Saturday, February 12, 2011

Oystercatchers

Oystercatchers at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is worth making reservations for a sunset dinner for two - or more. (The beautifully landscaped, winding drive to the restaurant was lovely to see.) We started the evening off with Oyster Soup that had East Coast oysters, frizzled leek, and truffle oil. You could say that I'd probably order anything with truffles; truffle oil, truffle dusted, etc. Next, we ordered an Oystercatchers Salad - watercress, frissee, stone fruit, grilled ricotta salata, and blueberry vinaigrette, and  the Roasted Hearts of Palm. Both were excellent. Adding a favorite bottle of wine, their fresh baked bread, and the fantastic view sure made for a superb start to the evening.



Warm and delicious dessert!

Oystercatchers' Salad




Oyster Soup



Mixed Grill


The restaurant ambience was quite romantic and the staff were superb. The room was modern and airy. Our waiter slipped in and out to drop off water, fill our wineglasse, and attend to our needs without us hardly noticing his comings and goings. For our entrĂ©es we chose the Seafood Mixed Grill with fingerling potatoes, grilled vegetables, and sauce rouille. The presentation of the meal was beautiful. I would say one concern was the fact that the food, including the vegetables, had that smoked taste. Although Ed enjoyed it, I felt that it was too pervasive through the whole meal. I think I would have enjoyed the vegetables more without the smoky taste. I did not think to ask the waiter if that might be a possibility, but next time I will.

The other entrĂ©es going by looked amazing also. It was really nice to have Sven, the executive chef, come and ask us how our meals were. In mentioning the taste, for me, was a bit too smoky, the chef offered to re-cook my meal. Of course, I had enjoyed the meal enough to just take him up on his offer of a lovely dessert. They really seem to care about their customers. Coffee and a glorious sunset was the topper.

Max, our server, told us the Sunday brunch was worth another visit. We are definitely going back.

For a preview and pic of a spectacular sunset check out their gallery: