Monday, May 18, 2015

New Menu of Fabulousness at The Getaway

Today was a very special day at The Getaway. A massive menu revamping is underway and it was test day for the "Media."  Being a foodie, as well as being part of Localshops1, got me an invitation to the party and I am going to let the pictures speak for themselves!

The event started with appetizers being passed, and I thought that was the extent of the tasting! Boy, was I wrong!!!!

The minute we walked through the entrance, we were greeted by a friendly server with a platter of lobster pops with pina colada mustard.
 
Next on the round of traveling appetizers was lobster cocktail.  Oh, and a fresh mojito! Pure deliciousness.

 Before I could even finish that, the next server came around with a coconut shrimp.  The shrimp was huge and it was not just breading. Perfect balance of coconut to shrimp.


Following the shrimp were raw oysters. I am normally not a fan, but since there was a "seafood sauce bar,"I had to try one.  The sauce options were wasabi cocktail, citrus remoulade, and horseradish crema.  I chose the citrus remoulade and it was delightful! I just used a smidge as I wanted to taste the oyster.
At this point, I am in heaven and not wanting this to end. And then they brought out the bacon!!!  "Burnt ends jalapeno popper with charred tomato."  It just took one bite and I reached bacon ecstasy!
Let me tell you a little more about that taste of paradise. Burnt ends, gouda, cream cheese in a jalapeno and wrapped in peppered bacon! I know! Shut the front door!!

The bartenders weren't just standing around. They were busy making mojitos, painkillers, and Getaway margarita.  Once I got this drink, we were guided to our tables to continue the tasting.  What? There's more?






We were seated at the tables and the executive chef came out, welcomed us and explained  that he would be coming out to tell us about each dish that was being served.
  First up was the tortuga nachos. Yellowfin tuna, red onion, pineapple, orange, sweet tomato salsa, burnt scallion crema, wasabi soy glaze, and guacamole served over fresh made Florida orange kettle chips.
 The picture about is how it is served as ordered off of the menu.  For the tasting today, we were each given our own specially prepared plate.
Local fresh caught amberjack is smoked inhouse and lightly chopped to make the fish spread. You can see the chunkiness of the fish in the picture below.
As we move on to the soup and salad, I am starting to get full!  The soup is clam chowder and the salad was a lobster BLT with pork belly croutons and buttermilk vinaigrette. 
I actually traded a piece of lobster for more of the pork belly croutons. (Have I mentioned that I love bacon and any derivative thereof!)
 
My taste-buds were doing a tango!  Bring on the Getaway Burger slider and lobster roll sliders.  The Getaway burger is prime beef, bacon, Swiss cheese, jerk pineapple aioli, sweet tomato relish, and hydro bibb lettuce served with fresh made fries.
The lobster roll slider is made with lobster, angry spice, and citrus remoulade served with Florida orange kettle chips.
Along with this course, is the ketchup bar.  It doesn't get any more fun that a ketchup bar! Guava yellow tomato, tamarind, roasted pepper sweet onion, and tequila spiced. These need to be bottled and sold to go!
One would think that the feeding frenzy was over, but we haven't even reached the smoked barbecue food yet!  That's next.  Sit back and keep on eating.

The sides were served on one plate and the main course was served on another plate.  The sides were loaded potato salad, yuca fries, and jalapeno mac and cheese.


Baby back ribs, pulled pork slider, and a bimini brisket slider filled the second plate. The pulled pork slider was topped with aged cheddar, crispy shallots, and napa slaw.  The bimini brisker was topped with jalapeno pineapple slaw, and crispy shallots.
I thought I was going to burst, but then a server came around with another wonderful beverage called the Cabbage Key Creeper. I have fond memories of Cabbage Key and I LOVE this drink. It is Appleton Jamaican rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice with a Kahlua Float.
To finish off the tasting extravaganza, we were given dessert. Coconut keylime cheesecake. Really!!!! 
I hate to disappoint, but the new menu is not ready YET!  It should be ready next week, but I would call (813) 267-1602 or check the website .

The Getaway is located at 13090 Gandy Blvd N. in St. Petersburg. Hours are Sunday through Thursday
11:00 AM — 10:00 PM; Friday: 11:00 AM — 12:00 AM; and Saturday: 11:00 AM — 12:00 AM.
I wish I would have taken more pictures of the fabulous location, but as you can see I was distracted by the food!  
Stop in and enjoy yourself.  Use your Localshops1 Card for discounts.   Tell them Tampa Bay Afternoon Delight sent you! 



Monday, May 11, 2015

Nothing Beats Breakfast for Lunch. (Proino Breakfast Club - Largo)

My husband decided to go to lunch with me today.  It's a rare occasion that he will eat lunch out, whereas eating lunch out is one of my favorite things to do!

It was a pretty quick decision and we were on Indian Rocks Road, so I knew I better think of something quick before he changed his mind.  Fortunately, I remembered there was a place on Walsingham that I wanted to try and suggested that we go to Proino Breakfast Club

Before we entered, we thought about sitting on the patio outside, but it didn't take us long to decide that we wanted to be in the air-conditioning!

We went inside and were immediately greeted with smiling faces.  There were 2 boards on the wall advertising the daily specials.

This would only add to my confusion as to what to order as everything sounded absolutely delicious!

I have been in this restaurant under numerous different owners and it looks the best that I have ever seen it. 

Large parties could easily be accommodated in this large dining area.  There are also numerous booths along the window.

I changed my mind several times before finally deciding on the "Coco-choco Waffle." This is a half waffle with strawberries & bananas covered with hazelnut chocolate and English cream; served with two eggs, home fries and choice of bacon, sausage or ham. I picked ham. ($10.95)
My husband ordered the "Chef's Omelette" which had chicken, sausage, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese. It was served with home fries. ($8.95)
My husband also ordered a side of grits. ($3.50).  While we were eating, I needed a piece of toast to dip in my egg. I went to "steal" one from my husband and he didn't have any. He said that it was only served with potatoes.   When we were finished eating, I told the waitress that I didn't have anything for my "dippy egg" and she apologized that she forgot to bring my husband's toast.

The Proino Breakfast Club is located at 14400 Walsingham Road in Largo.  They are open Monday through Saturday from 6am - 3pm and on Sunday from 7am - 3pm.   They can be reached at 727-303-3896.

Stop in and tell them you saw them on Tampa Bay Afternoon Delight.