The Luxury Box, Tampa, Florida

We like going to sporting events.  Usually we stop to eat at a restaurant before going to the event rather than eating at the event.  The reason for this is two fold.  First eating out tends to be part of our entertainment experience.  Second a nice meal is generally less expensive than eating at the event.  Oh sure we still get a snack or two during the event but in many cases the meal is more than enough.  It has become part of the fun to check out different restaurants near whatever event we are attending.

The Luxury Box  located at 498 Channelside Drive in Tampa, Florida across from the St Pete Times Forum opened in 2010..  The restaurant features new American cuisine that includes sushi, sashimi, salads, chicken wings and grilled sandwiches.  The atmosphere is cosy and friendly, casual dining with tables in the lower section, raised bar style tables in the upper section and an outdoor eating area.  There is live entertainment as well.  The Luxury Box is a little more expensive but not prohibitively so.  Our total bill with tip for four adults including beverages was $100. 

The Luxury Box features freshly made on site sushi and sashimi.  Who can resist that?  I ordered the salmon maki pictured.  Maki is a sushi roll with the rice on the outside.  The salmon maki was garnished with a dollup of wasabi and thinly sliced salmon.  Unlike other sushi rolls I have enjoyed the salmon in this roll was raw.  The salmon maki was quite tasty, something I would definitely order again.

Many think that sushi always means raw fish but that isn't  the case.  Rather sushi refers to the method.  There is a higher risk of food borne illness when consuming raw meats or fish so it is important that the food be prepared fresh.  The sushi rolls were prepared at a sushi station in full sight of the patrons.  It was very interesting to watch them being made.