Cipresso Italian Restaurant now open at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa

Over the last few years, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa has gone through a massive 700 million dollar renovation. My husband and I watched all the changes happen in front of our eyes. There are plenty of new restaurants and elevated experiences to check out while visiting Tampa's only Casino, but our new favorite is Cipresso, Hard Rock's brand new Italian restaurant featuring menu items inspired by old-world classics to new favorites.

While I love going to Hard Rock's Council Oak Steakhouse for one of the best steaks you can find in the state, most of the time a dish of homemade pasta or hand stretched pizza is all I want. Pair that with a glass or two of Italian red wine and I'm a happy girl. .

Margarita Pizza

Since Cipresso opened a few months ago, it has quickly become our most frequented restaurant in the Bay area. It's elegant while affordable and always delicious. I strongly suggest the margarita pizza ($14), Cacio e Pepe ($19), assorted antipasta ($15-$21). If you go with a group of people, get a few things and share family style (their Lasagna is big enough to feed a small army).

Squid Ink Pasta with Uni and Unit Butter

Everything we've tried on the menu has been beyond impressive. Cipresso also has nightly specials which also worth checking out. We took my parents a few weeks ago and the pasta special was homemade squid ink pasta with uni and uni butter. It was one of the most incredible dishes I have ever consumed.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina (Bone-In Ribeye)

If you want to sit in the main dining room, I strongly suggest making reservations (regardless of what night of the week it is). There's always the option of sitting at the bar which offers full service.

Nonna's Meatballs

A few weeks ago, Cipresso's Bar started offering Social Hour, from 3pm-6pm. You will find select glasses of wine and craft cocktails along with pizzas and appetizers offered at a reduced price. On Sundays, they are going family style with Cipresso Sunday Supper where for $45 a person, you will get a 3 course meal with wine pairings.

Homemade Pasta with Fresh White Truflfes

Cipresso Hours: Monday, Thursday & Sunday, 5pm-11pm and Friday & Saturday, 5pm-Midnight
Cipresso Bar Hours: Monday, Thursday & Sunday, 3 pm-Midnight and Friday & Saturday, 3pm-1am (Social Hour 3pm-6pm)
Cipresso is closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Cannoli and Limoncello

If you find yourself at Cipresso, I strongly encourage you to end your meal with a glass of homemade Limoncello and Cannolis. I would never usually be one to suggest a Cannoli for dessert, however Cipresso's are unlike any I've had in the past. Trust me!

Homemade Tiramisu

Be sure to follow Seminole Hard Rock Tampa online to be kept in the loop for all it's exciting changes, live shows and special events!

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Brunch at Haven, Tampa Bay

Last week, one of my best friends from Daytona came into town for the John Travolta & Olivia Newton John Grease Sing-a-Long in Tampa. After a late night out, we found ourselves Sunday morning with one goal - brunch and adult beverages. It's been quite a few years since Darlynn last visited Tampa and I knew exactly where to take her to  Sunday Brunch - Haven in South Tampa.

A few months ago, Haven introduced Sunday Brunch and invited a few local influencers to check it out. As always, Executive Chef Chad Johnson knocked the brunch menu out of the park. Where else can you eat brunch with an offering of over 60 cheeses and drink a cocktail named after Kelly Kapowski (more on that below)?

Foie Gras French Toast

Lobster & Avocado Causa

Haven's Brunch menu has a wide variety of unique options. Everything from Foie Gras French Toast to Hangover Fried Rice, I promise you that anyone will find something to kick off their Sunday Funday in spirit.

Tri Tip Steak and Eggs with Kimchi Hollandaise 

Ahi Tuna

Loco Moco

One of the best dishes I tried was the Loco Moco, a dry aged ground beef served over sticky rice and a sunnyside egg.

Broiled Oysters

There's an entire section of the menu dedicated to sausage and bacon. I'm talking to you Bacon eggrolls! I never imagined myself dining on a dish of oysters... followed by Corned Beef & Potato Pierogies.

In terms of adult libations, this past trip, I stuck to bubbles (a glass of Ste Michelle champagne is only $6) but the quarterly drink menu was themed after Saved by the Bell!! My last visit - it was Sex and the City (Cocktails in the City). The Saved by the Brunch Cocktail menu includes all our friends - Kelly Kapowski (cucumber vodka, strawberry, fresh lemon), The Screech )Milagro Silver Tequila, Grand Marnier, Velvet Falernum, lime, prickly pear), Jessie Spano (Hendricks Gin, watermelon, lime, thyme, absinthe), A.C. Slater (Old Forester Bourbon, Averna, white peach, lemon, mint), Lisa Turtle (Champagne & white peach puree), Zack Morris (George Dickel bottled in bond 13yr, fresh pineapple, orange, coconut, lime, nutmeg).

Bacon!

Also worth noting, Haven was one of the first restaurants in the Tampa Bay area to be a certified Ocean Friendly restaurant!

You can find Haven in off Howard Ave: 2208 W Morrison Ave, Tampa

Thank you Haven for hosting me for Brunch. As always, all opinions are my own.

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New Social Hour Menu at Council Oak, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa

If you haven't been to Seminole Hard Rock Tampa over the last 2 months, you will be in for quite a surprise on your next visit. I can't say enough about the amazing job they did on their $700 million expansion. It's not quite complete though, as more stores and restaurants will be opening soon (Sugar Factory, I'm looking at you!).

Although a lot has changed at Hard Rock, including the Social Hour menu at Council Oak Lounge.  Council Oak Lounge is one of our favorite places to grab dinner. While we love sitting down for a meal inside of Council Oak, it is more of an upscale experience where the lounge is a bit more relaxed. You can listen to live music and it's also the perfect location for people watching. Last year, Council Oak announced their first ever Social Hour, their take on Happy Hour, and made it available 7 days a week. It's almost unheard of to find a Happy Hour over the weekend in Tampa, especially of Council Oaks caliber.

Years ago, before there was a Social Hour, Council Oak had a lounge menu. It wasn't publicized like a happy hour and it was almost a hidden secret. Social Hour took place of the lounge menu and although it was exciting to see a 7 day a week discounted menu, it removed most of the classics to introduce new flavors. When the new Social Hour Menu was released, I think I jumped for joy, as the Council Oak Burger was brought back! There are some new stars such as Japanese Wagyu Carpaccio. You can also get a 8oz filet mignon with sides for $40, which is a great deal at Council Oak.

We had the opportunity to check out the new menu the other night. Council Oaks Social Hour menu is available 7 days a week from 3pm-6pm and you are able to use Seminole Wild Card Comp Dollars on the promotion.

Social Hour Bites

Wagyu Carpaccio

N.Y. Strip Sandwich and Truffle Fries

Council Oak Bacon $14 (Frisée & Green Apple Salad, Balsamic Reduction)
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail $21 (Horseradish Cocktail Sauce)
Japanese Wagyu Carpaccio $15 (Black Peppercorn-Champagne Vinaigrette, Grated Manchego, Maldon Salt)
Tuna Tartare $15 (Avocado, Lemon, Cucumber-Radish Salad, Grilled Ciabatta)
Caesar Salad $11 (Caesar Dressing, Shredded Parmesan, White Anchovies, Croutons)
Council Oak House Salad $11 (Salami, Prosciutto, Bacon, Tomatoes, Egg, Mozzarella, House Dressing)
Council Oak Prime Burger $22 (8 oz. Dry-Aged Prime Beef, Fried Egg, Truffle Parmesan Steak Fries)
N.Y. Strip Steak Sandwich $25 (Sautéed Mushrooms & Onions, Brioche Bun, Truffle Parmesan Steak Fries)
Beef Tenderloin $40 (8 oz, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus)

