In food news, one local meteorologist has swapped cold fronts for cold cuts – that and more coming up after the break.
Locals have known Shay Ryan for the better part of 14 years as an on-air meteorologist with Tampa Bay 28 ABC. This spring, she announced her retirement from the station, and since stepping away from the camera, she has launched her new endeavor: Clever Deli, a 100% gluten-free cafe and eatery, which also includes a mobile deli.
Photos via Clever Deli
The new hotspot for sandwiches, salads, smoothies and all-day breakfast is now open in Westshore at 2002 N. Lois Ave inside the Westwood Building. The cafe is open 7:30 am to 2 pm every Monday – Friday, offering locals a perfect spot for everything from a caffeine fix to a toasted roast beef and Vermont cheddar sandwich.
Ryan was diagnosed with Celiac Disease midway through her nearly 30-year broadcasting career, and the new cafe is the result of a decade-plus of navigating restaurants and breakfast spots with the often-limiting dietary restriction. The bread-driven menu is no surprise to gluten-free eaters who have been on the wrong end of sandwich menus for years.
For breakfast at Clever Deli (available all day), you’ll find gluten-free avocado toast, French toast, buttered toast, and even BEC sandwiches. For lunch, a full range of hot sandwiches runs the gamut from Cubans and Reubens to an avocado and chicken quesadilla and a chicken salad baguette. It’s the kind of menu the gluten-averse often have to walk away from in disappointment.
Meanwhile, Clever Deli has a full coffee bar with drip, espresso, and specialty lattes rounding out the offerings. We should also give bonus points for this being one of the most affordable coffees in all of Tampa. Lattes and cups of drip coffee are only $2.99. A double espresso only runs you $3.50.
The menu is rounded out by four fresh salad options, a lengthy smoothie list, and a build-your-own breakfast menu full of eggs, hash browns, bacon, grits and more.
The ethos goes beyond just gluten-free at Clever Deli. The entire experience is dedicated to healthy, feel-good foods. The menu avoids seed oils, uses cage-free eggs, and sticks to non-GMO and organic ingredients at every point possible. Nothing is artificial, nothing has added colors, and nothing is packed full of preservatives. There are also vegan, nondairy, and nut-free options on the menu.
You can check out Clever Deli’s full menu here, and follow them on Instagram to see the latest, including the mobile delis popping up around town. We think you’ll enjoy this one weather you’re gluten-free or not.