TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pinellas News

Sponge Docks Latin Restaurant Under New Owners

Klint Lowry/SUNCOAST NEWS

MARIACHI BAND INVASOR adds to the atmosphere at Habana Libre Club and Cielito Lindo Restaurant, in Tarpon Springs, Friday nights.

ADVERTISEMENT

KLINT LOWRY, SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF

Published: December 15, 2007

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. - Variety is the spice of life, and even along Dodecanese Boulevard, where the city's pride in its Greek heritage is most prominently on display, man does not live by keftedes or souvlaki alone.

Poised at the western end of the boulevard, Cielito Linda Mexican Restaurant stands out among the Hellenic-themed businesses, a seeming fish out of water in the Sponge Docks tourist district.

But the Hispanic restaurant has been there for four years, and now its new owners want to make its presence felt.

"We're very concerned about the acceptance," said Sandra Perez, speaking on behalf of her sister, Deniz Perez, and Deniz's husband, David Martinez, the restaurant's new owners.

While the tourist business matters, their goal is put their best foot forward with the local community. The restaurant is going to be a family-operated venture, and their aim is to present an image that theirs is a family-oriented restaurant.

Sometime in January, the restaurant will hold a grand reopening weekend to celebrate its new energy and new name, Habana Libre Club & Cielito Lindo Restaurant. While Martinez is Mexican, the Perez sisters are Cuban, and the new owners intend to expand the restaurant's menu to include Cuban dishes, as well as Mexican.

Much of the restaurant's look will remain the same, as well as the staff. Most importantly, Sandra Perez said, the restaurant's head chef, Rene Angele-California, will still be there, ensuring already loyal customers they will still be able to get their favorite dishes.

"He's an excellent chef," Perez said of Angele-California. "He chose to stay on, thank God."

While the food is bottom line to a restaurant's success, the new owners are adding a little sizzle to the presentation. They have already begun a regular schedule of entertainment and deals that include something for all ages.

On Mondays, guests can take work off those tortilla chips with salsa dancing lessons. Tuesdays feature two-for-one margarita specials from 4 to 8 p.m.

Love is in the air Wednesdays with what they are calling "Poetic Night," with amenities meant to enhance romance. On Thursdays, onions and peppers are in the air, as Cielito Lindo offer two-for-one fajitas.

Fridays offer a cultural feast for the eyes and ears, as well as the stomach. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the mariachi band Invasor plays a repertoire of songs, giving tableside serenades for those who wish it.

At 9 p.m., tapatio dancers take the stage. The word "tapatio" refers to someone or something that comes from Guadalajara, Mexico. In this case, it refers to the folk dances, from ancient pre-Columbian days to performances that include the colorful costumes, big hats and dramatic movement most of us associate with Mexican dance.

On Saturdays, Habana Libre Club & Cielito Lindo Restaurant goes Greek – not on the menu, but with entertainment that celebrates their neighboring community.

The restaurant stays open until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays are family days, with clowns and magicians on hand to keep guests laughing between bites.

Habana Libre Club & Cielito Lindo Restaurant is at 927 Dodecanese Blvd. Call 727-939-1246 for information.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT