**Update: The manager of Stonewood contacted me personally to apologize for the staff oversight. He stated he would be using my email as a training tool and asked I return to the location at a later date to see what if any changes had been made. I hope to visit during April. I am always impressed with any establishment who takes criticism constructively and look forward to my next visit
Date: 03/09/2010
Time: Dinner
Type: Restaurant
Where: 17050 Palm Pointe Dr, Tampa, FL 33647
Party: 1 female
Immediate Impression:
Absolutely no where to park but once inside was not very crowded. The bar and dining room are very dark.
Service:
I sat at the tail end of the bar, next to the service station. At first, my impression was favorable - one of the bartenders assisted me with their drink specials and let me know happy was ending soon. I was please with the bar staff, but the waitstaff really needs to be more aware of their surroundings and what they say to one another with patrons around. Not only where their conversations rude, obnoxious and condescending, but their continual bumping into my chair and putting their arm over my food without excusing themselves was irritating.
Menu/Food:
The menu was very inclusive - something for everyone. I began with their smoked salmon appetizer, which although sweeter then the menu lets on (who would have thought dill mustard seed sauce would be sweet) was delectable and well portion. This could have easily fed 3 people.
My salad - Mediterranean Salad w/o pine nuts - was really great - although again, the dressing was a little too sweet. All of the vegetables were fresh and crisp, and the presentation made you feel you were getting a good value (although for the price, I would say it wasn't ample).
For my entree I ordered a 7oz Medium Rare Sirloin Steak with Rice Pilaf and vegetables. The vegetables were great - again, crisp, fresh and cook correctly; the rice "pilaf" was nothing more than yellow rice and pepper; but the steak was excellent. Cooked to the perfect temperature w/o any overwhelming spices or additional salt.
All the food presented around me looked fantastic.
Price:
Pricey - happy hour wine, appetizer, salad and entree, after tip was $50 even.
Final thought:
Although I wasn't disappointed, there are better steak/fish joints in my area, which I would be more likely to frequent than Stonewood. But if I were to go again, I would definitely sit at the bar, the waitstaff may be nice to your face but they say nasty things behind it!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Pita Republic, Wesley Chapel, FL
Date: 03/03/2010
Time: Dinner
Type: "Fast" Food
Where: The Cypress at BBD & County Line Road, Wesley Chapel, FL
Party: 1 female
Immediate Impression:
Brand Spanking new - has an odd sense of emptiness, and really quiet!
Service:
Found out it actually was the establishments first day and I was only their 15th customer, so I will cut them some slack. Honestly, the two gentleman were attentive and lively, and their complimenting me on my beauty definitely helped!
Menu/Food:
Pita sandwiches, regular cold-cut sandwiches and wraps. I went with their Mediterranean wrap on a sun-dried tomato wrap. YUMMY and HUGE!!! I was only able to eat half my sandwich. The warm bread melted my feta cheese which made the sandwich even better.
I didn't eat in so I didn't order anything else, but I will go back to try their other items.
Price:
Moderate - but there are always coupons in the mail, I recommend using them.
Final thought:
I love finding good eats close to home; I will definitely go back soon. Hopefully they will stay busy, its a tough neighborhood for food joints
Time: Dinner
Type: "Fast" Food
Where: The Cypress at BBD & County Line Road, Wesley Chapel, FL
Party: 1 female
Immediate Impression:
Brand Spanking new - has an odd sense of emptiness, and really quiet!
Service:
Found out it actually was the establishments first day and I was only their 15th customer, so I will cut them some slack. Honestly, the two gentleman were attentive and lively, and their complimenting me on my beauty definitely helped!
Menu/Food:
Pita sandwiches, regular cold-cut sandwiches and wraps. I went with their Mediterranean wrap on a sun-dried tomato wrap. YUMMY and HUGE!!! I was only able to eat half my sandwich. The warm bread melted my feta cheese which made the sandwich even better.
I didn't eat in so I didn't order anything else, but I will go back to try their other items.
Price:
Moderate - but there are always coupons in the mail, I recommend using them.
Final thought:
I love finding good eats close to home; I will definitely go back soon. Hopefully they will stay busy, its a tough neighborhood for food joints
Monday, March 1, 2010
Byblos Pitas, North Tampa, FL
Date: 02/28/2010
Time: Lunch
Type: "Fast" Food
Where: 2734 University Square Drive, Tampa
Party: 1 male, 1 female
Immediate Impression:
This place makes me happy! The colors are so vibrant, the space is very open with good light.
Service:
Since this is a "fast" food establishment - by that I mean strictly counter service, I really didn't anticipate much. However, the young man, and the owner, were very helpful and checked in on us to ensure we were enjoying our meal and all was well.
Menu/Food:
Middle Eastern style "fast" food - pita sandwiches, salads and traditional side dishes. I quickly learned the establishment served Lebanese style middle easter food - which does have its variant from other regions.
My guest orderd a Gyro Pita fully loaded, and I ordered the Chicken Shwarma with a side of Hummus. The chicken took a while to prepare - but boy, was it worth it.
I have to say it - I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! My food was not only large portioned, but tasted spectacular. For my pita, the server recommend adding, lettuce, tomato, garlic paste and pickled turnips - yes, I said pickled turnips! I had him dump on some cucumbers and roll it up. Instead of it being a messy fall in your lap standard pita sandwich, at Byblos they wrap them up like burritos, which are much easier for transport. This sandwich was fantastic - I didn't want to stop eating it.
I didn't try the Gyro but my guest was ranting and raving about how good the yogurt dressing was and the gyro meat tasted.
My "side" of hummus was a full half cup and came with pita chips - this came home with me.
Price:
Cheap - and they are running a special where after 5pm all pitas are $5! And for you anglos - they do have French Fries.
They also have FREE wifi and Beer - $2.95 for your first and $1.00 for each subsequent.
Also, they let us finish our meal and THEN pay - it always feels good to be trusted.
Final thought:
I am going to come here as often as possible; the food is fast and healthy. The services is prompt and amicable, and the atmosphere is conducive to a relaxing meal. I could see myself setting up my laptop and enjoying a calm late afternoon there. I am sure this place gets pack at lunch - so be warned.
Hope they open more of these locally - I will definitely have to try their full sit-down restaurant in South Tampa - Byblos Cafe.
Time: Lunch
Type: "Fast" Food
Where: 2734 University Square Drive, Tampa
Party: 1 male, 1 female
Immediate Impression:
This place makes me happy! The colors are so vibrant, the space is very open with good light.
Service:
Since this is a "fast" food establishment - by that I mean strictly counter service, I really didn't anticipate much. However, the young man, and the owner, were very helpful and checked in on us to ensure we were enjoying our meal and all was well.
Menu/Food:
Middle Eastern style "fast" food - pita sandwiches, salads and traditional side dishes. I quickly learned the establishment served Lebanese style middle easter food - which does have its variant from other regions.
My guest orderd a Gyro Pita fully loaded, and I ordered the Chicken Shwarma with a side of Hummus. The chicken took a while to prepare - but boy, was it worth it.
I have to say it - I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! My food was not only large portioned, but tasted spectacular. For my pita, the server recommend adding, lettuce, tomato, garlic paste and pickled turnips - yes, I said pickled turnips! I had him dump on some cucumbers and roll it up. Instead of it being a messy fall in your lap standard pita sandwich, at Byblos they wrap them up like burritos, which are much easier for transport. This sandwich was fantastic - I didn't want to stop eating it.
I didn't try the Gyro but my guest was ranting and raving about how good the yogurt dressing was and the gyro meat tasted.
My "side" of hummus was a full half cup and came with pita chips - this came home with me.
Price:
Cheap - and they are running a special where after 5pm all pitas are $5! And for you anglos - they do have French Fries.
They also have FREE wifi and Beer - $2.95 for your first and $1.00 for each subsequent.
Also, they let us finish our meal and THEN pay - it always feels good to be trusted.
