Origami Sushi 3647 W Hillsborough Ave Tampa, FL 33614 origamisushitampa.com This small restaurant presents just the right mixture of authentic Japanese cuisine and American style dining.  There is ample seating along the windows and dining room, and a full bar with flat screen televisions that runs across the length of the dining room. Great for a date night, or just being out with friends or family, Origami is a great place to frequent.  The staff is friendly, the bar is stocked, and the food is worth the wait. I love the menu at Origami as it has pictures of every dish they serve, so there is no guess work in what your food will look like or what ingredients will be included. I ordered the “Scorched Earth”, a cooked roll with salmon and asparagus.  The kicker is the assortment of fish and seafood in a spicy mayonnaise on top, flame cooked sort of like how… [Read more]

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I seem to come across articles daily bemoaning the plight of the single black female, no not women of color but black women specifically. I will say this to you black women, you aren’t the only ones that are sick and tired of reading these statistics and blog fodder so don’t feel like it’s the world against you. One of the reason these articles are so hot for journalists is because it inspires immediate emotion and bitterness from the accused. Hell go to any blog about the subject and hear the echoes of how sh-tty us black men are and how you all need to start looking elsewhere. Well the dragon is here to help you move on and break the stereotype. Unlike other blogs who wish to highlight the problem and air out your dirty laundry, we offer you suggestions and solutions, from the viewpoint of a black male. One thing that I keep… [Read more]

Izziban Sushi 1700 Sand Lake Road Orlando, FL 32809 www.izzibansushioforlando.net This restaurant is cozy with the friendliest staff I have met in a long time. There is also a full bar if you would like to enjoy the evening with friends, or try their catering service if you would like to dine in the comfort of your own home. The décor has a very fresh and contemporary feel but not to the point where you cannot enjoy a low key dinner.  Even if you bring the kids it’s a great place to enjoy a family meal as they have something for all palates. The menu is very extensive; there are no less than five pages. The sushi menu is separate and has more than 30 different rolls to choose from.  I cannot say enough about the presentation and I encourage anyone to try something new – you will not be disappointed.  I tried the mango… [Read more]

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The Funky Monkey Wine Company 912 North Mills Avenue in Downtown Orlando, FL http://www.funkymonkeywine.com I provide the exact address because if you are not paying attention, you will definitely pass this place, as it’s a hidden gem nestled on a block in between a gas station and a Vietnamese noodle house.  However, as soon as you walk inside, it’s like you are in another world, away from the broken sidewalk you walked in on.  Complete with velvet couches and pillows, high dining tables for two, and regular tables for parties of 3 or more, this quaint little Asian wine bar is the perfect place for the intimacy of a first date or a fun celebration with friends.   The dim lighted atmosphere mixed with XM radio on the “chill” station makes for the perfect relaxing evening. The menu consists of affordable upscale dining and is owned by the President of the Tasters Guild of Orlando, a… [Read more]