Social Hour Drinks

Improved Manhattan

Vanilla Paloma $10 (Camarena Tequila, Velvet Falernum, Vanilla, Lime Juice, Grapefruit Juice)
Improved Manhattan $10 (Bulleit Rye, Sweet Vermouth, Tawny Port, Walnut and Chocolate Bitters)
Council Oak Oak Rum Runner $10 (Monkey Spiced Rum, Monkey Coconut Rum, Banana Liqueur, Guava Nectar, Pineapple Juice, House-Made Sour)
Red Sangria $10 (Orange Vodka, Orange Liqueur, Guava and Peach Nectar, Pineapple and Lime Juice)
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc $10 (Marlborough, New Zealand 2018)
Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay $10 (Monterey, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, California 2017)
Meiomi Pinot Noir $12 (Monterey, Santa Barbara, Somoma, California 2017)
Vina Cobos Felino Malbec $12 (Mendoza, Argentina 2017)
J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon $12 (Paso Robles, California 2016)
Cigar City Brewing Jai Alai IPA $5
Stella Artois $5

Thank you Seminole Hard Rock Tampa for hosting Gabe and I to experience the updated Social Hour menu at Council Oak. As always, all opinions are my own.

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The Rez Grill Chef Pairing Dinner with The Ravenous Pig

In 2011, I decided to make the move from Daytona Beach to Tampa. I found a job, which I thought was going to be temporary (7+ years later not the case at all) and over the first six months while my relocation was in process, I split time between our Orlando and Tampa offices. My first day on the job, my bosses took me for lunch at The Ravenous Pig. This was back when I lived the life of only knowing chain restaurants. The Pig quickly became my favorite Orlando restaurant and I still try to dine there whenever in town.

Why am I sharing this piece of history with you? Fast forward to December 2018. I was invited to a Chef's pairing dinner at The Rez Grill, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa featuring the talented Frank Anderson, head of Culinary at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa and James Petrakis, Chef-Owner of The Ravenous Pig. This dinner featured 6 courses, 3 created by each Chef, all with a pork themed. All 6 courses were paired with wine or a cocktail.

To say I was excited for this dinner is an understatement.  Ever since Chef Frank came on board to Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, I have been very impressed. I have said it once before, and will say it again - he is doing amazing things not only for Hard Rock, but also for Tampa's thriving culinary scene. The price for this pairing was $99 a person. For 6 courses prepared by some of the best Chef's in Florida, all paired with drinks - that's a GREAT deal! Here's a recap of the amazing dinner we had at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa.

FIRST COURSE:

Stracciatella Cheese | Benton’s country ham, burnt honey, pistachio powder, Rez Grill
If I can say one thing and one thing only about this dish - Dear Chef Frank, please for the love of god put this on Rez permanent menu.

SECOND COURSE:

Tete De Cochon Brulee | Beets, Joyce’s mustard, shallot, frisée, Ravenous Pig
Ironically my first meal at Ravenous Pig was a salad called the Farmer. This popular salad is changed seasonally and during that trip was the first time I was introduced to frisée.

THIRD COURSE:

Braised Pork Agnolotti | Lemon brown butter, Parmesan, sage, Rez Grill
When I first saw the menu, this was the dish I was most looking forward to, and it did not disappoint. Seriously wishing I had a plate full of those pillows.

FOURTH COURSE:

Roasted Palmetto Creek Pork Loin | Gnocchi, pumpkin, apple butter Ravenous Pig
This dish was incredible. I loved every part about it!

FIFTH COURSE:

Frito Pie | pork chili, dirty cheese, pickled jalapeño, cilantro, Rez Grill
Oh Frito Pie! You had me at hello. I actually have served a dish similar to this at an event. I love the fun play on the amazing chili, using the Frito bag as a serving component.

SIXTH COURSE:

Tahini Tres Leches | Cardamom cake, grapefruit, larded toffee, chai meringue, Ravenous Pig
This was such a unique twist on Tres Leches and had so many flavors creating magic that you would never think worked well together.