Final thought:
I am going to come here as often as possible; the food is fast and healthy. The services is prompt and amicable, and the atmosphere is conducive to a relaxing meal. I could see myself setting up my laptop and enjoying a calm late afternoon there. I am sure this place gets pack at lunch - so be warned.
Hope they open more of these locally - I will definitely have to try their full sit-down restaurant in South Tampa - Byblos Cafe.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Green Parrot Pub, Tampa, FL
Date: 02/19/10
Time: Late Evening
Type: Bar
Where: 11759 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618-3503
Party: large group
Immediate Impression:
Why is their unfinished 1x6's everywhere...it smells like a great big hamster cage/VFW dance hall! I kind felt their should be balloons and streamers somewhere.
Service:
Our server was good, but less then cordial and/or helpful, in her defense, it was pretty busy and as the night wore on became more so.
Menu/Food:
I saw a kitchen, but I am not sure I would eat there. The bar carries the standard domestics and bottles - Guinness in a bottle. Make sure you ask for drink specials.
Price:
Fair. This seems to be a local college bar so they keep their prices
Final thought:
I only went to this bar because my friend's band was playing, not sure I would ever return without some determining factor like that. The sound system is TERRIBLE, which could be because they have a insulated wall separating the stage for the bar. Not the best venue for music, but seems like a good place for Beer Pong.
Time: Late Evening
Type: Bar
Where: 11759 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33618-3503
Party: large group
Immediate Impression:
Why is their unfinished 1x6's everywhere...it smells like a great big hamster cage/VFW dance hall! I kind felt their should be balloons and streamers somewhere.
Service:
Our server was good, but less then cordial and/or helpful, in her defense, it was pretty busy and as the night wore on became more so.
Menu/Food:
I saw a kitchen, but I am not sure I would eat there. The bar carries the standard domestics and bottles - Guinness in a bottle. Make sure you ask for drink specials.
Price:
Fair. This seems to be a local college bar so they keep their prices
Final thought:
I only went to this bar because my friend's band was playing, not sure I would ever return without some determining factor like that. The sound system is TERRIBLE, which could be because they have a insulated wall separating the stage for the bar. Not the best venue for music, but seems like a good place for Beer Pong.
BJ Brewhouse, Pinellas Park, FL
Date: 02/19/10
Time: Lunch
Type: Restaurant
Where: 3800 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park, FL
Party: 2 females and a 3 month old
Immediate Impression:
Definitely not a good idea to get their exactly at noon! Parking extremely limited, but we were seated very quickly.
Service:
Our server was funny! First thing I notices were her really cool wrist tattoos (reason I am not giving her name); she kept our drinks full and helped when we needed hot water for the baby bottle. For the most part, she checked in on us but let us enjoy our meal w/o too much interruption.
Menu/Food:
Standard Sandwiches, Burgers, Salads, Pasta and Pizza dishes; they are also their own brewery - but it was lunch and I had just walked 2.5 miles - so I ordered their homemade Root Beer, which is YUMMY! For lunch, I had a Medley Salad and a bowl of Minestrone Soup, my guest had their Cobb Salad and a bowl of chili. We split a Spinach/Artichoke dip appetizer.
The salad, after I took off the onions and the red peppers, was, well, just plain salad - but sometimes this is all you need. The minestrone soup was great - although I am always surprised at why people put pasta in it and don't mention it on the menu.
As for my guest, her salad looked HEAPING - and it was allegedly their lunch size portion. I can only imagine how big the regular salad is. The chili bowl was also very big and according to her - filling! She had food to take home for later.
Price:
Honestly, for lunch its a bit pricey, but for dinner reasonable. The Soup Salad combo is reasonable especially if you are able to take some home/back to the office for later.
Final thought:
Next time I go I think I am going to try one of their HUGE potatoes and some of the house beers.
Time: Lunch
Type: Restaurant
Where: 3800 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park, FL
Party: 2 females and a 3 month old
Immediate Impression:
Definitely not a good idea to get their exactly at noon! Parking extremely limited, but we were seated very quickly.
Service:
Our server was funny! First thing I notices were her really cool wrist tattoos (reason I am not giving her name); she kept our drinks full and helped when we needed hot water for the baby bottle. For the most part, she checked in on us but let us enjoy our meal w/o too much interruption.
Menu/Food:
Standard Sandwiches, Burgers, Salads, Pasta and Pizza dishes; they are also their own brewery - but it was lunch and I had just walked 2.5 miles - so I ordered their homemade Root Beer, which is YUMMY! For lunch, I had a Medley Salad and a bowl of Minestrone Soup, my guest had their Cobb Salad and a bowl of chili. We split a Spinach/Artichoke dip appetizer.
The salad, after I took off the onions and the red peppers, was, well, just plain salad - but sometimes this is all you need. The minestrone soup was great - although I am always surprised at why people put pasta in it and don't mention it on the menu.
As for my guest, her salad looked HEAPING - and it was allegedly their lunch size portion. I can only imagine how big the regular salad is. The chili bowl was also very big and according to her - filling! She had food to take home for later.
Price:
Honestly, for lunch its a bit pricey, but for dinner reasonable. The Soup Salad combo is reasonable especially if you are able to take some home/back to the office for later.
Final thought:
Next time I go I think I am going to try one of their HUGE potatoes and some of the house beers.
Bonefish Grill, Bellair Bluffs, FL
Date: 02/18/10
Time: Dinner
Type: Restaurant
Where: 2939 West Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770
Party: 1 Female and 1 male
Immediate Impression:
Surprisingly busy for a random Thursday night
Service:
Our server, Sylvie, was wonderful! She went the extra mile on everything, from double checking all the menu items to ensure no allergy complications, to ensuring the food was correct and the dishes removed promptly. Sylvie is very knowledgeable of the menu items and extremely helpful.
Menu/Food:
I ordered the Grilled Trout w/Asparagus and a side salad, my guest ordered the sirloin with a succotash side and au-gratin mashed potatoes. My dish was cooked perfectly, I simply added a little lemon and pepper to add some zest. The sirloin was originally under-cooked and came with garlic mashed potatoes, it was brought back to cook a little longer and came with an additional side of au-gratin mashed potatoes. There was enough food for dinner and lunch the following day
Price:
Reasonable even with a bottle of wine; Our tab was $60 for two entrees and a bottle of wine, but both of us did not order super expensive stuff.
Final thought:
Now that it is the Lenten season, expect it to be packed on Friday nights. This is a very good date place, the environment is set up to be romantic yet bustling. I LOVE the trout...only downside is the menu is limited if you are allergic to shellfish.
Time: Dinner
Type: Restaurant
Where: 2939 West Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770
Party: 1 Female and 1 male
Immediate Impression:
Surprisingly busy for a random Thursday night
Service:
Our server, Sylvie, was wonderful! She went the extra mile on everything, from double checking all the menu items to ensure no allergy complications, to ensuring the food was correct and the dishes removed promptly. Sylvie is very knowledgeable of the menu items and extremely helpful.
Menu/Food:
I ordered the Grilled Trout w/Asparagus and a side salad, my guest ordered the sirloin with a succotash side and au-gratin mashed potatoes. My dish was cooked perfectly, I simply added a little lemon and pepper to add some zest. The sirloin was originally under-cooked and came with garlic mashed potatoes, it was brought back to cook a little longer and came with an additional side of au-gratin mashed potatoes. There was enough food for dinner and lunch the following day
Price:
Reasonable even with a bottle of wine; Our tab was $60 for two entrees and a bottle of wine, but both of us did not order super expensive stuff.
Final thought:
Now that it is the Lenten season, expect it to be packed on Friday nights. This is a very good date place, the environment is set up to be romantic yet bustling. I LOVE the trout...only downside is the menu is limited if you are allergic to shellfish.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The Brass Tap, Wiregrass Mall, Tampa, FL
Date: 02/16/10
Time: Evening Drinks
Type: Wine/Beer Bar
Where: Wiregrass Mall, Wesley Chapel, FL
Party: 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
Relatively empty but everyone was enjoying themselves; Olympics on the TV, Karaoke being set up, and NTN Trivia going
Service:
Fantastic! My bartendar - whom I forgot to ask her name - was very attentive and kept herself busy w/cleaning glasses and engaging in conversation with the patrons.
