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Bec's is small but has big ambitions By Marcia Biggs
BEC'S
WHAT: Small but ambitious eatery serving breakfast and lunch.WHERE: 6211 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa
HOURS: 6 a.m.. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
CREDIT CARDS: MC, V, AE
CALL: (813) 837-2700
R E V I E W
TAMPA - Bryan Becton admits that he and wife, Melissa, are new to the restaurant business. As if they need an excuse.The couple's new venture, Bec's, is a shining example that with all the right ingredients - and lots of hard work - it is possible to take a risk and make it work.
With only three tables inside and nine on the outdoor patio, Bec's is small but has big ambitions. The coral pink building is easy to spot along a rather nondescript section of South MacDill Avenue, about one mile north of the air force base.
As nearby neighbors, the Bectons realized the need for a restaurant with a casual, upscale atmosphere and a menu that goes beyond the ordinary.
Bec's serves only breakfast and lunch, with an eye toward busy commuters. Hence, the idea for the ``Palmlette,'' a dough-encased omelet-to-go ($2.50). It's perfect for munching as you drive to work. Create your own Palmlette with ingredients such as ham, bacon, sausage, vegetables and cheese.
Freshly baked croissants, cinnamon rolls, muffins, bagels and cappuccino round out the weekday breakfast menu, served from 6 to 10 a.m.
A mainstay of weekday lunches, served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is Bec's unique ``Doughzer.'' Instead of boring bread, these sandwiches come encased in calzone-style dough like the smaller Palmlette. Doughzers range from $4.50 for a Cuban to $5.25 for Philly steak or jerk chicken versions. The Veggie Wedgie ($4.95) is a blend of sauteed peppers and onions, smothered in cheese.
If you prefer something lighter, try the croissant risers, topped with tuna, chicken or crab salad ($3.95-$4.75).
A must-try on the menu is the popular Crazy Raisin salad, a combination of mixed greens tossed with cranberry raisins, sunflower seeds and Gorgonzola cheese. It zings and sings in your mouth as the flavors explode.
A special brunch menu is offered on weekends from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Egg casseroles ($5.25) should rightly be called souffles. They come in six varieties, from the All-American with cheddar and bacon to the Juevos Rancheros topped with peppers, cheese and salsa.
Baked French toast ($4.95) is another brunch item, with choices including cinnamon apple and banana pecan.
Everything is available as take-out, or stop by the drive-through window.
Bec's
