Obi Is Using The Force To Find His Fur-ever Home

Obi is using the force to find his fur-ever home. Obi is our Mutt Monday dog this week. Bring Obi home, and he will be happy to instruct you in the ways of the Jedi. He will also teach you how to fetch, dispense doggie treats and lounge in front of the television. Obi knows his basic commands, and has a perpetually wagging tail. He is an 8 year old, 71 pound lab mix.

Obi is our Mutt Monday dog this week and he is available at Pet Pal Animal Shelter in St. Pete.

We know there are a lot of great restaurants in the Tampa Bay area. Yelp just put together a list of the 100 best restaurants in all of Florida. Many Tampa Bay area restaurants made the list. Their list is based on their community’s ratings and reviews. Firstly, many of us use Yelp to help decide which restaurant we want to go to. We read reviews, so we can make the best choice for the restaurant of our choice. Yelp will also include pictures of the restaurant in question and a ratings scale.  This can help you determine whether you want to choose this place or not.

There is always a trend in food and this year is no different. The Yelp list says, "Yelpers are craving (and raving about) Thai street food, beefy empanadas, spicy shakshuka, fiery chicken sandos, vegan BBQ, and other big flavors." According to Yelp, The top restaurant in Tampa is Rice & Spice.  Rice & Spice is located on Sheldon Rd in Tampa.  Rice & Spice is loved by everyone who comes in.  They serve Pad Thai and Pad See Ew.  Comments include "110%, Amazing food, funny staff and more".

One of the top restaurants in St. Pete is Uptown Eats. If you recall, that restaurant was listed as One of the Top 100 places to eat in America according to Yelp.  What's interesting is that same restaurant came in #36 of the list of best restaurants in Florida. Funny how it's so high on the national list, but lower on the state list.

The #1 restaurant in Florida according to Yelp is called Pla-Tu Sushi, Thai, Tapas in South Miami.

Another diner website, Open Table has also made a list of the best restaurants.  Open Table released its list of the best 100 restaurants in the country and two Tampa spots made the cut.  Bern's Steak House and Lilac ranked among the best of the best in America. The Tampa restaurants were two of seven Florida eateries to be ranked.

Finally, check out five Tampa Bay restaurants that are some of the best in Florida below.

Mazzaro's comes in at #25 on the list. It is located on 22nd Ave. in St. Pete. They say on their website, "From fresh roasted coffee to delicious deli selections, gourmet baked goods to handmade pastas and specialty cheeses, Mazzaro’s is more than a one-of-a-kind Italian gourmet market – it’s one of Tampa Bay’s favorite culinary destinations."

Olivia came in #30 on the list. It is located at the corner of Swann and Henderson in Tampa. The restaurant serves modern Italian food and is open only for dinner during the week. On the weekend it is open from 10am to 3pm then again from 5pm to 10pm.

#60 on the list. Located on Kennedy Blvd. right across from the University of Tampa. They are open to 5:30 every day of the week. On their website they say, "The menu consists of fresh, seasonal, signature dishes, complemented by an array of premium coffees, teas, and cocktails for a new translation of the classic bistro."

#20 on the list and they are Located on Sheldon Rd. in Tampa. Their menu includes Thai favorites like Tipsy Noodles with egg, vegetables, and basil. They also have Crispy Duck in a flavor-packed red curry.

#35 on the list. Located on Dr. MLK Jr. St. N. and 7th Avenue North near Downtown St. Pete. They serve breakfast and lunch fresh in-house. They also serve locally roasted coffee.