Menu/Food:
There is no food at Brass Tap but you can order from Cantina Laredo or GrillSmiths which are both adjacent restaurants. Since my ability to eat is still limitet, I chose to stick with a liquid dinner of - Sam Adams Seasonal Noble Pils - which is yummy!
Price:
Really depends on the night you go - Tuesday was 2 for 1 select drafts (Noble counted) and since it was Fat Tuesday they had a special on ALL Abita beers. The cost is entirely up to what your tastes are. I have never walked away wishing I spent less.
Final thought:
This is my local place, which just happens to have lots of different beers and NTN trivia - my favorite bar past-time. Its a place you can go alone or in a group and receive the same attentive service. The crowd got younger as the night wore on but again, that really depends on the night.
I'd also like to note - probably because a majority of the servers/bartenders are women, the ladies room was really clean.
NOTE: ** if you are a Guinness drinker (as I am) in my experience there are only two bartenders there who pour correctly. Watch**
I of course will be going back - but I will probably eat before I go this time
Time: Evening Drinks
Type: Wine/Beer Bar
Where: Wiregrass Mall, Wesley Chapel, FL
Party: 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
Relatively empty but everyone was enjoying themselves; Olympics on the TV, Karaoke being set up, and NTN Trivia going
Service:
Fantastic! My bartendar - whom I forgot to ask her name - was very attentive and kept herself busy w/cleaning glasses and engaging in conversation with the patrons.
Menu/Food:
There is no food at Brass Tap but you can order from Cantina Laredo or GrillSmiths which are both adjacent restaurants. Since my ability to eat is still limitet, I chose to stick with a liquid dinner of - Sam Adams Seasonal Noble Pils - which is yummy!
Price:
Really depends on the night you go - Tuesday was 2 for 1 select drafts (Noble counted) and since it was Fat Tuesday they had a special on ALL Abita beers. The cost is entirely up to what your tastes are. I have never walked away wishing I spent less.
Final thought:
This is my local place, which just happens to have lots of different beers and NTN trivia - my favorite bar past-time. Its a place you can go alone or in a group and receive the same attentive service. The crowd got younger as the night wore on but again, that really depends on the night.
I'd also like to note - probably because a majority of the servers/bartenders are women, the ladies room was really clean.
NOTE: ** if you are a Guinness drinker (as I am) in my experience there are only two bartenders there who pour correctly. Watch**
I of course will be going back - but I will probably eat before I go this time
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Grillsmiths, Wesley Chapel, FL
Date: 02/02/10
Time: Late Dinner
Type: Restaurant
Where: Wiregrass Mall, Wesley Chapel, FL
Party: 1 Male, 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
Very sultry; I love the dark woods, dark leather and low light; exudes leisure
Service:
Tad, our waiter, was wonderful! Very attentive, helpful and knowledgeable about the menu and dish contents.
Menu/Food:
My palette is very limited lately, so I ordered the Ahi Tuna Steak with asparagus and mashed cauliflower. Everything was fantastic - especially the asparagus. Although the tuna steak came rolled in sesame seeds, I had to cut this layer off - which was really easy because the searing was done properly. The inside tuna was slightly warm and fresh. As for the mashed cauliflower, this was okay, I would probably stick with Mashed Potatoes - my guest had the Augratin Mashed Potatoes which is worth the extra side!
My guest ordered Stoli Ravioli w/ the fantastic side of Augratin Mashed and Beef Tip Eggroll. OMG - everything tasted yummy and the portions were plentiful - lunch for tomorrow!
Price:
Not cheap - our total bill was under $60 but there were no drinks, and we ate two of the cheaper items on the menu. Expect to spend ~30 per person.
Final thought:
I will definitely go back here - this time to order a steak and a nice bottle of wine. While waiting around I also noticed they have a sunday brunch, which I will have to check out soon!
Time: Late Dinner
Type: Restaurant
Where: Wiregrass Mall, Wesley Chapel, FL
Party: 1 Male, 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
Very sultry; I love the dark woods, dark leather and low light; exudes leisure
Service:
Tad, our waiter, was wonderful! Very attentive, helpful and knowledgeable about the menu and dish contents.
Menu/Food:
My palette is very limited lately, so I ordered the Ahi Tuna Steak with asparagus and mashed cauliflower. Everything was fantastic - especially the asparagus. Although the tuna steak came rolled in sesame seeds, I had to cut this layer off - which was really easy because the searing was done properly. The inside tuna was slightly warm and fresh. As for the mashed cauliflower, this was okay, I would probably stick with Mashed Potatoes - my guest had the Augratin Mashed Potatoes which is worth the extra side!
My guest ordered Stoli Ravioli w/ the fantastic side of Augratin Mashed and Beef Tip Eggroll. OMG - everything tasted yummy and the portions were plentiful - lunch for tomorrow!
Price:
Not cheap - our total bill was under $60 but there were no drinks, and we ate two of the cheaper items on the menu. Expect to spend ~30 per person.
Final thought:
I will definitely go back here - this time to order a steak and a nice bottle of wine. While waiting around I also noticed they have a sunday brunch, which I will have to check out soon!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
TAPS - Tampa, FL
***03/31/10 Yet again Taps has failed to understand their market. The Tampa Bay Beer MUG group, Let's Go Out Tampa Bay, and Tampa Socials, recently hosted a Going Away/Birthday party at this establishment. Management had promised draft beer discounts for the party however when the group arrived they stated they could not honor their prior commitment and treated the group with disdain the rest of the evening. These groups have BANNED TAPS from being used for any future events. Based on these two events, and the overall poor quality of service/consideration, I would strongly advise anyone to avoid TAPS. (see email below from the TBBMUG organizer)
***Update: The female guest did receive a $5.00 credit on our charge, there are currently conversations with the owner regarding this situation. ***
Date: 01/29/2010
Time: Special Event After Party
Type: Bar
Where: 777 N Ashley, Tampa, Florida
Party: Group ~ 15
Immediate Impression:
It was busy, and felt they were understaffed on the floor, my guest and I went straight to bar!
Service:
Our bartender - Johnny - was fantastic! On point, kept our glasses full (with what we ordered) and checked up on us frequently - too bad the rest of the working staff was no where near as good...I digress.
Our first interaction with the floor server revolved around our food order, the floor server started yelling our name while bringing the food. I understood the need to do this, if we were standing on the main floor, however, the bartender had made a note we would be at the bar; - I chalked it up to simply being busy and she was probably slammed. However, I did observe that she was already intoxicated, something, if I were the bar owner, I would not have allowed so early in the day (it was only 7pm).
At some point during the evening, prior to the atrocity below, I also watched the server take a man (the same one) outside the side door and promptly start a groping/making out session. Again, something I don't believe patrons should ever see.
The real tragedy of service came when part of our group decided to leave; one of our female members asked for her tab, when the server brought out the whole tab, our member asked her to split the tab and only charge her for what she had. The server told our member she was not sure what she had, when our member advised her what on the tab was hers, the fiasco began.
After everyone who was on the tab chimed in with what they were responsible for the tab was still off by ONE AMSTEL LIGHT ($4.50). The Manager came to our table to tell US that every drink which was ordered was brought to the table; we told the Manager NOBODY ordered the last Amstel, furthermore, there were still three cups with alcohol in them on the table (they were pouring all the drinks in plastic containers - which again we had no problem with.) The manager notified us she would be taking off the extra Amstel, we felt the issue had been put to rest. Until...
