| Dining at Pelagia in Tampa |
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| November 12, 2008 |
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I recently had the good fortune of dining at Pelagia Trattoria in the Renaissance Tampa Hotel) on a visit to Tampa. Open and airy with whimsical lighting and a wide open kitchen for a view of the chefs at work, this restaurant did great things with the food. The approach, guided by executive chef Frabrizio Schenardi and guided, the night I visited, by chef Daniel Goldich, is Mediterranean--and I'll admit to an open bias in favor of all things Mediterranean--and the menu is inspired.
After a long day, I started with the Tangerini, a drink that hit the spot with it's tangerine-infused vodka. We started with a mixed appetizer platter of wild mushroom risotto croquettes, shrimp, spiced almonds, crostini and a specialty of the house, the irresistible fried olives.
The grilled Caesar salad is a fun twist on the classic, with ever-so-slightly grilled romaine, now warm, melds with the dressing and the shavings of cheese. The house-made ravioli was a must for me, filled with veal, ricotta, herbs and tossed with summer truffles, perfectly cooked and enormously satisfying. I got tastes of seafood risotto and beautifully cooked lamb chops, everything presented with flair.
Our table got a selection of desserts: raspberry panna cotta, chocolate raspberry pyramid, biscotti, tiramisu and a free-form tart--ah, and not to be forgotten: tiramisu with espresso.
The chefs also like to play with grappa and have a grappa bar full of infused grappas, all made with local, seasonal fruits. The pear-infused grappa was full of flavor and a great way to cap off the evening.
If you're in Tampa and up for a treat, Pelagia is worth the visit.
Phone: 1-813-313-3235
Renaissance Tampa Hotel International Plaza
4200 Jim Walter Blvd
Tampa, Florida 33607 USA
The Critically Acclaimed Pelagia Trattoria Adds a Modern Twist to Traditional Cuisine
Drawing from all parts of the Mediterranean: Italy, France, Greece, Africa and Portugal, this Tampa restaurant was voted one of "Zagat Survey 2006: America’s Top Restaurants" as the place "where a stylish crowd comes clamoring for Chef Fabrizio Schenardi’s lush Mediterranean cuisine."
Pelagia Trattoria offers a full view of an open kitchen, complemented by an intimate yet vibrant mood and accentuated by contemporary expressive art. Hand-glazed tiles, custom ironwork, and bright, jewel-toned, blown-glass light fixtures lend an elegant Mediterranean atmosphere to the chic indoor space of our Tampa restaurant.
"Voted one of America's Top Restaurants by Zagat Survey…"
Our Executive Chef, Fabrizio Schenardi, is from Torino, Italy and inspires Pelagia Trattoria staff to think creatively and execute dishes perfectly in our Tampa restaurant.
The menu changes with each season, offering only top quality, fresh ingredients: the finest beef, seafood, veal, and lamb available, pastas made on the premises by hand, and so much more.
Want the exquisite taste and flavors of Pelagia Trattoria Tampa Restaurant in your own home? Be sure to look at our amazing recipes for our restaurant in Tampa FL, where you can learn how to cook some of Chef Fabrizio Schenardi’s signature dishes! |
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| The bar at Pelagia, Tampa |
| Credit: Barb Freda |
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