Whether you're looking for a night out with the girls (Blue Martini), a romantic meal (Capital Grille) or shop till you drop, International Plaza is for you. After all, where else can you shop for fruit and purses under one roof?
International Plaza & Bay Street
2223 N. West Shore Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33607
813-342-3790
SHOPPING
Visit the Apple store for all the latest trends in electronic devices including computers, IPhones, IPads and everything Mac. They even offer tutorials.
For the gourmet eater, William-Sonoma serves up bowls, pots, kitchen gadgets and delectable morsels to accompany any meal. If you can't find what you want here, drive down the street to Crate and Barrel for chic home accessories and trendy kitchenware.
Princess rocks at Gucci, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Neiman Marcus where designer lables rule. For fashionable guys, Dillard's and Nordstrom's men's department, Michael Kors, Jos A. banks yield affordable style. Hip fashionistas flock to True religion, Urban Outfitters, 21, Hot Topic, Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch and Diesel while the surf set has Pac Sun, Quicksilver, Quiet Flight and Oakley to hang ten with.
Classic styles from J. Crew, Levi, Tommy Bahama and Express are all I need, while high styling kids and babies want duds from Gap Kids, Children's Place, Gymboree and Janie and Jack. Hello Kitty at Sanrio is always jammed, as is Claire's and the Bead Place for funky fun. My personal favrorite is browsing Paloma Picasso and Elsa Peretti jewelry at Tiffany's, a la Audrey Hepburn
Coming soon? A Disney store, Juicy Couture and some surprises.
DINING & NIGHTLIFE
You will not go hungry here. For snacking, you won't be able to decide among the Starbucks frappuccino, Godiva truffles, Aunt9e Anne's pretzel, Cinnabon aromatic rolls, juice bar inside Fit2Run, Gelateria del Duomo's 20 flavors or Haagen Dazs sorbet.
For lunch, Great wraps, Maison de Crepes, Lotus Express Chinese, Sbarro's pizza, Subway, Suki Hana Japanese fast food or Kelly's Cajun Grill mix it up with the highrollers--Pelagria Trattoria, Ocean Prime, Capital Grill, Cafe Japan, Bar Louie and more. Here are some of our favorites:
When you are shopped out, take in a restaurant to relax and chill. For a fast and tasty break hit California Pizza Kitchen– www.cpk.com. Here you can enjoy pizza, sandwiches and more. Specialty drinks, like Appleberry Sangria, wine and beer will whet your whistle.
For wine aficionados a trip to The Grape, www.yourgrape.com, is a must. Discover wines of Australia and other countries, at their monthly wine tasting. You are bound to leave with a new appreciation and a new favorite wine.
The Cheesecake Factory is famous for their freshly prepared dishes, every day. Try a new favorite, the Green Chile Cheeseburger, made with fire roasted green chilies, melted cheese and chipotle mayo. For those trying to keep an eye on the waist line, they offer three weight management dishes, like Asian Chicken Salad.
At Gallery Bistro you can find the greatest and freshest seafood. Featuring new American cuisine, you may enjoy the Blue Crab Corn Chowder or Cram Stuffed Avocado. Lunch portions are available.
Italian aficionados will enjoy Brio Tuscan Grille, www.brioitalian.com. Get the feel of Tuscany, right here in Tampa as La Dolce Vida, the sweet life, abounds at this upscale restaurant. Try the Lasagna Bolognese Al Fondo, it’s to die for. Seafood lovers will come back again and again for Brio Crab and Shrimp Cakes.
For an after hours adventure, hit the Blue Martini. You gotta try the new Skinny Bitch martini. Made with Van Gough Vodka, pomegranate juice and more, it’s topped with a lemon wedge and an orchid. This one might just upstage their signature Blue Martini as Tampa’s favorite drink.
Insiders say watch out for the opening of The Pub, www.tavernrestaurantgroup.com. Great happenings
