We’re in Tampa for a couple days, staying at the Lazydays Campground at their RV dealership, the largest dealership in the world, they’re very quick to point out. Large trees shade the lines and lines of recreational vehicles of all sizes and types. Just like I love looking through model homes, I’m game to check out motorhomes, too. I was worried, with our aging RV, Steve would get that gleam in his eyes that I rarely see, but it’s undeniable. Yes, our current coach has some issues: It needs a new refrigerator/freezer, the two air conditioners are on their way out, and we have developed slide leaks that are worrisome. I remind Steve that what we need to repair/replace is still less expensive than buying new, he reminds me that at this point it’s becoming throwing good money after bad. Uh oh. He’s not wrong.
So, we take a look around. Tony, our Lazydays sales consultant, takes us in a golf cart to see what’s available. If it exists, this place has it, available at all price points. From travel trailers to fifth wheels, class-C motorhomes to upscale diesel pushers. Sheesh, I’m beginning to sound like an advertisement!
We came, we saw, we left. Phew! That was close.
Since it was my birthday, Steve took me to a nice dinner, in a storied, historic area of Tampa known as Ybor City. A cigar factory that relocated to this area from Key West in 1886 founded what would become Florida’s first industrial area. What began as a corner Cuban coffee and sandwich cafe in 1905, The Columbia Restaurant has grown to be the largest Spanish restaurant in the world, and the longest, continuously-running family restaurant in the United States. The 6th generation of the same family is now making their appearance at this 110+ year old dining establishment. It covers a full city block, and can serve 1,500 diners simultaneously. Upon request when reservations were made, we were treated to a table in a very special area of the restaurant. Check it out:
Our table. This room is so lovely.
Birthday dinner off to a great start!
We started our memorable meal with Columbia’s famous 1905 Salad. It’s prepared table side, is simple in concept, yet so delicious because of the quality of ingredients, and the perfect balance of flavors.
Columbia’s Famous 1905 Salad, prepared by our server, Alfredo
It may look simple, but it’s anything but once it hits the tastebuds.
I love paella, and this was the first time I’d seen it on a menu since we left on this adventure, so my dinner choice was easy. It was brought in the pan, then dished out to me table side.
MMMMmmm paella…
Steve went with a Columbia Restaurant original: Veal “La Reina Isabella”. A lightly breaded cutlet using Cuban breadcrumbs, topped with fresh lump blue crabmeat and a saffron butter sauce.
If you know us, you know I had both white and green asparagus with my dinner, wink, wink.
I tried their family wine, and it was perfect with my meal. Alfredo grabbed another server, and together with my husband they sang a rousing chorus of “Happy Birthday” to me before I blew out the candle on my dessert.
The only thing that could have made it more perfect would have been to have our three kids with us. They are quick to point out we are the ones that left town. Family teasing knows no distance too far. Love those crazy kids.