Jeff Houck

The Tampa Tribune’s food writer since 2005, Jeff Houck covers the way people live through their food. He also hosts the Table Conversations food podcast and believes that everything crunchy is good.

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• The Sip: Drinking In ‘The Great Gatsby’ With Martinis And Mint Julep.
• Mouth Safari: The Stein & Vine Brings Great Eats, Outstanding Drinks To Valrico
• Weekend Eats: ‏Pork Tonkotsu Ramen, Spicy Chicken And Waffles, Oysters With Crispy Shallots
• The Underbelly Tour Devours Central Avenue Restaurants In St. Petersburg
• Hot Rod’s BBQ In Lutz Serves Up It’s Last Plate Of Barbecue Fruit Bat. Or Whatever It Was.
• Hank Shaw - Hunter, Gardener, Fisherman, Cook - Wins A James Beard Award
• Gary and Amy Moran Out At Wimauma Restaurant In South Tampa
• This Is Tampa Style. This Is Who We Are. Take It And Eat It.
• Weekend Eats: Snickers Flapjack, Thai Donuts, Sushi On The Beach
• The Sip: The Best That A Very Thirsty Tampa Has To Drink
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Pork Kimchee Soba, Haggis & Potato Pasties, Raspberry Filled Madelines [This Week’s Weekend Eats]

Posted Jan 22, 2013 by Jeff Houck

Updated Jan 22, 2013 at 02:10 PM

One thing that stands out when judging the outstanding dishes submitted for Weekend Eats consideration is when the plate includes something we haven’t seen before.

That’s not to say that a perfectly smoked brisket isn’t a thing of beauty. Or a satisfying subcontinent of Shepherd’s Pie. They are indeed.

But when some says something on the order of “fried oysters” and “bacon” and “sandwich,” well, then you’ve got our attention.

Which is why Twitter follower Jeanna Mastrodicasa (‏@DrJtotheMastro), wins this week’s contest. That sammich up top there? It honestly inspired silent contemplation. A rare feat if there ever was one.

Dr. J had quite a week. She also submitted this banana pudding parfait with macadamia nuts, also enjoyed at Cochon in New Orleans:

My goodness. That thing needs its own wing in the Parfait Hall of Fame.

For her efforts, Dr. J will enter the Weekend Eats Hall of Fame on Pinterest, as well as receiving the following token of esteem:

It’s the “Southern Living Feel Good Food” book. Inside is a recipe for Roasted Pork Belly with Peaches and Arugula.

I’m Jeff Houck and I approve this recipe.

Other entries this week included:

@ChefStops: A hearty Cioppino with local mahi, lump crab, Gulf shrimp & Fla. lobster. Served w/ crusty bread & tempranillo

@mmWine: A 4 hour pork roast, coated with sage, rosemary, garlic and olive oil. Paired with Pinot Noir from Calif.

@xiomeeks: Too dark for a picture @Taps but their tuna crudo app with avocado, shaved fennel, sun dried tomato is amazing.

@GingerCM: Chicken-fried chicken gizzards, pepper gravy, and rice. aka heart attack on a plate.

@otmdish: Capering Flounder - with Gustiamo’s cuncunci (caperberries), fresh rosemary, dry vermouth.

The competition was staggeringly difficult. Need proof? Check out this week’s Gallery of Noms. Click on each photo for a description: