"Foodie" is a term used to describe a person who loves food and everything involved with food . But for some reason I've never embraced the title because it always seemed too Regal for me. Nothing is better than the truffled deviled eggs at Ocean Prime, or the chateaubriand at Berns, unless you happened to be in the mood for Elmers garlic wings (SOG) or Grillsmiths delectable Cajun shrimp. Good food is good food and I don't care if its being served by a maitre'd on fine china, presented on a paper plate and a plastic cup or being picked up at a drive thru window.

"Hidden Stars" will invite you into the world of some of my favorite culinary delights in the Tampa Bay area. Simply places to get your eat on!

Roberts meats and seafood is a odd example of a Tampa landmark that isn't exactly known by many. Owner, Tampa grown Robert Edwards, clientele mainly consists of loyal Tampans that have frequented the West Shore eatery for years.

If you weren't looking for Roberts, you would drive right by without noticing that you are about to pass one of the best best burgers and filet mignon sandwiches on the planet. The huge hand made smokers outside should give you an indication of the seriousness of Roberts BBQ and the love that he puts into his food.

Robert started working with meat at the exact same location formally know as Cappys when he was 14 years old. In 1999 he thought the time was right to buy the business, he changed Cappys name to Roberts and the rest is history. Ive been a mainstay at Roberts for at least 10 years and I have yet to send anyone there for a disappointing meal.

Recommending what to eat at Roberts may be tough, but I will do my best. The filet mignon sandwich at Roberts is simply the best in the Bay area, it may be the best I've ever had. The moist sirloin, bun and cheese are like a marraige made in heaven! A 6oz filet sandwich with crinkled cut fries and a drink go for a whopping $ 9.99. Beat that . The funny part is that their fresh ground burgers may be better.

Roberts' feature a quarter pound "baby burger" a half pound "biggie burger" (which is enough to fill me up on most days) and a three quarter pound "Big Daddy burger" (for when you are feeling real frisky). Roberts also serves a phenomenal grouper sandwich served any way, pre made food such as deviled crabs,stuffed potatoes and a nice Brunswick stew.

Robert has dabbled with breakfast lately, and his creativity with meat has come through with flying colors. When you are feeling naughty Roberts sausage gravy and biscuits are to die for. And the Smokey Georges Special sandwich conists of grilled corn beef hash, egg, BBQ sauce on a grilled Texas toast. Really? Robert smokes meats at all hours of the day, much to the chagrin of some of the soulth Tampa residence. Beef ribs, babyback ribs, chicken, mullet, pulled pork, Robert with smoke anything that's legal .

Roberts is open Tuesday through Saturday to let Robert have a well deserved day on the water fishing . Undoubtedly with a few pieces of his own beef jerky made from sirloin which took 3 years to perfect . Now remember that a fancy atmosphere is not always what I'm into. Roberts is hardly the place to bring your girlfriend on a first date. But if you and your girl are ready to throwdown with some good old fashion grub or you and the fellas are trying to get down and dirty, Roberts is the spot for friendly service, real food and real people.