Short List: End-of-the-year food indulgences

Welcome to The Short List. Each week we'll pick a topic and share our favorite – or, in some cases, maybe our least favorite – things about the Bay area.

Ah, 'tis the season to indulge. Another mojito? One more bloomin' onion. Please, have another piece of chocolate. As far as we're concerned, December is guilty pleasure time.

Here is a list of our end of the year savory and sweet delights before we go on our 2012 diet. Happy New Year!

Ciro's Speak Easy and Supper Club, 2109 Bayshore Blvd; Tampa (813) 251-0022 – If you're looking for a special holiday cocktail, the Drake Mojito at Ciro's is muy marvelous. The refreshing rum and muddled mint-based concoction of Cuban origin is the perfect cocktail to toast in the New Year. Some mojitos pack up to 250 empty calories, but even Ernest Hemingway couldn't resist this drink. Ciro's version is made with the perfect blend of ingredients that include Bacardi golden rum, sugar and Angostura bitters. Even the ice is well thought out. Now that's the spirit!

Outback Steakhouse, 3403 Henderson Blvd., Tampa; (813) 875-4329 (or any other location); – We're going to savor our last bite of the Aussie restaurant's signature dish – the Bloomin' Onion. It's one of those menu items that tempt us every time we go the Tampa eatery but we steer clear because once we have one bite, well we just can't stop. I mean, it's just a flower – made of onions. Coming in at an estimated 3,000 calories and more than 130 grams of fat just the smell of a Bloomin Onion could take you over your Weight Watcher points limit.

Shlomo Gourmet Subs & Deli, 31483 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor; (727) 771-0200 - Some sandwiches can be described as tasty, rich, satisfying and authentic, but here, we prefer gut-busting. Not that those other terms don't apply; this Mediterranean oasis delivers delicious choices ranging from stuffed grape leaves and Tabouli, to the more standard wraps, salads, and sandwiches that might make you regret making that resolution. A foot-long Philly steak comes with enough meat and cheese that makes it feel more like a shot put than a lunch option, but we're tempted to go out with a bang by ordering the Shlomo One Pounder (yes, that's one full pound of meat, with two types of cheese). And be sure to get a side of potato salad for an extra dose of decadence.

Datz, 2616 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa; (813) 831-7000 – Yes, Datz is known for its killer sandwiches but if you ask us, we could just eat the homemade chips as a meal. The sweet-n-salty potato chips are perfectly warm and crunchy and topped with a creamy blue cheese drizzle. And since you're indulging, have you tried their bacon mac n' cheese? The creamy pasta has four cheeses and applewood smoked bacon crumbles. You'd better order two so you're not fighting over it with the kids.

Cold Stone Creamery, various locations – You know the drill, pick your toppings and your ice cream flavor and they will mix it up on marble slab. But it's the end of the year, so who's counting calories? Go for one of their Signature Creations with concoctions such as Founder's Favorite with chewy brownie pieces, crunchy pecans, creamy caramel, hot fudge mixed with sweet cream ice cream. Get the "Gotta Have It" size and the sweet cream ice cream alone is 790 calories.