We recently took in few
Tampa area restaurants, focusing (natch)
on those with exceptional wine programs.
Here are three of our favorites:
1208 S. Howard Ave.
Tampa, FL 33606
Tel: 813.251.2421
http://www.bernssteakhouse.com/
Bern’s Steak House
has been Tampa’s choice for pull-out-the-stops
splurge occasions for more than forty
years, and with good reason. From its
classically ornate décor (think plush
booths, gold leafed chairs, cameo portraits
in golden frames) to the extra attention
paid to the smallest detail, Bern’s
Steak House is a throwback to the days
when dining out was an experience –
dressing up, promenading, feasting.
House-aged steaks are the
main draw – U.S. Prime and grilled
over real charcoal – you can get
virtually any cut of beef you like, prepared
any way and exactly how you like it. A
classic Steak Tartare is also a great
choice, along with wonderfully fresh veggies
and sides. There’s also an entire
caviar menu, not to mention a separate
drawing room for lingering over the sixty
or so available desserts. And about that
wine list – it’s enormous. 7,000
selections. ‘Nuff said. (august
2003)
Cornerstone Plaza
4342 W. Boy Scout Blvd. (Lois Ave.)
Tampa, FL 33607
Tel: 813.873.7697
http://www.roysrestaurant.com/
The Tampa outpost of Roy
Yamaguchi’s hugely successful group
of Hawaiian Fusion cuisine restaurants
has been a hit with foodies since the
doors opened. From the sublime Macadamia
Mahi Mahi in Lobster Cognac Butter Sauce
to flavorful pork and chicken dishes,
Roy’s is a melding of cuisines –
touches from Thailand, Vietnam, China,
and of course Hawaii, make their mark.
Desserts are a standout; don’t miss
them!
The feel of the place is
very lanai-meets-L.A., with wide-open
spaces, exposed light wood, and wrought
iron and glass lighting fixtures. You
can almost feel the pacific breeze, no
matter where in Roy’s world you are.
The wine list is appropriately
world-savvy, with adventurous selections
from here, there and yonder. Helpful descriptions
make choosing a wine fun and easy. Roy’s
seems to be expanding quickly, so look
for a new location in your area any minute
now. Or stop in at the Tampa address –
the laid back glamour of the Florida beach
scene suits the Roy’s concept to
a tee! (august 2003)
19325 Gulf Blvd.
Indian Shores, FL 33785
Tel: 727.593.7625
http://www.saltrockgrill.com/
Salt Rock Grill satisfies
the appetite with its generous portions
of grilled seafood and meats, while it
satisfies the senses with its great vistas
and serenely elegant dining room. Excellent
rack of lamb should not be missed, along
with loads of fresh fish – try the
tender Pan Seared Tuna with ginger-garlic
aioli or the Plank Salmon with a rum and
honey glaze!
The wine list is long and
varied, with some really good buys along
the way. We especially liked the selection
of whites from Alsace and Germany, as
well as the good prices on upper tier
Cabernets like Beaulieu Vineyard’s
Georges de Latour. Makes splurging awfully
tempting! (august 2003)