Managers/Servers should be trained to not TALK about customers while within earshot of other patrons - you NEVER know who knows who. The manager was over-heard telling the server "I don't care what she wants, I already have her credit card, just tell her we took it off"! Because of this, when the server came back to tell us the charge had been dropped, we asked for a revised receipt as proof. She told us she was "UNABLE TO REPRINT THE RECEIPT BECAUSE THE TRANSACTION HAD BEEN CLOSED" - which anyone who has ever worked in the restaurant industry knows is a COMPLETE AND UTTER LIE!!
Not only did the female server say she couldn't do it, but so did the MANAGER. Our female member then went to the bar as said if she did not receive her proof of payment, she would notify her credit card company of the fraudulent charge - she was then told they would be calling the POLICE on HER for THEFT! Our female member just left, exasperate, frustrated, belittled and unhappy! The rest of our group left angry. We spent the remainder of the evening, and our money, at the HUB!
TAPS use to be one of the Preferred Vendors for the Tampa Bay Beer Meet Up Group - however, because of there actions this evening, we have advised all our organizers and members to no longer patronize TAPS. This is an unfortunate circumstance of poor service, poor management and offensive behavior.
Menu/Food:
I enjoyed my food, the group split, Tuna Crudo, Baked Mac & Cheese, Guacamole w/chips, and Roast Beef Sliders - considering it was a special event night, we were all pleased with the food.
Price:
This place is not really cheap, but it is standard for the area. However, after the horrific service, buying anything carries way too high a price!
Final thought:
I am going to reiterate what I said above: TAPS use to be one of the Preferred Vendors for the Tampa Bay Beer Meet Up Group - however, because of there actions this evening, we have advised all our organizers and members to no longer patronize TAPS. This is an unfortunate circumstance of poor service, poor management and offensive behavior. I will update the blog when my friend checks her credit card statement to confirm what she was charged
***Update: The female guest did receive a $5.00 credit on our charge, there are currently conversations with the owner regarding this situation. ***
Date: 01/29/2010
Time: Special Event After Party
Type: Bar
Where: 777 N Ashley, Tampa, Florida
Party: Group ~ 15
Immediate Impression:
It was busy, and felt they were understaffed on the floor, my guest and I went straight to bar!
Service:
Our bartender - Johnny - was fantastic! On point, kept our glasses full (with what we ordered) and checked up on us frequently - too bad the rest of the working staff was no where near as good...I digress.
Our first interaction with the floor server revolved around our food order, the floor server started yelling our name while bringing the food. I understood the need to do this, if we were standing on the main floor, however, the bartender had made a note we would be at the bar; - I chalked it up to simply being busy and she was probably slammed. However, I did observe that she was already intoxicated, something, if I were the bar owner, I would not have allowed so early in the day (it was only 7pm).
At some point during the evening, prior to the atrocity below, I also watched the server take a man (the same one) outside the side door and promptly start a groping/making out session. Again, something I don't believe patrons should ever see.
The real tragedy of service came when part of our group decided to leave; one of our female members asked for her tab, when the server brought out the whole tab, our member asked her to split the tab and only charge her for what she had. The server told our member she was not sure what she had, when our member advised her what on the tab was hers, the fiasco began.
After everyone who was on the tab chimed in with what they were responsible for the tab was still off by ONE AMSTEL LIGHT ($4.50). The Manager came to our table to tell US that every drink which was ordered was brought to the table; we told the Manager NOBODY ordered the last Amstel, furthermore, there were still three cups with alcohol in them on the table (they were pouring all the drinks in plastic containers - which again we had no problem with.) The manager notified us she would be taking off the extra Amstel, we felt the issue had been put to rest. Until...
Managers/Servers should be trained to not TALK about customers while within earshot of other patrons - you NEVER know who knows who. The manager was over-heard telling the server "I don't care what she wants, I already have her credit card, just tell her we took it off"! Because of this, when the server came back to tell us the charge had been dropped, we asked for a revised receipt as proof. She told us she was "UNABLE TO REPRINT THE RECEIPT BECAUSE THE TRANSACTION HAD BEEN CLOSED" - which anyone who has ever worked in the restaurant industry knows is a COMPLETE AND UTTER LIE!!
Not only did the female server say she couldn't do it, but so did the MANAGER. Our female member then went to the bar as said if she did not receive her proof of payment, she would notify her credit card company of the fraudulent charge - she was then told they would be calling the POLICE on HER for THEFT! Our female member just left, exasperate, frustrated, belittled and unhappy! The rest of our group left angry. We spent the remainder of the evening, and our money, at the HUB!
TAPS use to be one of the Preferred Vendors for the Tampa Bay Beer Meet Up Group - however, because of there actions this evening, we have advised all our organizers and members to no longer patronize TAPS. This is an unfortunate circumstance of poor service, poor management and offensive behavior.
Menu/Food:
I enjoyed my food, the group split, Tuna Crudo, Baked Mac & Cheese, Guacamole w/chips, and Roast Beef Sliders - considering it was a special event night, we were all pleased with the food.
Price:
This place is not really cheap, but it is standard for the area. However, after the horrific service, buying anything carries way too high a price!
Final thought:
I am going to reiterate what I said above: TAPS use to be one of the Preferred Vendors for the Tampa Bay Beer Meet Up Group - however, because of there actions this evening, we have advised all our organizers and members to no longer patronize TAPS. This is an unfortunate circumstance of poor service, poor management and offensive behavior. I will update the blog when my friend checks her credit card statement to confirm what she was charged
PF Changs, Tampa, FL
Date: 01/29/2010
Time: Late Lunch
Type: Restaurant
Where: Westshore Mall, Tampa, Florida
Party: 1 male, 1 female
Immediate Impression:
Whoo hoo, lunch crowd is done, took less than 5 sec to get a seat at the bar. The music was a little odd, and I did question the Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap, but I wasn't drinking it.
Service:
Our bartender was fantastic, very attentive and helpful;
Menu/Food:
This is the main reason I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! I am a Crohn's Disease sufferer - if you would like to learn more go to www.ccfa.org. When I am in an active state, it is extremely difficult to eat, add in my food allergies and it becomes nearly impossible - However, PF Chang's always comes through.
I ordered Organic Hot Tea, Wonton Soup w/no shrimp, a side of asparagus, and a side of garlic spinach (all shellfish free). My guest ordered the Northern Style Rib appetizer and a the garlic noodles but sauteed in only garlic butter.
When my food arrived, I dumped my two sides in my soup and let them get mushy. Yummy, took half of it home, lunch and dinner all for under $13.
Price:
We just missed happy hour, which makes your fav appetizer's cheaper, but since what I can eat is really limited, my tabs are always small here. It can get very pricey if you do appetizer and entree and beverage.
Final thought:
I love this place, I will of course be back, especially if I am in active state of Crohn's. They are extremely helpful w/all food allergies. Also BE CAREFUL - there is ALOT of sodium is all PF Chang dishes
Time: Late Lunch
Type: Restaurant
Where: Westshore Mall, Tampa, Florida
Party: 1 male, 1 female
Immediate Impression:
Whoo hoo, lunch crowd is done, took less than 5 sec to get a seat at the bar. The music was a little odd, and I did question the Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap, but I wasn't drinking it.
Service:
Our bartender was fantastic, very attentive and helpful;
Menu/Food:
This is the main reason I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! I am a Crohn's Disease sufferer - if you would like to learn more go to www.ccfa.org. When I am in an active state, it is extremely difficult to eat, add in my food allergies and it becomes nearly impossible - However, PF Chang's always comes through.
I ordered Organic Hot Tea, Wonton Soup w/no shrimp, a side of asparagus, and a side of garlic spinach (all shellfish free). My guest ordered the Northern Style Rib appetizer and a the garlic noodles but sauteed in only garlic butter.
When my food arrived, I dumped my two sides in my soup and let them get mushy. Yummy, took half of it home, lunch and dinner all for under $13.
Price:
We just missed happy hour, which makes your fav appetizer's cheaper, but since what I can eat is really limited, my tabs are always small here. It can get very pricey if you do appetizer and entree and beverage.
Final thought:
I love this place, I will of course be back, especially if I am in active state of Crohn's. They are extremely helpful w/all food allergies. Also BE CAREFUL - there is ALOT of sodium is all PF Chang dishes
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Hyde Park Cafe -Tuesday, Tampa, FL
Date: 01/26/2010
Time: Late Happy Hour/Late Evening
Type: Bar/Club
Where: 806 West Platt Street, Tampa, Florida 33606
Party: 2 Females
Immediate Impression:
We got there early, so it was empty, and its a semi-inside/outside bar; I had my coat on at the bar.
Service:
Our first bartender at the center was fantastic and very helpful. She really wanted all her patrons to enjoy their experience. She also reminded us when happy hour was almost over so we could get our full benefit.
The late night bartenders at the center and far right bars (if standing in front of the establishment) were RUDE! Although I understand you have to be weary of underage drinking - especially in an establishment which permits 18yo's (not my fault) - but please, you took it way too far.
At the center bar, a male bartender asked me what I would like, after telling him, he turned around a left. The female bartender asked what I wanted, I stated the male had already gotten my order, but when she turned around he wasn't pouring it - turns out, he didn't want to serve me because my OVER 21 wristband was on the WRONG wrist! What makes this ridiculous, was it was HPC's own staff member who put the wristband on the WRONG wrist - and come on, seriously, I don't look UNDER 21!
At the far right bar, nobody even bothered to ask us if we needed help, hence the reasoning for going to the center bar.
It wasn't that busy; its wasn't even 1 deep at the bar!
Menu/Food:
The beer selection at the Center bar is relatively substantial, however, it is lacking at the other bars. This is full liquor at all bars.
Price:
Happy hour was great...we got 2 Shiner Bock and 2 Magners for only $10.53; not sure what the liquor pricing is, but I would say pricing is standard for the location and type of venue.
Final thought:
I will try this place again - I am hoping it was all the Derek Jeter hoopla which was causing the idiocy at the center bar; the crowd is a good mix of young/old, and the music in the various rooms offers a little bit for everyone.
One more thing....the valet guys are really nice and funny!
Time: Late Happy Hour/Late Evening
Type: Bar/Club
Where: 806 West Platt Street, Tampa, Florida 33606
Party: 2 Females
Immediate Impression:
We got there early, so it was empty, and its a semi-inside/outside bar; I had my coat on at the bar.
Service:
Our first bartender at the center was fantastic and very helpful. She really wanted all her patrons to enjoy their experience. She also reminded us when happy hour was almost over so we could get our full benefit.
The late night bartenders at the center and far right bars (if standing in front of the establishment) were RUDE! Although I understand you have to be weary of underage drinking - especially in an establishment which permits 18yo's (not my fault) - but please, you took it way too far.
At the center bar, a male bartender asked me what I would like, after telling him, he turned around a left. The female bartender asked what I wanted, I stated the male had already gotten my order, but when she turned around he wasn't pouring it - turns out, he didn't want to serve me because my OVER 21 wristband was on the WRONG wrist! What makes this ridiculous, was it was HPC's own staff member who put the wristband on the WRONG wrist - and come on, seriously, I don't look UNDER 21!
At the far right bar, nobody even bothered to ask us if we needed help, hence the reasoning for going to the center bar.
It wasn't that busy; its wasn't even 1 deep at the bar!
Menu/Food:
The beer selection at the Center bar is relatively substantial, however, it is lacking at the other bars. This is full liquor at all bars.
Price:
Happy hour was great...we got 2 Shiner Bock and 2 Magners for only $10.53; not sure what the liquor pricing is, but I would say pricing is standard for the location and type of venue.
Final thought:
I will try this place again - I am hoping it was all the Derek Jeter hoopla which was causing the idiocy at the center bar; the crowd is a good mix of young/old, and the music in the various rooms offers a little bit for everyone.
One more thing....the valet guys are really nice and funny!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Smokey Bones, Clearwater, FL
Date: 01/25/2010
Time: Dinner
Type: Restaurant
Where: 2893 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL
Party: 1 Male, 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
I've been here before, but its been awhile...I am slightly concerned about the new menus and the new uniforms...hmmm
Service:
AWFUL!!! When we first sat, one of the 3 bartenders was quick to get our drink order, but it went downhill from there. It took forever to order our food, when the food came out the busser wasn't sure who it belonged to, we had to interrupt a conversation to get butter, and they walked by our empty dishes for a good 20 minutes - even after I stacked them in a nice neat pile!! However, our bill and our change came really quick!
Also, I don't mind if employees sit at the bar, especially if they are NOT in uniform, but then don't embarrass yourself. It seems the guest to our right was one of the managers of the restaurant, he and a good cross section of the staff, including the Kitchen Manager, were making fools of themselves.
Menu/Food:
I went here for the ribs and their donuts, but the donuts aren't even on the menu anymore, and the ribs are on the last page. They seem to be focusing more on their appetizers and drinks - which I will start with.
We were offered 2-4-1 Top Shelf Margaritas - DON'T DO IT!!! The were disgusting, way to much sour mix and the tequila is nasty. Not sure what they used but it should be well liquor. Plus their 2-4-1 is a rip-off, one 10oz drink costs $8.75.
My guest and I decided to split our meal since we weren't starving - we ordered the Pretzel Rod appetizer, their corn bread appetizer, and the double trouble (1/3 Rack of Baby Back Ribs w/original glaze and 1/3 Rack of St. Louis Ribs w/Smoked Mesquite Rub), side of broccoli, and a side of mash potatoes.
The only item which was somewhat good was the corn bread appetizer, and even that was mushy.
Honestly, everything was undercooked and tough. It seemed like they cooked it 2/3 of the way so that you could go home and finish the cooking. The broccoli was hard, the mashed potatoes were tasteless, the St. Louis Ribs were tough and the rub was ridiculously salty and I think they used hot sauce, the baby backs were tough yet rubbery!
I was completely and utterly disappointed!
Price:
Reasonable, but after eating I wish I could get my money back.
Final thought:
Completely unhappy with my experience there, will not return, and I suggest, if the thought crosses your mind, change it quickly. You only get to eat so many meals, don't waste one here!
Time: Dinner
Type: Restaurant
Where: 2893 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL
Party: 1 Male, 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
I've been here before, but its been awhile...I am slightly concerned about the new menus and the new uniforms...hmmm
Service:
AWFUL!!! When we first sat, one of the 3 bartenders was quick to get our drink order, but it went downhill from there. It took forever to order our food, when the food came out the busser wasn't sure who it belonged to, we had to interrupt a conversation to get butter, and they walked by our empty dishes for a good 20 minutes - even after I stacked them in a nice neat pile!! However, our bill and our change came really quick!
Also, I don't mind if employees sit at the bar, especially if they are NOT in uniform, but then don't embarrass yourself. It seems the guest to our right was one of the managers of the restaurant, he and a good cross section of the staff, including the Kitchen Manager, were making fools of themselves.
Menu/Food:
I went here for the ribs and their donuts, but the donuts aren't even on the menu anymore, and the ribs are on the last page. They seem to be focusing more on their appetizers and drinks - which I will start with.
We were offered 2-4-1 Top Shelf Margaritas - DON'T DO IT!!! The were disgusting, way to much sour mix and the tequila is nasty. Not sure what they used but it should be well liquor. Plus their 2-4-1 is a rip-off, one 10oz drink costs $8.75.
My guest and I decided to split our meal since we weren't starving - we ordered the Pretzel Rod appetizer, their corn bread appetizer, and the double trouble (1/3 Rack of Baby Back Ribs w/original glaze and 1/3 Rack of St. Louis Ribs w/Smoked Mesquite Rub), side of broccoli, and a side of mash potatoes.
The only item which was somewhat good was the corn bread appetizer, and even that was mushy.
Honestly, everything was undercooked and tough. It seemed like they cooked it 2/3 of the way so that you could go home and finish the cooking. The broccoli was hard, the mashed potatoes were tasteless, the St. Louis Ribs were tough and the rub was ridiculously salty and I think they used hot sauce, the baby backs were tough yet rubbery!
