| Article Text: TAMPA - It's no longer bright pink, but a Seminole Heights landmark still deserves a look. Patrick Purpura opened The Front Porch Grille last June in the 1898 Victorian house that once was home to Tiffany's Tea Room. "A lot of people say there's never been a place like this in Seminole Heights," Purpura said. "We're trying to be a step up and give people here another option with middle-of-the-road prices." The restaurant, at 5924 N. Florida Ave., and former Tiffany's chef James Cannella serve a few items from the tea room's selection, such as baked potato soup and apple pie. But the focus is on serving something meatier - great steaks, fish and burgers. "Customers say we're getting famous for our burgers. That's probably our top-selling item," Purpura said. The menu has transformed a few times since opening. Purpura said he and chefs Cannella and Darrell Croteau are trying to create a dining atmosphere that reflects Southern comfort. Diners can enjoy Southern pot roast with mashed potatoes, burgers, chicken or pork chops topped with Jack Daniels sauce or homemade apple pie. Food is served on the spacious front porch or in one of three rooms in the restaurant. Besides Southern cooking, the menu is vast. There are plenty ofstarters to choose from, such as porch nachos, coconut shrimp and wings. Soups include chili and baked potato, and there are quite a few salad choices, served as sides or entrees. Sandwiches include Cuban pulled pork and grilled portabello mushroom. The variety of burgers may be a delight to some. They include salsa burgers; mushroom swiss; the bleu max, served with bacon and bleu cheese; or the tequila burger, which is seared with tequila-lime sauce and topped with pepper-jack cheese. Entrees include a variety of steaks, chicken dishes and fresh fish. Prices range from $3.95 to $8.95 for starters; $5.95 to $7.95 for sandwiches and burgers; and $9.95 to $16.95 for entrees. There are five regular dessert selections, and they cost $2.95 to $3.95. The Front Porch also serves Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Diners can try specialty omelets, fresh waffles, eggs and seafood benedict dishes and, borrowing from Tiffany's, scones. There's more to do than eat at the Front Porch. There is a full liquor bar and a variety of beers and wines. Live entertainment fills the 105-year-old house on Friday and Saturday evenings. A party room upstairs can hold 30 people. The atmosphere, food and service are what Purpura says keeps customers coming back. "We really try to bend over back over backwards for our customers," Purpura said. "People tell us they feel like they're coming home to eat." (CHART) ABOUT THE FRONT PORCH GRILLE WHERE: 5924 N. Florida Ave. THE SPECIFICS: All major credit cards accepted; wheelchair accessible; takeout available. HOURS: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday; Sunday brunch, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CALL: (813) 237-5511 Caption: Memo:LOCAL FLAVOR |