Here at Amalgamated SoundcheckCorp. Ltd., we don't typically delve into the world of restaurant criticism. That, we leave to our cool Aunt Laura from Mouth of Tampa Bay (and occasionally this blog).

But in the case of Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe, we're willing to make an exception. Why? Well, the new but popular Seminole Heights diner offers eclectic decor (see above) and pretty good live music, for one starters. This Sunday, it's bluegrassers Pickford Sundries, and future guests include Rebekah Pulley, Geri X. and Have Gun, Will Travel.

But more importantly, Ella's is co-owned by Melissa Deming and Ernie Locke -- better known as the big, growling presence at the mic for outstanding blues-rockers Nervous Turkey. If you've ever wanted to show your appreciation for the local music scene in a truly unconventional way, go eat at Ella's. You'll indirectly be supporting one of Tampa Bay's best bands.

"Newcomers like Ella’s are a breath of fresh air," Laura writes. "It’s gutsy and not afraid to take some risks.For dessert: There’s a deeply chocolatey tart ($5) paired with a sambuca drizzle (fiddlesticks to licorice haters!) — such an unusual combo, perfectly executed. There are also fresh-from-the-fryer peach fritters ($4), blistering hot, not too sweet with just a faint graininess of cornmeal. And get this, a seasonally changing vegan fruit tart ($4)."

Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe is located at 5119 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa; (813) 234-1000. (Nervous Turkey, incidentally, is performing Friday night at Yeoman's Road Pub in Davis Islands. Click here for details.)

Click here for Laura's full review. And after the jump, get a full lineup of upcoming performers at Ella's.

Oct. 25: Pickford Sundries

Nov. 1: Have Gun, Will Travel

Nov. 8: Poetry N Lotion

Nov. 15: Rebekah Pulley

Nov. 22: Geri X.

Nov. 29: Dan Kincaid

-- Photo: Edmund Fountain, tbt*