I was completely and utterly disappointed!
Price:
Reasonable, but after eating I wish I could get my money back.
Final thought:
Completely unhappy with my experience there, will not return, and I suggest, if the thought crosses your mind, change it quickly. You only get to eat so many meals, don't waste one here!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Dubliner North, Tampa, FL
Date: 01/24/2010
Time: Lunch
Type: Restaurant/Bar
Where: 12836 Henderson Road, Tampa, FL
Party: 1 Male, 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
What a cute place, in an absolutely terrible location! Beautiful day, let's sit on the patio and watch some football!
Service:
It wouldn't be fair for me to discuss service, since the server is one of my friends. But all in all, all the servers and bar staff were really congenial and helpful - not just my friend.
Menu/Food:
It's primarily an Irish Pub, with your standard Irish foods - shepard's pie, fish and chips, corn beef and cabbage - but they also have PIZZA and fried appetizers. It seemed odd to me to order the pizza, so I ordered the French Onion soup and the Club Sandwich, my guest ordered the potato soup.
My french onion soup was pretty good, not bland and just the right amount; but when they brought out my club sandwich, I was wondering who the other 3 people were who would help me finish it. I couldn't believe this sandwich was for ONE person. Luckily, my guest was hungry and offered to share it with me.
As for the Potato Soup, this is a passable soup,nothing really exciting to talk about, a little too liquid for my taste.
Dubliner North does have an ample on Tap beer menu, and they pour a near perfect pint of Guinness - or course, something I always look for!
Price:
Good, not out of line for a day watching football, drinking beer and eating.
Final thought:
They obviously still have an identity crisis with the Dubliner in South Tampa (there menus are actually from there). I will, of course, go back, but probably only when my friend is working.
Time: Lunch
Type: Restaurant/Bar
Where: 12836 Henderson Road, Tampa, FL
Party: 1 Male, 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
What a cute place, in an absolutely terrible location! Beautiful day, let's sit on the patio and watch some football!
Service:
It wouldn't be fair for me to discuss service, since the server is one of my friends. But all in all, all the servers and bar staff were really congenial and helpful - not just my friend.
Menu/Food:
It's primarily an Irish Pub, with your standard Irish foods - shepard's pie, fish and chips, corn beef and cabbage - but they also have PIZZA and fried appetizers. It seemed odd to me to order the pizza, so I ordered the French Onion soup and the Club Sandwich, my guest ordered the potato soup.
My french onion soup was pretty good, not bland and just the right amount; but when they brought out my club sandwich, I was wondering who the other 3 people were who would help me finish it. I couldn't believe this sandwich was for ONE person. Luckily, my guest was hungry and offered to share it with me.
As for the Potato Soup, this is a passable soup,nothing really exciting to talk about, a little too liquid for my taste.
Dubliner North does have an ample on Tap beer menu, and they pour a near perfect pint of Guinness - or course, something I always look for!
Price:
Good, not out of line for a day watching football, drinking beer and eating.
Final thought:
They obviously still have an identity crisis with the Dubliner in South Tampa (there menus are actually from there). I will, of course, go back, but probably only when my friend is working.
TGI Fridays, New Tampa, FL
Date: 01/23/2010
Time: Lunch
Type: Restaurant/Bar
Where: 18001 Highwoods Preserve, Tampa, FL
Party: 1 Male, 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
I really don't want to be here! I wanted KFC Grilled Chicken, but for some reason, all the fast-foodie type places in New Tampa close at 9PM on SATURDAY night! The patio was packed with young adults (18-24). The bar was empty, but for some reason the 8 people in there still made it loud.
Service:
Our bartenders were really funny and really attentive. They were able to make good suggestions and kept us in the loop about recent specials.
Menu/Food:
A little bit for everyone, they are currently running a 3 course meal for $12.99, which I went for easily. I ordered the Classic Wedge Salad (which was edible), the chicken bruschetta pasta - which honestly is a really easy, lazy dish for a restaurant, and for some reason my pasta was burnt, and the Brownie Explosion hold the Pecans - this was the most fantastic part of dinner.
My guest ordered the Jack Daniels Sirloin with Mashed Potatoes and broccoli. The steak was over-cooked but the Mashed Potatoes and broccoli were really good.
Something in my meal made me sick - really sick - I am assuming it was the chicken on my pasta, BEWARE!
Price:
Reasonable for a chain restaurant
Final thought:
Not bad, but I would try to spend less, if I ever go again. Maybe just appetizer and dessert. I would rank this like a Chili's, especially if there are really no other late night options, but, I still would have preferred KFC!
Time: Lunch
Type: Restaurant/Bar
Where: 18001 Highwoods Preserve, Tampa, FL
Party: 1 Male, 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
I really don't want to be here! I wanted KFC Grilled Chicken, but for some reason, all the fast-foodie type places in New Tampa close at 9PM on SATURDAY night! The patio was packed with young adults (18-24). The bar was empty, but for some reason the 8 people in there still made it loud.
Service:
Our bartenders were really funny and really attentive. They were able to make good suggestions and kept us in the loop about recent specials.
Menu/Food:
A little bit for everyone, they are currently running a 3 course meal for $12.99, which I went for easily. I ordered the Classic Wedge Salad (which was edible), the chicken bruschetta pasta - which honestly is a really easy, lazy dish for a restaurant, and for some reason my pasta was burnt, and the Brownie Explosion hold the Pecans - this was the most fantastic part of dinner.
My guest ordered the Jack Daniels Sirloin with Mashed Potatoes and broccoli. The steak was over-cooked but the Mashed Potatoes and broccoli were really good.
Something in my meal made me sick - really sick - I am assuming it was the chicken on my pasta, BEWARE!
Price:
Reasonable for a chain restaurant
Final thought:
Not bad, but I would try to spend less, if I ever go again. Maybe just appetizer and dessert. I would rank this like a Chili's, especially if there are really no other late night options, but, I still would have preferred KFC!
Los Mariachis, Largo, FL
Date: 01/23/2010
Time: Lunch
Type: Restaurant
Where: 9100 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL
Party: 1 Male, 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
This is a really big place, wonder if it ever gets full. Not a big fan of Mexican, but I'll try it out.
Service:
Great! We had 4 different people come to our table to bring out various aspects of our meals. Everything was really quick and the waiter who took our order was very polite and helpful.
Menu/Food:
Traditional Mexican food; the chips and salsa presented when we sat was great - note: the salsa is more on the hot than mild side, personally I prefer this, but just to warn those who aren't into hot sauce. The menu is vast, with various types of fajitas, a la carte items, and combos. Personally, I ordered the Beef (Burrito, Enchilada and Tamale), my guest ordered Enchilada, Hard Taco and Tostado combination.
The presentation of both dishes was fantastic. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my tamale, which was actually a chicken tamale with ground beef on top, I was not impressed with the Burrito or Enchilda. The burrito only contained meat, and the meat was dry; the enchilada was just a smaller version of the burrito, and equally as dry. However, my guest's Tostada was very good, I especially like the layer of melted cheese before the lettuce. As with my enchilada, the meat was dry, and the Taco we relatively bland, again, caused by the over-cooked spiceless ground beef.
Price:
CHEAP!!!!
Final thought:
I may go back to try the fajitas, which smelled really good, but I am going to stay away from everything else. This is probably a great place for a quick lunch off the a-la-carte menu.
Time: Lunch
Type: Restaurant
Where: 9100 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL
Party: 1 Male, 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
This is a really big place, wonder if it ever gets full. Not a big fan of Mexican, but I'll try it out.
Service:
Great! We had 4 different people come to our table to bring out various aspects of our meals. Everything was really quick and the waiter who took our order was very polite and helpful.
Menu/Food:
Traditional Mexican food; the chips and salsa presented when we sat was great - note: the salsa is more on the hot than mild side, personally I prefer this, but just to warn those who aren't into hot sauce. The menu is vast, with various types of fajitas, a la carte items, and combos. Personally, I ordered the Beef (Burrito, Enchilada and Tamale), my guest ordered Enchilada, Hard Taco and Tostado combination.
