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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller, CIPS
Direct - (813)629-5757
Homeward Real Estate
3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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NoHo Bistro Moves to New Digs In Palma Ceia…Not Soon Enough!

One of my favorite aspects of assisting Clients with their move to Tampa, is talking about all of the great restaurants throughout the Tampa Bay Area. Though I live in South Tampa, unlike some of my “neighbors”, I do venture North of Kennedy Boulevard, both for work and, especially for great food!

NoHo Bistro was a wonderful experience!  The small dining room was quiet as few  diners ventured out due to the heavy rain and tornadoes yesterday. We were warmly greeted at the door and the server was very affable, and well-versed, about the wine list and the menu. We bonded  about loving Pork Belly and Steak Tres Saignant!  He recommended a little known French Wine and his description was “spot on”.  I knew, at that point, it was going to be a lovely dinner.

A nice touch, and change from the usual “baguette”,  were the cheddar and pepper scones, served with homemade (yes, homemade) butter with a touch of fruit. It was sublime. For the starters, we chose the Orange and Avocado salad with micro greens and pickled onion, along with the “soup of the day”…a very spicy corn and potato chowder.  Very Spicy for some, perhaps, but not me….it was delicious.  Next up were the Ancho Dusted Grouper, served with an avocado,  tomato and orange salsa and the Butter-Roasted Flat Iron Steak (tres saignant, of course) , Pommes anna and perfectly crisp broccolini.  I was hoping for a Pork Shank, as they are soooo yummy and rarely found on a menu, but, alas, there were none.  Next time, I promise! The “chosen” dessert caught my eye with the first glance of the menu…The Key Lime Raspberry Trifle was amazing…coconut pound cake layered with key lime custard and raspberry coulis! It was all just fabulous.  I appreciate that they use local purveyors, for the freshest ingredients, along with helping the local economy.

At this point, the owner approached and mentioned that my name, on the reservation, seemed “familiar”, so he had “googled” me and found my Urban Spoon reviews.  I laughed and told him not to worry…the review would be great…and it is!

I had the great fortune, last night, of being the “last customer” at the NoHo Bistro before they close in  their current location and move to some “new digs” in Palma Ceia.  They promised the same menu, with some additions, along with a bar and liquor license.   I will, very likely, be their “first customer” when they become reincarnated as “Bistro Bleu”, and  open in their new spot on MacDill Avenue, in May.  Save me a table, in a quiet corner, please…now you are in  “my neighborhood” and you will see me often…very often! Welcome to South Tampa!
The NoHo Bistro on Urbanspoon

Jackie Colson-Miller is a Tampa Real Estate Agent and Foodie, who blogs at www.RealEstateSizzle.com!

Here are more Favorite Places to Eat in Tampa!

Categories: Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Best Tampa Schools, Moving to Tampa, Restaurants in Tampa, South Tampa

Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.01.2011 | Print This Post Print This Post |



Finding the “Best Schools” in Tampa and The Best Neighborhoods in Tampa? You Will Need Some Expert Help!

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Living in Tampa and Assistance with Relocation to Tampa, every day!

When a family with children is relocating to Tampa, or PCS to MacDill Air Force Base, their concerns are all the same….Good Schools, Safe Neighborhoods that are family-friendly and a reasonable commute to their job location.

Tampa, the largest city in Hillsborough County, is a very large Metropolitan Area.   Depending on where you choose to live,  your commute can vary from ten minutes, to over an hour.  MY role, in helping families to narrow their options for neighborhoods and school, is to gather information about THEIR family, THEIR children’s academic interests, social activities, etc.  I recently had a request from a family who MUST have a specific Latin course available for their High School aged-child.  Since Latin is not a standard offering at every high school, I needed to do some research.  Ironically, the person who heads the ‘foreign language’ department at the County School level gave me “incorrect” information, so I did my own research and found two high schools which offer the “must have” Latin courses, in one of the neighborhoods which I had already “targeted” for their needs,  and their price point.  While they are in town this month, they will visit those schools, so we can further narrow their neighborhood options.

The internet is a great place to “search” for houses.  The right Real Estate agent searches for YOUR home, based on YOUR needs.  I have been relocating families to the Tampa area for 17 years. I have three children who have been through the Private and Public AND Magnet school systems in Hillsborough County. My youngest is still in High School. I know the “family friendly” neighborhoods…I don’t have to search for them!  I treat every family, as if it were my own! If you are moving to Tampa, or PCS to MacDill Air Force Base, and are looking for experience that goes beyond “internet searches”…contact me today! After chatting with me for five minutes, you will sense that I, absolutely, love what I do!

In addition to helping with finding the perfect house, I love to chat about Living in Tampa and all of the great things to do.

If you enjoy unique restaurants and great food, you can check out my “other” passion, which is writing about all of the interesting restaurants in the area. Check out my page on Urban Spoon and read all of my restaurant reviews!

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Channelside, Harbour Island,  Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Clearwater Beach, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate contact me today!

For assistance in finding a house in Tampa, or any of the surrounding suburbs, or any questions about the Tampa Real Estate market, please contact me. PCS to MacDill AFB or Moving to Tampa?

I can help you find the perfect home, AND recommend a great restaurant.  Read my restaurant reviews on Urban Spoon…just click on the link below!

RealEstateSizzle.com Tampa Bay restaurants

Categories: Best Places in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Celebrity Homes inTampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gorrie Elementary, Harbour Island, Hunter\'s Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Mitchell Elementary, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, New Tampa, Newsome High School, Places to Live, Plant High School, Restaurants in Tampa, Schools in Tampa, Steinbrenner High School, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   03.30.2011 | Print This Post Print This Post |



Sunday’s Fine Dining is a Welcome Addition to the Ybor City Restaurant Scene….Tampa Real Estate News and More

I had heard about a “new” restaurant in Ybor and had to check it out.  We visited Sunday’s Fine Dining on a quiet mid-week night and settled into a table by the window.  Overwhelmed by the tantalizing choices on the menu, I asked for suggestions from the server, who promptly served up two complimentary glasses of wine, as they had not yet acquired their beer/wine/liquor license.

I chose the Fire Island Clams as a starter.  Fresh littlenecks, perfectly seasoned with a little butter and applewood smoked bacon and lemon zest had me reminiscing about my New England childhood and “summers at the shore”.  They were delicious.  My dining companion chose the oysters and proclaimed them to be “just right”.  Sticking with the “New England girl” theme, I feasted on the Night’s Special…Maine Lobster stuffed with a variety of seafood, including scallops, shrimp and swordfish…cooked to perfection and too good to share!  I barely noticed the Brick Pressed Duck on the plate across from me, as I devoured the sweet crustacean, but was assured that it, too, was amazing.

The service was great and the wine flowed freely, and complimentary, without prompting from us.  I’ll be heading back to Sunday’s for lunch one of these days.  Lobster for lunch? Absolutely!

Jackie Colson-Miller is a Tampa Real Estate Agent, and “foodie”, who blogs about Living in Tampa at www.RealEstateSizzle.com

Sunday's Fine Dining on Urbanspoon

Categories: Tampa Real Estate

Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   03.04.2011 | Print This Post Print This Post |



What Are The Best Neighborhoods in Tampa? The Best School Districts in Tampa? Consider Harbour Island for the Plant High School District

If you are moving to Tampa and looking for a home, and a neighborhood, that offers a “low maintenance” lifestyle in the heart of the city, Harbour Island may be for you! Located in the Plant High School District, it is the MOST desirable school district in the County. Rated in the “Top 100 High Schools in the U.S.”, families with children and busy professionals enjoy the lifestyle and the resale value of the Plant High District and  Harbour Island.

I have two homes under contract on Harbour Island, for two families with children of all ages,  who were looking for GREAT Schools, a safe neighborhood, and being close to all of the wonderful things to do in Tampa, especially close to Downtown Tampa and Hyde Hyde Park. When families, with children, are looking for the combination of “family friendly” neighborhoods and “good schools”, they must make a choice between South Tampa and it’s many neighborhoods, including Harbour Island, or one of the many suburbs outside of the City of Tampa.  It is confusing at best! If you are moving to Tampa and need help…just make the search easier for yourself and email me!

Here’s the scoop on Harbour Island….just south of Downtown Tampa, it is in the Gorrie Elementary, Wilson Middle and Plant High School District…

On the waterfront, just blocks from downtown Tampa, Harbour Island offers the combination of prestige, convenience, 24 -hour Harbour baysecurity in a gated environment, and a comfortable lifestyle, in a variety of neighborhoods. You can walk to Jackson’s Bistro for dining on the Terrace, or over to the Channelside area for dining, movies or shopping. The Harbour Island Athletic Club has a pool, tennis, spa and the ultimate workout facilities. The St. Pete Times Forum, home to The Tampa Bay Lightning, is just a short walk from home. Harbour Court and Seddon Cove feature condominiums with city, or waterviews, with prices startinPort royalg in the 200’s . Townhomes are available in several neighborhoods, ranging from the 300’s to the 600’s in Harbour Bay. The Keys is a “Key West” style neighborhood with single family home prices  from the 500’s. Villas dominate Port Royal and St. Tropez, with non-waterfront starting in the 700’s and waterfront prices over 1 million. Single Family Homes  are available from 800K and up! The quiet streets are filled with kids (and parents) biking through the neighborhoods.

Considering a move to Tampa? Contact me! You can expect to find a home in Tampa, in desirable school district,  from 300K to several million.  There is  a neighborhood for every budget! Read some of my previous articles on Relocation to Tampa, or Tampa Neighborhoods:

Davis Island,

Cheval

Moving to Tampa? Check the School District!

Looking for real estate in Tampa? If you are buying a house in Tampa, or Selling a house in Tampa, I can help with any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate…contact me! Just give me specifics of what you are looking for and you will receive the newest listings on the market!

 

You can search my site, on the right sidebar, for any article related to Tampa Real Estate, Neighborhoods, or Restaurants.  Just type in a search word in the search box!

You can read my restaurant reviews on Urban Spoon, too!

Categories: Best Areas to Live in Tampa, Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Best Places to Live in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Channelside Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Flood Zones in Tampa, Gated Communities in Tampa, Gorrie Elementary, Harbour Island, Hyde Park Real Estate, International Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, Moving to Tampa, New Tampa, Newsome High School, Places to Live, Plant High School, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   03.04.2011 | Print This Post Print This Post |



My Endorsement for Tampa Mayor? Rose Ferlita!

The latest news on the Tampa Real Estate Market and all issues concerning living in Tampa, every day, on The Real Estate Sizzle.

Without a doubt, Rose Ferlita is the best candidate for Mayor of Tampa.  Her breadth of experience as a small business owner and 12 years of serving the City of Tampa, as a City Councilman and Hillsborough County, as a County Commissioner, along with her involvement in the Tampa community, make her the BEST choice for Tampa Mayor.

Visit her website, RoseForMayor, and join me in moving Tampa in the right direction under her leadership!

Categories: Tampa Real Estate

Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   02.24.2011 | Print This Post Print This Post |



Restaurants in St. Pete…Leave Cassis Off Your “Must Go” List…Tampa Real Estate News and more…

I love to try new restaurants and recommend the “best” ones to my clients who are new to the area. I love French food, having lived in Europe, and  enjoy heading over the bridge to St. Pete for a great dining experience.  For me, that experience starts at the door.  Last night, I was looking forward to trying the “newest” place in the “French” genre, Cassis.  With an enviable location on Beach Drive, they get plenty of “walk in” traffic, so, perhaps they don’t think they have to provide good service, or “polite” service…at Cassis, “politesse”,  is definitely lacking.   Arriving at 6:45, the hostess was missing in action for about five minutes.  When she finally arrived,  I asked for a booth, in the half-empty dining room, which looked like a remake of Thomas Keller’s “Bouchon”, filled with a “mostly “senior crowd” and we were seated at 6:50. Then we waited, and waited, and waited…for fifteen minutes, before anyone from the wait staff arrived to tend to us.  At 7:05, the waiter arrived, we informed him that we would be having the prix fixe menu, but first would choose the bottle of wine.

Oh no, he informed us, the prix fixe menu is “over at 7 pm”.  I politely informed him that we had been seated for fifteen minutes and asked to see the manager.  ” I am the manager, I can ask the chef, but the computer won’t even let me enter a prix fixe menu past 7 pm.” Perhaps, I suggested, you should wait on your tables in a more timely manner.  He then asked if we were ready to choose a bottle of wine????  Seriously? No, we won’t be choosing a bottle of wine, we will be leaving and we will never return.   Just a block down the street, we were cheerfully welcomed at Bella Brava, as we laughed and said…”We just left Cassis over bad service, so take good care of us”…the hostesses laughed and said…”We get that alot…you will be very happy with us”.  We WERE very happy with the fabulous food and amazing service, but that is a blog for another day….Cassis?  I can’t comment on the food, but I can comment on rude service or incompetent management…It is never acceptable and I will never recommend Cassis to anyone. There is plenty of great food in St. Pete…just head down the street!


Cassis American Brasserie on Urbanspoon

Categories: Best Places in Tampa, Restaurants in St Pete, Restaurants in Tampa

Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   01.27.2011 | Print This Post Print This Post |



Moving to Tampa? Find the Best Schools in Tampa…Hillsborough County Schools Have Many Great Choices and the Deadline for School Choice is Approaching

The Latest News on Relocation to Tampa, The Best Neighborhoods in Tampa, The Best Schools in Tampa and EVERYTHING you need to know about enjoying life in Tampa, every day, on The Real Estate Sizzle…..

I received four calls this week from all over the US, asking about moving into the Plant High School District, where I live, and work. Each parent had done plenty of research and they had many questions about Plant High and the neighborhoods in the Plant High District.

Plant High School is consistently ranked in the Top 100 High Schools in the U.S.  It consistently graduates a majority of students with a GPA in excess of 4.0.  It has over 20 AP classes available to students, starting at the Freshman level.  Students are well-rounded, with most students involved in clubs, athletics and service organizations.  It is, without question, a great school CHOICE.  Whether your child is an athlete, or a musician,  or a gifted student, it is one of the top choices in Hillsborough County.  That being said, I give all parents the same speech…Hillsborough County School System is filled with great school CHOICES, in fact, it is a “choice” system.  Each residential address is assigned to a specific Elementary, Middle and High School.  Each of those schools falls within a specific, “AREA”, of the district.  You may apply for your child to attend a different school, within the same area, if (here is the catch)…there is space available at the requested school.  Plant High School is a “bulging at the seams” district, so they never have space available, but that is not necessarily the case with other schools.

Other top-rated High Schools include Newsome, in Lithia and Steinbrenner in Lutz. All of the High Schools offer AP classes and three high schools offer the International Baccalaureate Program, and there are Magnet Schools for many disciplines, at all levels.  I counsel parents not to look simply at a school’s Grade:  A vs. B, as there are so many factors that might change a school’s rating from year to year, it is best to talk to a professional about the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa for Schools, which translates to the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa for resale.  Most of my clients are in Tampa between 3 and 5 years before they relocate again, so I make sure they are in desirable places for resale…which are always the best school districts. I relocate families to every corner of Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, Lutz, Odessa, Westchase, New Tampa, Lithia, FishHawk, Riverview and north in Pasco County, which is Wesley Chapel.  

So, before you decide on which school district in Tampa is right for you, give me a call, or send me an email.  If you have a specific question about Hillsborough County Schools, or are looking for the boundaries for a specific school, I can help you, or send you to the right resource.  I have been relocating families with children for 16 years and my youngest child is now in High School…from music, to athletics to magnet programs, to AP classes, I can help with YOUR best choices.

It is time for any Choice/Magnet School Applications, so if you are considering a Choice for the next school year you can download the application, or get more information about the school choice programs in Tampa/Hillsborough County.  The deadlines are approaching, so if you are moving to Tampa this year, it is time to look at your school choices and THEN make a decision about the best neighborhood!

Categories: Best Places in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Plant High School, Schools in Tampa, Steinbrenner High School, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate

Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   01.06.2011 | Print This Post Print This Post |



Where Are The Best Neighborhoods in Tampa? The Best School Districts in Tampa?

It is the beginning of “Relocation Season” in Tampa…that time of year when families are planning moves to the Tampa Bay Area to coincide with the start of the next school year.  Every family with children is looking for the same things…GOOD SCHOOLS!   Hillsborough County has one of the Top-Rated School Districts in the State, with many options for students of all talents.  With over 16 years of relocation experience, let me help you with your home search in Tampa.

With a population of over 1 million, the Tampa Area is widespread, so there are many different neighborhoods to choose from in the 300K to over 1 million range.  From City Living to Waterfront Homes to  Golf Course Communities, families moving to Tampa have many options.

If you are planning a move to Tampa, contact me, to help choose the perfect home for your family!

You can read some of my previous articles on various Tampa Neighborhoods:

 Beach Park and Sunset Park, Great Neighborhoods in the Plant High District

Tampa Neighborhoods from $300,000 to $500,000

Where are the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa?

When you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, contact me, to find the right home for your family’s needs!

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles, MacDill AFB,  South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, Pasco County, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Houses in the Plant High School District, Tampa Schools, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa, the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, or International Real Estate contact me.

Categories: Best Places in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Harbour Island, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Newsome High School, Places to Live, Plant High School, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Schools, Waterchase, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   12.16.2010 | Print This Post Print This Post |



Where are the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa? The Best Schools in Tampa? Tampa Relocation News

Moving to Tampa? Looking for the Best Schools and the Best Neighborhoods for your family?  PCS to MacDill Air Force Base?

I have been relocating families, to Tampa, the Tampa Suburbs and MacDill Air Force Base for over 15 years.

What is the BEST neighborhood? That is different for every family, and every price range. The Tampa area has many different areas at all price ranges, from city living in South Tampa and the Plant High School District, to the northern reaches of the county. Some families choose Pasco county for slightly lower property taxes.  How to decide where to live? That’s easy…contact me.  Internet searches are no substitute for an experienced real estate agent.  I think searching for homes on the internet, without the knowledge of the area, neighborhoods and schools, makes it MORE confusing for anyone considering a relocation to Tampa.

Tell me about your family situation, work location, desired commute time, school needs and your social life, along with your housing needs and price range.  I can quickly identify which areas and neighborhoods might suit your needs!  This is the busy season, so if you are trying to find the perfect home before the end of the year, now is the time to start when the inventory is most plentiful!

You can read some of my previous articles on “Moving to Tampa”:

New Suburb Beautiful…A Top Choice in The Plant High School District

Moving to Tampa? PCS to MacDill Air Force Base?

When you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, contact me, to find the right home for your family’s needs!

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles, MacDill AFB,  South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, Pasco County, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Houses in the Plant High School District, Tampa Schools, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa, the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, or International Real Estate contact me.

Categories: Avila, Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf Course Communities in Tampa, Harbour Island, Historic Tampa, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Newsome High School, Plant High School, Relocation, Schools in Tampa, Steinbrenner High School, Tampa Schools, Waterchase, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

Posted by jackie   |   1 Comment »   |   09.08.2010 | Print This Post Print This Post |



It’s Restaurant Week in Tampa…Enjoy!

This is Restaurant Week in the Tampa Bay area, with many of the restaurants featuring prix fixe menus, of three courses, for $25, $30, or $35.

What a great way to try some of the best Restaurants in Tampa at reasonable prices!

You can find a complete list of all of the participating restaurants, and their menus, right  here.

Categories: Real Estate News

Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.30.2010 | Print This Post Print This Post |



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Categories: Real Estate News