The Chef's telling guests what to expect from the evening.

Follow Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Online | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Special thanks to Seminole Hard Rock Tampa for hosting us at Social Hour. As always, all opinions are my own.

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Dining with a View - Daytona Beach LandShark Bar and Grill - and a $50 gift card Giveaway

I never get the opportunity to write about my hometown and today I get to do just that! While visiting home a few weeks ago, I had a free afternoon and had a girls-day with my best friend Keri, spending the morning at the beach and lunch at the new LandShark Bar & Grill in Daytona Beach. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and I was excited to see all the new things happening in Daytona!

LandShark Daytona Beach

If you're familiar with Daytona Beach, LandShark Bar & Grill is located south of the International Speedway approach on A1A. They share a parking lot with another new restaurant and offer free valet parking.

LandShark Daytona

Upon walking in, my immediate thought was it's about time Daytona got something like this. A direct beachfront beach restaurant with a separate tiki bar, tons of outdoor games and an all around relaxed atmosphere.

I'm giving away a $50 Gift Card for you to try out LandShark or Margaritaville on my Instagram Page - Click here to enter!

LandShark Blender Cup

We grabbed a seat along the high top bar facing the ocean and I happened to know our server Melissa (who is awesome and you should ask for her). Running into old friends in Daytona typically happens. Keri and I are both margarita heads, and we were in land of Parrot heads, so of course we had to order a marg. Round one was a FLORIDAYS - Herradura® Reposado Tequila, Cointreau® Orange Liqueur, fresh lime and orange juices, agave nectar and pasteurized egg whites. You can take home the specialty super cute blender cup as shown in the picture for an additional charge as a souvenir. It was also double the size!

Beachside Hammocks!!!

Keri and I have been best friends for over 30 years....to the point I stopped counting because it shows our age. Over the years, we were always salt and pepper.... what I liked, she didn't and vice versa. As we got older, our styles started becoming one, and this happened after I moved away. Style turned to food preferences and we typically can share dishes at restaurants without a problem. We even have the same dietary issues.... how does that happen?

Chicken Wings at LandShark

We started off with wings and had our choice of Buffalo, Caribbean Jerk or Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ. While Keri and I have a lot of things in common, we are great wing sharers, she takes the flats and I take the drums. We got the Buffalo and it had a good amount of spice but not too hot.

Ahi Poke Bowl

When it came to entree's, I went with the AHI POKE BOWL - Ahi Tuna Poke, jasmine rice, mango coleslaw, cucumber, avocado, radish and green onions tossed in our house-made ponzu sauce. Topped with an aji amarillo drizzle, fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.

Street Tacos

Keri chose the mix and match Street Tacos. SHRIMP TACO: Fried shrimp tossed in a chili lime aioli, with shredded lettuce and sesame seeds served in a corn tortilla. FISH TACO: Blackened catch of the day wrapped in a corn tortilla and layered with bacon aioli, shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.

I had a moment while sitting in LandShark, for the first time in 7+ years, I actually missed Daytona Beach. I miss my friends and family all the time and am fortunate that we only live 2 1/2 hours away. I spent the past few years living away wrinkling my nose up to my hometown. At the end of the day, Daytona is and always will be home for me and will always have my heart. I am excited for all the change the city is going through and lucky enough to see the progress when I visit. If you haven't been over to that side of state in the past year, it's worth a visit back.

LandShark provided us with a free meal and a giftcard giveaway. I was not required to write a blog post and as always, my opinions are my own. It's crazy to think, of all the years I've been blogging, this is my first ever sponsored post for Daytona Beach.

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The Rez Grill at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa

I cannot remember the last time I dined at a restaurant twice within 5 days. Especially one that takes 30+ minutes to drive to. Well, this week exactly that happened. On Friday night, my husband Gabe and I went to The Rez Grill, the new restaurant located inside Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. We were expecting a good meal but what we got was beyond that. It just so happens, that just today, Tampa Bay Times named The Rez Grill one of Tampa's top 50 restaurants.

