We have now published 10-count ’em-10 Friday Food Fight posts since the feature debuted in October.
Since lists of 10 are all the rage in Listicle Land, especially at year’s end, we’re listing all 10 winners here and linking back to our writeups and the contenders’ websites — all tasty options for your holiday and post-holiday noshing!
Next week, just in time for New Year’s Eve, we head back into the arena for The Battle of the Bubblies: May the best Prosecco win!
Story: “Fray’s or Daddies: Who does donuts better?” (10/1/21)
The runner-up: Daddies Donuts & Delites (since renamed Pink Daddies)
Key quote: “While Daddies scored big on appearance and creativity (and fun), Fray’s edged them out on flavor (and value). ”
Fray’s location: 649 34th St. N., St. Petersburg. (There are also Fray’s franchises on 16th St. and Park Blvd, but we bought our donuts at the 34th St. location.)
Story: “Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger! El Cap vs. Shake Shack” (10/8)
The runner-up: El Cap
Key quote: “Believe it or not, this cheeseburger melts in your mouth” (re the Shackburger).
Shake Shack location: 1011 Gramercy Lane, Midtown Tampa.
The story: “Popeyes vs. Better Byrd: Who’s the chicken sandwich champ?” (10/15)
The runner-up: Popeyes
Key quote: “There are many things to recommend about the Popeyes Classic, not least of which is the price. But Better Byrd’s healthy-eating approach made its chicken sandwich that much more appealing.”
Better Byrd location: 4447 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (in the On the Fly Food Hall).
The story: “The Grill of Victory: Fo’Cheezy vs. Uptown Eats” (10/29)
The runner-up: Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz
Key quote: “I like the vibe at Fo’Cheezy and definitely want to try some of the more over-the-top choices…But Fo’s most basic trademark sandwich couldn’t quite match the subtle, savory version at Uptown Eats.”
Uptown Eats location: 689-D Dr. MLK Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg.
The story: “O, Omelette! Willa’s vs. The Frog Pond” (11/12)
The runner-up: The Frog Pond (Corey Ave. in St Pete Beach)
Key quote: “Both restaurants do the omelette justice, albeit in very different styles. But I have to give the nod to Willa’s for an experience that was both innovative and supremely delicious… Get the rotisserie chicken as a side!”
Willa’s location: 1700 W. Fig St., Tampa.
The story: “Pumpkin pie or pumpkin cheesecake?” (11/19)
The runner-up: Pumpkin pie from The Fresh Market on 4th St. in St. Pete
Key quote: “If you’re looking for a straightforwardly delicious pumpkin pie, you can do no better than the one made in the bakery at The Fresh Market. But if you’re looking for a dessert that will make everyone swoon, ‘This is sooooo good,’ you’ve gotta go with Mike’s Pumpkin Cheesecake.”
Locations: Mike’s Pies are available at multiple local and national retailers (including The Fresh Market).
The story: “Pizzas with heat: Fabrica vs. Colony Grill” (12/3)
The runner-up: Colony Grill
Key quote: “Try Colony for its new-to-many-of-us bar pizza style. The only problem is that the taste of the hot oil tends to overwhelm any other flavors; there’s not the depth you get in the hot-oil (or hot-honey) variations at Fabrica. Fabrica’s pizzas just taste better — it’s as simple as that.”
Fabrica locations: 101 7th St. S. in St Petersburg and 142 S Meridian Ave. in Tampa.