Tucked away in the rear corner of the strip mall behind the UPS store on Apollo Beach Boulevard is a new food alternative for locals looking for carry-out yummies that are hot, fresh and made-to-order. Roseli’s Restaurant may not look like much on the outside, but the menu is diverse and tasty.
Owners Yunqin Dong and Bob Liu are new transplants to Florida and are eager to please with an eclectic mix of menu items that are fast, fresh and reflective of both their homeland of China and American cuisine.
Though it may seem unusual to see General Tso’s Chicken on the menu alongside spaghetti and meatballs, hamburgers and Italian subs, the couple says their restaurant aims to satisfy a variety of customers and tastes.
“This is our first business together and we’re really excited,” said Dong, who learned many of her culinary skills from her uncle, the owner of a Chinese restaurant in Tampa. “We want to serve both Chinese and American food, and we’re open to new ideas about what customers want,” she said.
The young 30-something couple spent their formative years in the Fujian Province on China’s southeastern coast. With a population of 34.7 million, the province has many minority ethnic groups living there side-by-side. It was from this diversified mixture of cuisines that the idea for Roseli’s Restaurant was born.
“I learned how to cook in China” said Dong, “but I’ve also been learning about American dishes for the past 10 years.”
Before moving to Florida, the couple spent a decade in North Carolina, raising their two small children, now 7 and 8 years old.
Dong’s homeland in Fujian is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse provinces in China. It is also blessed with a rich history, famous historical sites, warm climate and beautiful natural landscapes, which have made it a unique tourist attraction.
“We think we’re going to really like Florida,” said Dong, with a smile. “We like the warm weather and tropical air here, like our home in China.”
Roseli’s menu consists of traditional Chinese and Hibachi favorites, including Sesame Chicken, Pepper Steak, Shrimp Lo Mein, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Hunan Beef, Broccoli Shrimp, Krab Rangoons, and Steamed Dumplings, to name a few.
Also on the menu is an entire list of tempting hot subs, including their Italian Sub, Philly Cheesesteak, Meatball Sub and Turkey Sub. With additional offerings of salads, pasta and burgers, this is a quick-and-easy spot to take the whole family and still appease a variety of appetites.
Roseli’s Restaurant is located at 221 Apollo Beach Blvd. behind the Publix Shopping center and adjacent to the UPS store. For carry-out ordering, call 813-649-9890.