BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

As a means of introducing his latest movie, a popular star is hosting a national contest. And, one Tampa restaurant hopes to get enough online votes to win.

The contest is entitled “My Favorite Family Restaurant Competition.” Tyler Perry’s latest movie, “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” is promoting the competition, known as “Madea’s Restaurant Wars.”

Two Tampa restaurants, Urban Culinary Cuisine, and Simply Good, are participating in the contest. Other Florida cities participating are Orlando and Miami. Cities in several other states and Washington, D.C., are also participating.

Those wishing to cast votes go on line to www.MadeasRestaurantWars.com, select the restaurant you wish to vote for, and cast your ballot. Those participating have an opportunity to win “The Ultimate Family Dinner,” valued at $500, if chosen.

The voting ends on Thursday, April 21st. The movie will begin showing in theaters on Friday, April 22nd.

Located in New Tampa, Urban Culinary Cuisine features heart-healthy southern cuisine. The Executive Chef and Co-owner, John Saxton, also conducts “Health & Wellness Lectures” to organizations interested in providing healthy cooking techniques to its members.

Saxton has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Science. His goal is to target the African American community to share information about healthy eating. During his lectures, he teachers about foods taste good, but that can help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels.