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Not Yo’ Average Shopping Center Dive

12 Jul

Restaurants in shopping centers are notorious for often having horrible reputations.  That is probably because, majority of them are indeed horrible.

It may be because, customers already feel, awkward eating next door to ’doggy day care centers’ or sick from the overly potent, smell of sanitizer at the neighboring nail salon.

Let’s face it, the only bonus to having a restaurant in a shopping mall is the parking.  Otherwise, these places can be as tasteless and tacky as Olive Garden and Cracker Barrel.

However, there is one rule to this exception and it is Pane Rustica in Tampa.

Last month, as I was down to my final, frozen lean cuisines…my friend’s parents conveniently, were in town and down to wine and dine us.  We were celebrating my completely, corky friend Carol’s graduation.    She told me we were dining at Pane Rustica, which has popped up on Tampa’s UrbanSpoon periodically (Spotted: Me=A restaurant nerd obsessed with researching these food establishments, before going).  Immediately, I was excited to ditch my last lean cuisine for something edible…I mean flavorful…I mean fresh.

The inside of Pane Rustica is not something any ordinary, outsider would expect.  When entering, I instantly noticed the extremely occupied big, bar and the perfectly appropriate, extravagant, hanging lights.  All of the tables were nicely decorated with candles lit, setting a seductive mood.  There was also a bakery counter full of pretty pastries, fresh-baked bread, and decadent deserts which are available for anyone looking to carry out or enjoy inside.  They even offer about 8 different breads for sale including a peppery, Venetian Olive and smoky, Rustic Italian.  If you are a pizza lover, (Shout out to Carol) you might also want to try a slice (or flatbread) right out of their stone deck oven.

After sitting for about 30 seconds the waiter approached us and introduced himself.  When we confessed that we were Pane Rustica virgins,  he explained his suggestions and gave his honest opinion. When I say honest, I mean it.  He encouraged us to skip one of the most expensive specials that night, the “apparently not so fresh” monkfish ceviche.  Shortly after a plate of warm crusty, bread and humus came and then went.  Our starving, broke, deprived stomachs, embarrassingly inhaled it, in under 30 seconds.  When we asked for more, he told us he would as soon as it comes out of the oven…no wonder the bread tasted so fresh.

Beautiful Caesar

When my Caesar Salad arrived it came just as I hoped… with giant anchovies scattered on top.  My taste buds could not have been more excited.  I love Caesar Salads and love anchovies! I don’t think anyone who does not like an anchovy can truly love a Caesar.  It would be like if I someone loved a Croque-monsieur without cheese…what would be the point?  It was genuinely one of the most delightful Caesars I ever ate.  The long slices of romaine were fresh and crisp while the garlicy croutons added even more of a bite.

Small Plate

My small plate of Crab Cakes came as soon as I polished off my appetizer. There were 2 nicely sized cakes with cilantro lime butter, a bit of puréed avocado and bright mango salsa. The cakes were very moist and full of flavors, especially when paired with the offset sweetness from the salsa.  My only complaint is that I would have enjoyed more avocado.  The other entrees I tried, included the lemon coriander seared Scottish Salmon, and  Lobster & King Crab saffron Ravioli.  The salmon was cooked perfectly, plated with a celery root purée (there is nothing worse than overcooked fish…ok maybe overcooked steak). It was elegantly served on top of a light fennel, watercress, grapefruit salad in hazelnut vinaigrette.  Now, how is that for an entree?

Now for the winning dish, I must say the Ravioli was as good it sounds.  I mean you really cannot go wrong with King Crab.  When you bite into this dish there are so many outstanding flavors such as the earthiness flavors rooting from the saffron and tarragon and smokiness from the roasted fennel and leeks.  And if you thought the dish could not get any better with giant chunks of king crab, the sauce you’ll want to lick off your bowl is a lobster bisque.  Yup, it just got that real.

Favorite Of The Night

Of course, I always try to save room for desert.  And how could I have said no, when the waiter brought over a complimentary coffee cookie.  I can still remember how heavenly it tasted.  It was probably the best cookie I ever inhaled at any restaurant.  The cookie tasted like it flew out of the oven because, it was so moist and had just the right amount of coffee.  It was not overpowering like most coffee infused deserts. After, we all tore it apart we ordered another one ….and then tore that apart even quicker.  My friend and I also just had to split their homemade gelato. We obviously ordered the peanut butter flavor since we are obsessed with anything involving the creamy, nutty, jar of goodness.  I am so glad my friend forced me to order this…ok fine…she did not force me… Any gelato loving freak could easily, notice this was way better than Ciao Bella.

