August 2018

Hidden among a natural landscape, the new Oystercatchers draws those who seek tastes from the Gulf of Mexico. Stunning bay views and decor designed to complement the inherent beauty make this celebrated Tampa seafood restaurant a delight for the eyes as well as the palate. Indulge in the flavorful creations of Chef de Cuisine Kenny Hunsberger, who artfully blends the freshest catch with innovative touches, as only one born to the water can do.

Oystercatchers is in the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Tampa Bay, right near the airport and the International Mall. It’s classic Tampa. On the top floor is Armani’s restaurant, said to be where everyone gets engaged in the city; on the bottom floor, beachside Oystercatchers. If you’re there for a romantic dinner on the rooftop, you get to overlook Tampa Bay. If you’re there for the fabulous seafood, you get to stroll on the beach after your meal. It’s the best of both Tampa worlds.

Inside Oystercatchers, it’s all wood paneling and sunlight, as if you’ve just walked onto a brand-new massive yacht. Even the wait staff is dressed in all white, ready to serve. The Sunday brunch buffet is impressive in its quality and yet not large enough to be overwhelming, which I like. To break it down, it’s separated into sections, or bars. There’s the breakfast bar in the middle, a cheese bar, an omelet bar, a seafood bar, a raw pasta bar, a fish and meats bar, a bagel bar, a salad bar, a fruit bar, a sushi bar, and a guacamole bar. OK, it sounds overwhelming, but it’s really not. I mean, this is not Vegas-style. The focus here is on the quality of the food. Every section is extremely well thought-out and maintained.

Oh, wait. My goodness. I almost forgot to mention the dessert bar, which was so glorious it commandeered its own room. There was everything imaginable: moose martinis, cakes, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, tarts … you name the indulgence. Even chefs at the waiting, ready to whip up fresh bananas foster on a waffle with vanilla ice cream on top.

Photo Credit:  www.10best.com

There is only one window in Bern’s Steak House, and it’s one customer`s will never see. Replacing natural light is a red wine-colored aura cloaking the carpet, walls, and staircase, giving rows of antique paintings an alluring, ghostly glow.

The Tampa restaurant opened in 1956 at the hands of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard and Gertrude Laxer, or Bern and Gert, New York natives who had been running a mom-and-pop “luncheonette” and hoped to add a bar to their repertoire. Instead, they created a fine dining institution and pilgrimage point for wine lovers.

In Bern’s universe, everyone is welcome. Entrées come with a soup and salad. Meals are best ended with something sweet from your own private booth in a second-story dessert lounge. The piano player takes requests. And anyone can afford to drink their preferred wine, whether it’s a $3.50 supermarket pour or one of the rarest bottles in the world.

“We believe that every guest that comes to Bern’s is a special guest,” Frank Russo, dining room manager, says. “We want everyone to experience the ultimate in fine dining.”

And they will. The wines, steaks, and service at Bern’s have earned the restaurant such accolades as a James Beard Award in 2016, Rachael Ray’s best restaurant in America in 2009, and Wine Spectator’s Grand Award every year since 1981. Along with an ornate lobby and bar, there are eight dining rooms, each named for an aspect of Bern’s travels — Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône, Andre Tchelistcheff — with wall-to-wall photographs to prove them. Dinner reservations include an optional tour of the kitchen and wine cellar, as well as a trip upstairs to the Harry Waugh Dessert Room, named for one of Bern’s mentors, where 48 private “rooms” constructed of floor-to-ceiling redwood wine casks await.

The restaurant lives and breathes in its own, singular past, present, and future. It’s utterly bucket list-worthy, yet inured to the Instagram age — its magic surpasses filters and humblebrags, and the lack of natural lighting makes Snapchats a challenge. Closed off to the world, Bern’s makes us sentimental for a man we never knew, a life we never had, and wines no one has tasted.

Photo Credit: https://thegate.boardingarea.com/

Morton’s The Steakhouse offers some of the best Western cuisine, serving a tantalizing collection of dishes that are suitable for families and friends. From Steaks to Seafood its extensive menu is reflective of the restaurant’s efforts to cater to every palate.

The classic name in steaks, Morton’s Steakhouse Singapore has over 10 years of establishment locally. It’s international fame as an American steakhouse is even more renown. I think it’s every steak lover’s dream to finally have a taste of Morton’s, and I really count my blessings to give it a go at their quality steaks. And trust me, I’m a big steak aficionado.

With a prestigious downtown location in Phillips Point, Morton’s The Steakhouse in West Palm Beach is a popular destination or a plate of Bar Bites and a glass of wine in Bar 12-21 during Power Hour or for a relaxing dinner after a busy day. Power Hour is offered seven days a week in its Bar 12-21 from 5 to close with special pricing on select beverages and $6 Bar Bites. Every detail, from the succulent steaks and seafood and vast wine selections to the seamless service, makes Morton’s the classic dining experience.

I’ve been dining at Morton’s The Steakhouse for over 30 years. In that time, I can honestly say that I have never had a bad meal at any of their locations. Known for their top-notch steaks and the impressive service, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better place for a company dinner, birthday or anniversary celebration.

Morton’s promise is to serve huge macho, hearty dishes with pleasant service. Prices are steep, but there is no way you will leave hungry. Business gets quite busy especially during nights, but their amiable servers seem well-trained enough to handle it. Many of the staff at Morton’s have worked for years and are very experienced, hospitable people.

Yes, I know that Morton’s is a chain, but let’s face it – it’s a damn good restaurant and I’d put their filet up against anybody’s in town. They treat you like royalty and have a superior dining experience.

Photo Credit:  https://www.totalhappyhour.com

Mr. Dunderbaks is a quaint German restaurant/beer bistro located in University Mall off Fowler Ave. in North Tampa. Originally part of a small chain of establishments prevalent in malls throughout the southeast, this location is now independently owned and operated. The current owner is well versed in entertaining beer enthusiasts and has done an excellent job of stocking a nice selection of brews to accompany a menu of German food, sandwiches, and a small deli.

The draft menu features about a dozen taps, and no domestic swill is to be found. Most are German standards such as Hacker-Pschorr and Spaten, some are more unusual like Kostritzer or Reissdorf Kolsch, and at least one Belgian is usually on tap as well. Additionally, right now and for the last year or so this place has featured Einbecker bock beer on draft – either the maibock or traditional ur-bock dunkel. Both are outstanding brews, and I believe this is the only place in Florida that has them on tap. In addition to the drafts they also feature a large selection of bottled beer with the emphasis again on German and Belgian selections.

Decor aside, a place is only as good as its food, and what Mr. Dunderbak’s had turned out to be pretty good. There is also a deli inside, so you can bring home authentic dishes as well. I highly recommend the landjaeger! The tap list is also quite extensive and changes frequently. There’s always a ton of different taps to choose from! They also have a good variety of bottles. The coffee bar is a little deeper in the restaurant, the grill is at the front, and they have a nice slate of sausage offerings.

Photo Credit: https://www.yelp.com