and sour chicken, buffalo wings, fajitas, chicken parmesan, pizza, apple pastries, cheesesteak, grouper nuggets, french fries, lobster rolls and ice cream in the Tampa Bay area.&nbsp; And that's just what I have for breakfast.

Devouring the 813 and 727 one neighborhood at a time.

Geno Ate Tampa

Shake Shack Tampa Grand Opening Announcement

Florida still doesn’t have an In-N-Out. So you can’t get a Double Double Animal Style. So what are the best fast food burgers you can order at the drive thru for lunch today if you live around here? A new USA Today ranking is out and here are 7 of Florida’s best fast food burgers. I think the most surprising thing is who’s NOT on their list.

McDonald’s, certainly the most consumed burgers in Florida, has NO picks on USA Today’s top 10. Not even the Big Mac. Also not on the list? Wendy’s! Of the fast food chains, those are probably the two most visited Florida burger joints, but neither made the list. I would argue that Shake Shack deserves to be on this list way more than USA Today’s #7 pick.

Florida still doesn’t have an In-N-Out. So you can’t get a Double Double Animal Style. So what are the best fast food burgers you can order at the drive thru for lunch today if you live around here? A new <a href="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-fast-food-burger-2024/">USA Today</a> ranking is out and here are 7 of Florida’s best fast food burgers. I think the most surprising thing is who’s NOT on their list.
McDonald’s, certainly the most consumed burgers in Florida, has NO picks on USA Today’s top 10. Not even the Big Mac. Also not on the list? Wendy’s! Of the fast food chains, those are probably the two most visited Florida burger joints, but neither made the list. I would argue that Shake Shack deserves to be on this list way more than USA Today’s #7 pick.

USA Today's 7 Best Fast Food Burgers in Florida

Pizza is on everyone's mind lately because Dave Portnoy from Barstool Sports was recently in Tampa trying different pizza places.  Among the ones he tried was my favorite spot for the best pizza in Florida: Cristino's in Clearwater.  I don't know what score Portnoy gave Cristino's, but it got me in the mood for a Margarita with extra sauce because I hadn't dropped by in a while.

When I pulled in, there were dozens waiting for a table.  That's always a good sign.  I posted the photo on my Instagram and Facebook of everyone waiting in the parking lot and mentioned that these people don't need Dave Portnoy's endorsement.  They know Cristino's Pizza is worth the wait.  In the comments, most listeners backed me up - but a few instead suggested other pizzas.  And that's where I made my crucial mistake.

There's nothing worse than getting your hopes up about trying a new pizza someone is raving about... and the pizza is just underwhelming.  I made the big mistake I don't often make yesterday.  In those comments, a listener suggested a popular pizza spot in Largo that I had never tried.  I'd heard of it and initially I thought I'd even tried it.  But when I looked them up online, I realized I had not been there... and since I was in the area yesterday, I dropped by.  After 4 or 5 bites, I got angry with myself.  I broke my rule.  I forgot to ask the guy who recommended this place 2 important questions before I took his suggestion seriously.

Pizza is on everyone's mind lately because Dave Portnoy from Barstool Sports was recently in Tampa trying different pizza places.  Among the ones he tried was my favorite spot for the best pizza in Florida: Cristino's in Clearwater.  I don't know what score Portnoy gave Cristino's, but it got me in the mood for a Margarita with extra sauce because I hadn't dropped by in a while.
When I pulled in, there were dozens waiting for a table.  That's always a good sign.  I posted the photo on my Instagram and Facebook of everyone waiting in the parking lot and mentioned that these people don't need Dave Portnoy's endorsement.  They know Cristino's Pizza is worth the wait.  In the comments, most listeners backed me up - but a few instead suggested other pizzas.  And that's where I made my crucial mistake. There's nothing worse than getting your hopes up about trying a new pizza someone is raving about... and the pizza is just underwhelming.  I made the big mistake I don't often make yesterday.  In those comments, a listener suggested a popular pizza spot in Largo that I had never tried.  I'd heard of it and initially I thought I'd even tried it.  But when I looked them up online, I realized I had not been there... and since I was in the area yesterday, I dropped by.  After 4 or 5 bites, I got angry with myself.  I broke my rule.  I forgot to ask the guy who recommended this place 2 important questions before I took his suggestion seriously.

The Cristino's Pizza Question I Forgot To Ask

The Florida State Fair opens February 8 and runs through February 19th at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. It’s that time of year when it’s time to finally do away with those New Year’s resolutions. Counting calories is strictly forbidden and carbs are king. This year, there are the usual things on the menu like cotton candy, popcorn, deep fried Twinkies, pizza, turkey legs and fried dough. And there’s no fair in Florida where you won’t find gator nuggets for the adventurous eater.

For those with a sweet tooth, there are some creative new items to hunt down. I will definitely find the Oreo Cookie Cinnamon Bun that Cinnamon Saloon is serving up this year. What an awesome combination of words. And with the Barbie movie being so popular, Paulette’s Food Service has created the Barbie Funnel Cake. It’s got pink icing, powdered sugar and various kinds of sprinkles.

But how about those really weird fair foods? The ones that you dare someone to try. There are always a handful of strange, weird and cringeworthy creations at the Florida State Fair. 2024 will be no different. Pickles are being incorporated into pizza and Pop Rocks. For those who love doughnut burgers, there’s the next level with honey buns and cheese curds. And Mama Jane, famous for her creations on the cable TV show Carnival Eats is back with a new savory funnel cake that is a big departure from the usual.

Let’s dive in. Here are the 5 oddest fair foods that’ll raise your eyebrows when you wander around the 2024 Florida State Fair. Then you can see more things on the Florida State Fair menu that sound a bit more appealing if you’re not the type that dips your dill pickle in chocolate.

The Florida State Fair opens February 8 and runs through February 19th at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. It’s that time of year when it’s time to finally do away with those New Year’s resolutions. Counting calories is strictly forbidden and carbs are king. This year, there are the usual things on the menu like cotton candy, popcorn, deep fried Twinkies, pizza, turkey legs and fried dough. And there’s no fair in Florida where you won’t find gator nuggets for the adventurous eater.
For those with a sweet tooth, there are some creative new items to hunt down. I will definitely find the Oreo Cookie Cinnamon Bun that Cinnamon Saloon is serving up this year. What an awesome combination of words. And with the Barbie movie being so popular, Paulette’s Food Service has created the Barbie Funnel Cake. It’s got pink icing, powdered sugar and various kinds of sprinkles.
But how about those really weird fair foods? The ones that you dare someone to try. There are always a handful of strange, weird and cringeworthy creations at the <a href="https://floridastatefair.com/fair/food/">Florida State Fair</a>. 2024 will be no different. Pickles are being incorporated into pizza and Pop Rocks. For those who love doughnut burgers, there’s the next level with honey buns and cheese curds. And Mama Jane, famous for her creations on the cable TV show Carnival Eats is back with <a href="https://myq105.com/2023/11/13/mama-jane-reveals-her-2024-desserts-for-the-florida-strawberry-festival-state-fair/">a new savory funnel cake</a> that is a big departure from the usual.
Let’s dive in. Here are the 5 oddest fair foods that’ll raise your eyebrows when you wander around the 2024 Florida State Fair. Then you can see more things on the Florida State Fair menu that sound a bit more appealing if you’re not the type that dips your dill pickle in chocolate.

Shake Shack Tampa Grand Opening Announcement

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