The presentation of both dishes was fantastic. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my tamale, which was actually a chicken tamale with ground beef on top, I was not impressed with the Burrito or Enchilda. The burrito only contained meat, and the meat was dry; the enchilada was just a smaller version of the burrito, and equally as dry. However, my guest's Tostada was very good, I especially like the layer of melted cheese before the lettuce. As with my enchilada, the meat was dry, and the Taco we relatively bland, again, caused by the over-cooked spiceless ground beef.
Price:
CHEAP!!!!
Final thought:
I may go back to try the fajitas, which smelled really good, but I am going to stay away from everything else. This is probably a great place for a quick lunch off the a-la-carte menu.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Bar Louie, International Mall, Tampa, FL
Date: 01/22/2010
Time: Happy Hour
Type: Restaurant/Bar
Where: International Plaza, Baystreet 2223 N. Westshore Blvd B202, Tampa, Fl
Party: 4 Females
Immediate Impression:
I've been here before, mostly for Football Sundays, but I was shocked at the sheer volume of people - mostly men - there for Happy Hour. It was packed!
Service:
Service was lackluster, the bartenders were less than attentive. Our first bartender was helpful, but as the night went on, our new bartender was actually a little smug and slightly bitchy.
Menu/Food:
I normally do not eat at Bar Louie - I have been disappointed each time. However, it was getting late, I was drinking and I needed to eat. I ordered the "safe" Hummus platter, the other ladies ordered the Tuna appetizer and the Calamari.
Honestly, I was caught off guard. They must be using new pita for their hummus platter, it was thick and tasty. The hummus and cous cous was just the right texture and had just the right spices.
The most surprising dish was the Calamari - awesome!!! It was crisp, light and just the right size. Unfortunately, because no one was sure whether there was oyster sauce used in the making of the tuna, I am unable to comment.
Of course, the beer selection at Bar Louie, is what keeps me coming back, and that drafts - including Guinness, Turbo Dog, Red Hook, etc. - is only $3.00 at happy hour. I love drinking at this bar, they always have rotating taps and they have Pabst on tap! Too funny!
Price:
Reasonable...especially during happy hour. However, the service makes the price seem less reasonable.
Final thought:
I will be back, this is a great happy hour spot, and from prior experience, great football place. But I will be pretty cautious about what I chose to eat.
Time: Happy Hour
Type: Restaurant/Bar
Where: International Plaza, Baystreet 2223 N. Westshore Blvd B202, Tampa, Fl
Party: 4 Females
Immediate Impression:
I've been here before, mostly for Football Sundays, but I was shocked at the sheer volume of people - mostly men - there for Happy Hour. It was packed!
Service:
Service was lackluster, the bartenders were less than attentive. Our first bartender was helpful, but as the night went on, our new bartender was actually a little smug and slightly bitchy.
Menu/Food:
I normally do not eat at Bar Louie - I have been disappointed each time. However, it was getting late, I was drinking and I needed to eat. I ordered the "safe" Hummus platter, the other ladies ordered the Tuna appetizer and the Calamari.
Honestly, I was caught off guard. They must be using new pita for their hummus platter, it was thick and tasty. The hummus and cous cous was just the right texture and had just the right spices.
The most surprising dish was the Calamari - awesome!!! It was crisp, light and just the right size. Unfortunately, because no one was sure whether there was oyster sauce used in the making of the tuna, I am unable to comment.
Of course, the beer selection at Bar Louie, is what keeps me coming back, and that drafts - including Guinness, Turbo Dog, Red Hook, etc. - is only $3.00 at happy hour. I love drinking at this bar, they always have rotating taps and they have Pabst on tap! Too funny!
Price:
Reasonable...especially during happy hour. However, the service makes the price seem less reasonable.
Final thought:
I will be back, this is a great happy hour spot, and from prior experience, great football place. But I will be pretty cautious about what I chose to eat.
Cafe Japon, International Mall, Tampa, FL
Date: 01/21/2010
Time: Evening
Type: Restaurant
Where: International Plaza, Baystreet 2223 N. Westshore Blvd B224, Tampa, Fl
Party: 1 Male, 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
Cute place, although must say, the LCD's of swimming fish seems a bit mean, considering this is a Sushi joint and all; guess it's better than live fish!
Service:
Ana, our waitress, was great; very diligent and attentive. Everything came promptly, and I especially like how quickly my dishes were taking away once I was finished. The only thing the server missed was telling me the Ice Tea was flavored tea - I think passionfruit; caught me off guard.
Menu/Food:
The menu was well laid out, standard Sushi/Sashimi, a large selection of specialty rolls, they offer rice paper for $1 more, and for those non-sushi loving people, there is a large selection of non-fish entrees.
I ordered Tuna and Salmon sashimi and the Sakura Roll, miso soup and edamame; my guest ordered a customized Chicken dish. The presentation was phenomenal! The sashimi was delectable, very fresh, chilled just right and the slices were thick; my roll (Salmon and White tuna on top of a spicy tuna roll), was delicious - except for the small bit of sauce on each of them. Sorry, not really sure what it was.
The chicken dish was well worth it. Good portion size and just the right seasoning. It was a mix of vegetables, chicken, and a soy based sauce. My guest added his rice to the dish for more texture. He cleared his place!
The only downside with dinner was the Miso Soup - it was very weak and the seaweed over-powered the rest of the soup. As for the edamame, wasn't spectacular, but still edible.
Price:
Expected! It was over priced for sushi but expected because of International Mall. Honestly, the experience was enjoyable so the price was secondary.
Final thought:
So far, the best restaurant at International Mall; I will definitely go again, there are tons of specialty rolls I would love to try - if I they will make it without all the pesky shellfish!
Time: Evening
Type: Restaurant
Where: International Plaza, Baystreet 2223 N. Westshore Blvd B224, Tampa, Fl
Party: 1 Male, 1 Female
Immediate Impression:
Cute place, although must say, the LCD's of swimming fish seems a bit mean, considering this is a Sushi joint and all; guess it's better than live fish!
Service:
Ana, our waitress, was great; very diligent and attentive. Everything came promptly, and I especially like how quickly my dishes were taking away once I was finished. The only thing the server missed was telling me the Ice Tea was flavored tea - I think passionfruit; caught me off guard.
Menu/Food:
The menu was well laid out, standard Sushi/Sashimi, a large selection of specialty rolls, they offer rice paper for $1 more, and for those non-sushi loving people, there is a large selection of non-fish entrees.
I ordered Tuna and Salmon sashimi and the Sakura Roll, miso soup and edamame; my guest ordered a customized Chicken dish. The presentation was phenomenal! The sashimi was delectable, very fresh, chilled just right and the slices were thick; my roll (Salmon and White tuna on top of a spicy tuna roll), was delicious - except for the small bit of sauce on each of them. Sorry, not really sure what it was.
The chicken dish was well worth it. Good portion size and just the right seasoning. It was a mix of vegetables, chicken, and a soy based sauce. My guest added his rice to the dish for more texture. He cleared his place!
The only downside with dinner was the Miso Soup - it was very weak and the seaweed over-powered the rest of the soup. As for the edamame, wasn't spectacular, but still edible.
Price:
Expected! It was over priced for sushi but expected because of International Mall. Honestly, the experience was enjoyable so the price was secondary.
Final thought:
So far, the best restaurant at International Mall; I will definitely go again, there are tons of specialty rolls I would love to try - if I they will make it without all the pesky shellfish!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Square One Burger, Tampa, FL
Date: 01/20/2010
Time: Evening
Type: Restaurant
Where: 3701 N. Henderson Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
Party: Group - mixed
Immediate Impression:
Pretty cool looking, I like the decor, but where are they expecting to fit a group of 35?
Service:
Our service was okay, but we also had one waitress for the entire group. She did well considering we kept moving around. We had called ahead to let them know we would be a group of 35 beer drinkers, they had not prepared, which caused confusion and split our group between the back room and the bar area.
Menu/Food:
The Fried Dill Pickles are fantastic and plentiful, shared with 4 people. However, I would stick to the more traditional burger selections. Most of my friends did the standard Angus burger Make you own, they were all pleased with the outcome. I decided to stick to my diet, and do a Veggie Burger - boy, was I severely disappointed. My burger was one big pile of mush, when I went to cut it, it spewed (yes, spewed) out of all sides of the bun. The Guacamole topping was tasteless and the tomato was tiny.
If I hadn't gotten so frustrated with the burger, I may have liked the fries - Sweet Potato Fries with cinnamon sugar.
There beer selection is vast, I drank the draft Brooklyn Brown and tried the Bell Oberon. The taps are fresh, but they have a wider selection in bottles.
Price:
A little high for a burger, but not excessive.
Final thought:
I am going to try it again before I give my final yes or no; this time I will stick to the traditional burger and see what happens.
Time: Evening
Type: Restaurant
Where: 3701 N. Henderson Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
Party: Group - mixed
Immediate Impression:
Pretty cool looking, I like the decor, but where are they expecting to fit a group of 35?
Service:
Our service was okay, but we also had one waitress for the entire group. She did well considering we kept moving around. We had called ahead to let them know we would be a group of 35 beer drinkers, they had not prepared, which caused confusion and split our group between the back room and the bar area.
Menu/Food:
The Fried Dill Pickles are fantastic and plentiful, shared with 4 people. However, I would stick to the more traditional burger selections. Most of my friends did the standard Angus burger Make you own, they were all pleased with the outcome. I decided to stick to my diet, and do a Veggie Burger - boy, was I severely disappointed. My burger was one big pile of mush, when I went to cut it, it spewed (yes, spewed) out of all sides of the bun. The Guacamole topping was tasteless and the tomato was tiny.
If I hadn't gotten so frustrated with the burger, I may have liked the fries - Sweet Potato Fries with cinnamon sugar.
There beer selection is vast, I drank the draft Brooklyn Brown and tried the Bell Oberon. The taps are fresh, but they have a wider selection in bottles.
Price:
A little high for a burger, but not excessive.
Final thought:
I am going to try it again before I give my final yes or no; this time I will stick to the traditional burger and see what happens.
Crowne Plaza Airport (MSY), Kenner, LA
I won't normally review hotels unless I have a fantastic or horrific time. This stay definitely deserves a mention.
Date: 01/17-18/2010
Time: Overnight
Type: Hotel
Where: 2829 WILLIAMS BLVD, KENNER, LA 70062
Party: 2 Girls
Immediate Impression:
Why are there so many children running around the lobby area?
Reason for Stay:
Our flight to Atlanta was cancelled because of a mechanical issue. This was the hotel the airline chose to pay for.
Room:
Room was standard, no view, beds were comfortable, nothing spectacular or note-worthy.
Staff/Service:
I felt really terrible for the staff, but then again, it was the manager's fault. It seemed the hotel was hosting a Youth Soccer Tournament with Tweens (11-14yos boys/girls) from all over the country staying in the hotel. They were loud, rowdy, rude and obnoxious. They were not only playing soccer in the lobby and hallways, but also hanging out at the bar and around the elevators. There was debris everywhere - cookies, crackers, pudding, and chips, strewn all through the hallways and elevator area. A complete disregard or respect for anyone but themselves, and their chaperons couldn't have cared less - they all permitted this to occur. The soccer players slammed doors all night and yelled down the hallway - oblivious to anyone else staying at the hotel.
We awoke at 5AM completely unrested and irritated.
Menu/Food:
Don't eat in the restaurant, the food is tasteless, and they overcooked my tuna steak.
Price:
Not sure, but whatever it was, it was too much, would have rather have slept in the airport which was at least quiet.
Final thought:
If I ever get stuck at MSY again, I will make sure to ask for a different hotel.
Date: 01/17-18/2010
Time: Overnight
Type: Hotel
Where: 2829 WILLIAMS BLVD, KENNER, LA 70062
Party: 2 Girls
Immediate Impression:
Why are there so many children running around the lobby area?
Reason for Stay:
Our flight to Atlanta was cancelled because of a mechanical issue. This was the hotel the airline chose to pay for.
Room:
Room was standard, no view, beds were comfortable, nothing spectacular or note-worthy.
Staff/Service:
I felt really terrible for the staff, but then again, it was the manager's fault. It seemed the hotel was hosting a Youth Soccer Tournament with Tweens (11-14yos boys/girls) from all over the country staying in the hotel. They were loud, rowdy, rude and obnoxious. They were not only playing soccer in the lobby and hallways, but also hanging out at the bar and around the elevators. There was debris everywhere - cookies, crackers, pudding, and chips, strewn all through the hallways and elevator area. A complete disregard or respect for anyone but themselves, and their chaperons couldn't have cared less - they all permitted this to occur. The soccer players slammed doors all night and yelled down the hallway - oblivious to anyone else staying at the hotel.
We awoke at 5AM completely unrested and irritated.
Menu/Food:
Don't eat in the restaurant, the food is tasteless, and they overcooked my tuna steak.
Price:
Not sure, but whatever it was, it was too much, would have rather have slept in the airport which was at least quiet.
Final thought:
If I ever get stuck at MSY again, I will make sure to ask for a different hotel.
The Corner Oyster Bar & Grill, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA
Date: 01/17/2010
Time: Early Afternoon
Type: Restaurant
Where: 500 Saint Peter Street, New Orleans, LA
Party: 2 Girls
Immediate Impression:
Rather big place, but nobody looked happy to be there!
Service:
Okay, don't put out a "Wait to be Seated Sign" if you don't want people to wait. Obviously, this started out well; when we were sat, our waiter - Chad - threw a hissy fit because the other waitress had taken his table and he didn't want ours (strike 2). Obviously, Chad did not want to be at work, because his service was horrendous and brought our Bloody Mary's with no garnishment, and, at some point before our check, had managed to get hit in the head with the kitchen door.
Menu/Food:
The only stand out factor of this place is their fantastic Cajun Bloody Mary's - honestly, the best I had in New Orleans (and I had quite a few); as for the food, eh! My friend ordered the Belgium waffle, which you really can't mess up, so that was standard; I ordered the Jambalaya Omelet, which even after putting hot sauce on was still relatively flavorless, and I think they tried to use only one egg for the omelet. The egg was thinner than a crepe!
Price:
Ridiculously expensive for the food quality and the service; the bloody mary's were $7.50 each, and the only think worth the price.
Final thought:
I would only go there for more Bloody Mary's other than that, skip it.
Time: Early Afternoon
Type: Restaurant
Where: 500 Saint Peter Street, New Orleans, LA
Party: 2 Girls
Immediate Impression:
Rather big place, but nobody looked happy to be there!
Service:
Okay, don't put out a "Wait to be Seated Sign" if you don't want people to wait. Obviously, this started out well; when we were sat, our waiter - Chad - threw a hissy fit because the other waitress had taken his table and he didn't want ours (strike 2). Obviously, Chad did not want to be at work, because his service was horrendous and brought our Bloody Mary's with no garnishment, and, at some point before our check, had managed to get hit in the head with the kitchen door.
Menu/Food:
The only stand out factor of this place is their fantastic Cajun Bloody Mary's - honestly, the best I had in New Orleans (and I had quite a few); as for the food, eh! My friend ordered the Belgium waffle, which you really can't mess up, so that was standard; I ordered the Jambalaya Omelet, which even after putting hot sauce on was still relatively flavorless, and I think they tried to use only one egg for the omelet. The egg was thinner than a crepe!
Price:
Ridiculously expensive for the food quality and the service; the bloody mary's were $7.50 each, and the only think worth the price.
Final thought:
I would only go there for more Bloody Mary's other than that, skip it.
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