Overall, everything about this restaurant was beyond exceptional.  Our server was at the flick of our wrists, the menu put a unique, tasty spin on standard Italian dishes and the atmosphere made me sad to leave.

Last but, Not Least!

Pane Rusticais one culinary landmark a Tampa native cannot miss.

It is a bit on the pricier side, but it’s well worth it-and practically everything is homemade there!

  This is the ultimate hot spot for any date.  If the candlelights and crafty cocktails won’t lure your lover in, then the fresh bread certainly will.

Final tidbits:

Whiskey Joe’s: Sprint to the bar, slug over to the grill

17 May

I love parents.  I especially love parents when they come to visit their broke struggling post grad children, whom I happen to be friends with.  

Parents totally make me overjoyed.  Parents in town=free meal….Jackpot

Don’t get me wrong– Of course, the company is even better (especially the wildly entertaining Waldmans)

The Waldman Family, friends and myself on left

We decided to try out Whiskey Joes on the water, which my friends and I drove by thousands of time on the way to Clearwater beach.  The restaurant is convenietnally located on the beach, full of volleyball nets and Tampa locals drinking out of red solo cups.  This is the perfect spot to post up if you are on the boat, or  wave runner whether you want to dock up or just stop by for a drinky drink.   If you are traveling by car there is valet and self parking if you want to walk the oh so challenging 50 feet. There is one main entrance which qualifies as the indoor area of Whiskey Joes, full of tables and bar but we wanted to sit outside to catch that irresistible Tampa Bay sunset  (well the parents were visiting–I was more intrigued by the spicy margarita on the menu).  We walked outside by the one of the two out-door bars and it was full of youngins dressed in their professional attire getting their post work drink on.  We sat down at about 6:30 and were just able to see the last of the sun.. I was so worried.  However, it came in a great giant glass and tasted delicious.  It was not spicy but, then again I take shots of hot sauce on a daily basis.  Sidenote: Totally wakes you up and revs up your metabolism.

Chips and Queso and Calamari

The chips and queso and calamari came out together.  I think chips and queso are so taco bell so I am not a huge fan, but the queso was seasoned well with the pico de gallo  and perfectly warm for dipping.  The chips were crispy and not too salty.  All in all, it was an above average chips ‘n’ queso.  The calamari was the big hit.  I will definitely eat this again.  It was not over fried, lightly BEER battered and crispy. The dish also had beer battered peppers and zucchini which were equally as delicious.  As for the dipping chipoltle mayo sauce, well I could have dipped my shoe into it and I still inhaled that.  The shrimp awkwardly arrived like 7 minutes after the rest of the dishes.  There were a few shrimp in this little pot with sauce and bread on the side, there was flavor but, the shrimp were so weak and miniscule.  The app was just not my favorite. 

Now the best part…or not.  I was tempted to order gator bites because I do love them “Allies,” but I was trying to eat on the lighter side and ordered a Cesar salad with salmon.  Holy Christmas, when I said Salmon I did not say black.  Well, that’s pretty much my review. My salmon was killed and tasted like brick.  I still ate some because, I am broke in college and appreciated the fresh romaine and crunchy, flavorful crutons.  Hold up though–while I was trying to eat salmon pieces, flakes of lettuce were flying off my plate.  Seriously, please go buy bigger plates.  It is just a giant pet peeve, lettuce flies all over the table making you feel like a mess when really it is the plate’s fault… it is just not worth your customers frustrations.  My friends ordered the fish tacos and said they were very bland as well.  I gotta say the waitress seemed half retarded while she waited on our table but, she was sweet throughout our experience except she could have made more appearances. 

Whiskey Joes does have pretty sweet live music out there and happy hour pretty much every day (can’t hate on that).  If you check out their website and look at the events there are happy hours that include fresh oysters, crab cakes and wings.  The music outdoor beach vibe is very laid back and gracious if you want to chill or are visiting.  

Alex’s all in all advice: Go for the drinks and order a calamari platter for you and your friends to watch the sunset. Do not sit down and eat a meal unless you resemble the weight of a small african child.

  • Location: 7720 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway Tampa, FL 33607
  • :( 813) 281-0770
  • Super Casual
  • Family fun
  • If you have a classy first date-hell no

<a href=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/30/762946/restaurant/Tampa-Bay/Town-N-Country/Whiskey-Joes-Tampa”><img alt=”Whiskey Joe’s on Urbanspoon” src=”http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/762946/minilink.gif” style=”border:none;padding:0px;width:130px;height:36px” /></a>

Savory Start to Sundays at Daily Eats

30 Apr

I love lox, lots and lots of lox.

