This past December, our neighborhood gained another new place to eat. In many neighborhoods that may not be such a big deal but Seminole Heights faces challenges because of the limited depth on many of the commercial lots. Sometimes folks just have to get creative about location. That is what Tampa native and Hillsborough High School (Our neighborhood high school) alum Mike Merino did when he opened Merino's Deli on the south end of the building that also is the home of an auto repair shop in Old Seminole Heights.
Few business owner take the time to actively build and gain support from the neighborhood association and neighbors in advance of setting up shop. Not the case with Mike. For months we heard he was going to be opening the deli/sandwhich shop. We heard of the bureaucratic hurdles just to get a new small business open. Then finally in December, Merino's Deli opened to the delight of many a Seminole Heights neighbor.
But of course the real test for any food business is the product. I can say I have never been disappointed when I have eaten there. More important (as evidenced in this blog), I try to promote those neighborhood serving businesses. I have taken friend there from St. Pete and Brandon who have likewise been very pleased with their sandwiches. My most recent visit was to try his take on a Philly cheesesteak. Being a Philly boy, I am not forgiving of poor imitations of my home region's signature sandwich. Mike's was good enough to bring me back again...now if he could just import some Tastykakes.
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