During our two visits over the past week, each item we ordered was vastly different from each other but equally as good. Last night, Gabe said it was the best restaurant in Tampa and that the only restaurants that rivaled it are in New Orleans. He later told me it was his favorite restaurant. On Friday night, he stated that the Benton's Ham dish was the best thing he has ever ate in his life (go to Rez Grill and order this, you're welcome). Those comments say it all, coming from a guy who isn't vocal about food the way I am.

Benton's Ham with house biscuits, cherry-pepper jam, red eye aioli

The Rez Grill is fine dining in a casual atmosphere - think elevated comfort food favorites. The Rez Grill menu has a variety of different entrees without being overwhelming in choices. You will find Shrimp and Grits, Lobster Rolls, Fried Chicken, Veal Milanese. Hand Made Pasta, King Crab, Lobster Thermador, Maryland Crab Cakes, and so much more. We tried one of the steaks on the menu - the Ribeye Cap. It was delicious! They also have Wagyu on the menu!!

Ribeye Cap with turnips, broccolini, shallots, chive, béarnaise, demi

One of the awesome things about The Rez Grill is their table service style dining options. There are 4 items on the menu meant for sharing family style: Whole Fried Chicken served with Waffles; St Louis Ribs served with Fries & Texas Toast; Veal Chop Milanese; Lobster Thermador. The table shared prices range from $34-$55. We were going to split the Whole Fried Chicken last night but changed our minds when we arrived. Gabe ordered the Shrimp and Grits and I am here to say, this is the BEST either of us have ever had in Savannah, Charleston and New Orleans.

Shrip and Grits congaree and penn farm grits, country ham, soft egg (you can add caviar) 

I went meat free for the month of February (more on that later) and decided to make my final meat meal a cheeseburger. Seminole Hard Rock Tampa is well known for their burgers. From the Council Oak burger to the massive selection at Hard Rock Cafe, you will always find a great burger dining here. I always order mine Medium Rare, so when our server mentioned that the burger was served well done, I was shocked but trusted the talented kitchen. I was beyond impressed - how could something cooked Well could still be so juicy!?

The Rez Burger - cheddar, american, tomato, caramelized onion, magic sauce

The cocktail menu and wine list are equally as good as the food. Innovative is what comes to mind with their skilled mixologists who create made-to-order drinks using house-made syrups and juices. They have drinks that change color, drinks that come in a lightbulb, drinks that are an adult version of a capri sun.

Nacho Libre - prickly pear vodka, house-made sour mix, hibiscus & mezcal ice

Oh and the best espresso martini I have ever had, made with Lavazza espresso. I am wanting one of these right now!!! The wine list is also impressive and you can choose between a regular pour, 12oz or bottle.

Machiatto - vanilla vodka, patr´n xo, lavazza, chocolate soil

Seminole Hard Rock Tampa's new Creative Culinary Director, Frank Anderson's talent shines on every dish. His pedigree includes running the kitchens at James Beard-awarded, Los Angeles-based restaurants, Animal and Son of a Gun. Let's talk about his desserts for a second. I do not have a sweet tooth and dessert isn't something I would normally order. However, after seeing the Lemon Curd on instagram a few weeks ago, I knew I needed to order it and I would order it on every trip. We also tried the Chocolate Bundino which was excellent!

Lemon Curd - burnt meringue, blueberry purée, crumble

The Rez Grill is exactly what Tampa needed. Affordable fine dining in a wonderful atmosphere. It goes without saying we will be back.

The Rez Grill is open Wednesday - Sunday for dinner starting at 5pm. Reservations can be made through Open Table (I suggest making them, it was pretty busy both of the nights we dined at The Rez Grill).  Here are some photos of the restaurant!

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