FoodFash

Adventure Begins in the Kitchen

Oh No?

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Wanting to love something and actually loving it are often disconnected.  As we approached 230 Forest Avenue, it was a place I wanted to love.  The scene was quaint, well styled, well lit, and perfectly packed.  If I could pick one restaurant style that defined me, this would be it – high expectations were instantaneous.

I ordered my favorites, the steamed mussels (and clams) appetizer and Chilean sea bass entrée.  And as I waited for the food to arrive, I wondered if I would soon hit a rock wall of disappointment.  A feeling of ‘oh no!’ rushed over me.
It was a false ‘oh no’ as I was definitely not disappointed.  In fact, there was no room for disappointment between the two complete packages of inner and outer beauty that found their way to my table last night.  Even though 230 Forest Avenue is a little far from home, I am positive it will remain highly ranked on my list of all time favorites!

How Refined

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Another Seminole Heights hip spot has been added to my list of favorites!  The seasonal menu is creative, the rooftop patio is divine, and the background music is beyond grin worthy.  My ipod, on it’s coolest day, wouldn’t play The Knife and The Refreshments in the same shuffle session!

My recent craving for adventure was not enough to coax me into sampling the bone marrow or sweet breads, so I played it safe with ceviche.  The portion was plenty and the coconut accent was delightful in every sense of the word.  To top it off, select bottles of wine are a mere fifteen dollars on Friday nights.

I can’t wait to experience a Refinery Brunch.  And with dishes titled the Early Girl, Hangover Helper, and Tree Hugger – I’m bound to visit again soon!

Crab Shack Baby

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Three days and two restaurant meals is a limited time frame to prove your city’s food worth to out of towners.  Two meals is even more of a challenge when you have, on more than one occasion, stated that Tampa kicks Dallas’ tail in the food department.  And although this was a challenge incapable of being won, I gave it a darn good try.

Each restaurant was predictably delicious and provided my guests with polar opposite dining experiences.  We went from a coursed meal amongst red velvet at Bern’s Steak House to paper napkins just past the redneck riviera at the Crab Shack.

This was my first Crab Shack experience and let me tell you, it is nothing short of treasure.  Raw Oysters are nine bucks a dozen, king crab legs are 12 bucks a half pound, and our waitress was sweet as pie.

I hope that my full-bellied friends found their trip brag-worthy and will return quickly so I can continue proving that small town dining can, in fact, compete with The Big D.

Big Taste, Small Plate

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Whether you’re up to date with my blog posts out of interest or pure boredom, it’s a known fact that I’m attempting a less rigid restaurant lifestyle.  Needless to say, attending a restaurant by myself and ordering three unknowns is big deal for this girl.

I’m also a firm believer in “meant to be” moments, especially if the moment takes a turn towards spectacular.  And tonight was just that.  If one of the thirteen friends I had asked to join me for dinner tonight accepted, I wouldn’t have sat at the bar.  If the gift certificate I received hadn’t expired, I would have ordered a safe seared tuna entree.  Since neither of my intentions took place, I awkwardly hopped up to the bar alone, requested a menu, and thoroughly examined.

What’s a girl to do when she wants everything and nothing at the same time?  Order a bunch of stuff.  It turns out that Restaurant BT is just the place to order a bunch of stuff.  And not just any ol’ stuff – perfectly presented and prepared plates.  The bar menu is extensive and contains surprisingly affordable fare.  My dinner? Crab & Asparagus Soup, Tuna Pouch, Tuna Tai Chanh, and House Cured Salmon on Herb Toast.  Cashing out for only $12 may also make BT the hottest deal in town.