Luckily my one of my top 5 favorite breakfast joints Daily Eats has the perfect remedy for my lox addiction.

Every time I have eaten at this delectable dive, I have always waited at least 10 minutes or so but it’s always worth it.  This place makes eating breakfast so exciting.  Daily Eats puts a unique spin on traditional breakfast favorites such as eggs benedict breakfast bowls (The Benny), and if you’re looking for a savory, sweet dish definietly try the French toast and eggs (pretty self explanatory).

Some frekin’fun facts:

  • Don’t be surprised if ya some Yanks, the Tampa spring training team loves this place!
  • They don’t take reservations
  • Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner- all equally exceptional
  • For all you breakfast lovers- they offer breakfast for dinner…. there is a god
  • Sometimes I think I might love the deserts, baked goods and milkshakes more than my boyfriend
  • The pancakes and french toast are coated in oreos or coconuts… I’m so serious 
  • There are diet friendly dishes including egg whites, turkey sausage (Get the Monday Morning)
Image

The Lox Bowl

My boyfriend and I arrived around 12:30 and obviously it was packed but, we only waited for about 10 minutes.  However, the hostess seemed slow and confused when I asked her to put my name down for a table. There was not a wait to sit outside either.  Inside, there are booths and a long bar that looks into the kitchen.  Inside on top of the bars there is a showcase of their delicious, deserts.   As soon as we sat down a familiar waitress I have had before asked us what we wanted to drink.  She came back about two minutes later with our hot coffees and icy cold water.

I knew I wanted the Lox bowl but, every time I look at the menu I always have to second guess myself because, seriously everything is so damn good.  I also have a tremendous soft spot for eggs benedict, I have had it there before and it is a winner.  If you love lox and eggs benedict they have the perfect dish. The New Yorker puts a real twist on the brunch classic; on top of a crunchy english muffin is scallion cream cheese, lox AND 2 poached eggs WITH Hollandaise sauce.  It’s pretty much out of this world.

I usually disect my food so I figured the lox bowl would be a better choice.  The bowl has a layer of crispy hash browns, scramebeld eggs (upgrade to egg whites for a buck, for less fat), lox and the best scallion cream cheese.  I typically hate cream cheese but the scallion addition would be delicious if you dipped a shoe into it.   There was a point I was scraping my hash browns into the scallion cream cheese but, then realized there was no more green, gooey goodness left.  The scrambeled eggs even had capers mixed in, the acidity adds a great undertone that meshes with the lox beyond expectations

The Traditionalist

The great thing about the Daily Eats breakfast menu is that if someone wants just one pancake, they offer one as well as a single benedict if you want to get the best of both worlds.  YOU CANNOT GO TO DAILY EATS AND NOT ORDER THE PANCAKES.  It would be sinful. They are fluffier than clouds yet crispy on the edges.  The cinnamin inside has such an intense sweet, spicy flavor.  My boyfriend got the eggs benedict, which has consistenly been up to my standards.  I still prefer the New Yorker Benedict.  They have many other varieties of benedicts too.  In addition to benedicts and bowls, there are giant omlettes, parfaits, oatmeal and french toast.

Unfortunately Daily Eats does not have a full bar but they do offer mimosas.  I ordered my favorite blueberry mimosa that is fruitfully  refreshing (especially for $4.50) They offer apple and of course orange flavor as well.  The bloody marys are made with a wine based mixer, which I am hesitant to try.  I am more of a Zing Zang kinda’ gal.  They do have a new larger beer menu as well full of local Florida beers.  If you are craving desert for a drink, the milkshake menu is incredible. They have milkshakes for every desert possible, such as brownie batter, peanut lover, apple pie and there is even captain crunch in one.

Some other dishes worth trying:

  • The Dan:  2 scrambled eggs, bacon, fried jalapenos, tomatoes, and swiss cheese served on ciabatta bread=best hungover remedy
  • Lunchtime: I am obsessed with their shredder bowl salads, buffalo chicken and thai are my favorite
  • Chocolate pocket cookie: PMS cure
  • Tater Hater: My friends are obsessed with this castle of cheese, bacon and jalepenos

Throughout our breakfast our server was very accommodating and extremely consistent as she checked in with us at a timely manner.   One thing I do appreciate about the restaurant is that every worker really helps out each other.  The manager is even running around trying to pick up plates and sit people down.  All the breakfast items are reasonably priced too.  It’s no wonder Derek Jeter, Gary Sheffield and A-Rod eat here.

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