Sunday Brunch at Bonefish Grill, Brandon

My cousin Grace threw herself a birthday brunch bash at Bonefish Grill in Brandon - our very favorite restaurant. The family gathered around and celebrated her while we indulged in some delicious food. This was our first time trying their Sunday Brunch and it was fabulous. Especially the Unlimited Bubbles - I chose the Bellini which was so tasty I was smacking my lips. I had three! (Don't judge me) Bonefish Grill Brandon has recently undergone a major overhaul and transformed their already lovely restaurant by kicking it up a notch. New kitchen, new furnishings, newly defined areas with some really lovely architectural details. A bar that emits a warm glow of welcome and a new outdoor dining space. Robert Hayman, their resident concierge has become a friend. He is gracious, cares about the customer experience, and does his best to make you feel welcome. Perhaps it's his butler training that makes him eminently qualified to excel at his job.

The brunch menu offers a wide array of luscious meals. Mike and I had the Surf & Turf Eggs Benedict (Filet Mignon Tips topped with a generous amount of Lobster meat and then topped with a perfectly cooked egg and Hollandaise Sauce). The Kobe Burgers were declared 'best I ever ate' by Martha & Rick. Hubby went for the Scallops and ate every scrap. The Fish N Chips Aida ordered was a massive dish and half went home to enjoy later. Howard opted for the Creme Brulee French Toast and enjoyed it very much. Of course there was dessert! Creme Brulee, Jamaican Rum Coconut Custard Pie, and Brownie with Ice Cream.

Bonefish Grill has everything we want. Great food, impeccable service, beautiful ambiance. Managing Partner Emin Hadziosmanovic also stopped by to greet us and make sure we were being well taken care of. We assured him all was very well. It's become "Our Place" and we'll be back often. Thanks again to our gracious birthday girl for this special treat.

https://www.bonefishgrill.com/locations/fl/brandon

1015 Providence Road, Brandon, FL 33511

Ciccio Cali, Riverview

Ciccio Cali - Bowl Culture

It was Girls Night Out and we headed over to Ciccio Cali thinking that it would be like the Ciccio Water we tried a couple years ago in Tampa. But they are different in many ways. Ciccio Cali is light and airy, almost cafeteria like but a cool and modern cafeteria with a European flair for the minimal. It took us a while to study the menu but once we figured it out we all decided to immerse ourselves in BOWL CULTURE and it was terrific.

I had the Tuna Poke, Seared rare ahi tuna with fresh minced ginger, cilantro, jicama and cucumber topped with yuzu tobikko, sesame seeds and spicy rayu ponzu sauce. I wisely asked for the ponzu sauce on the side cause I'm a lightweight when it comes to spicy and the dish had just enough heat without it.

HOT & CRUNCHY TUNA Seared rare ahi tuna, scallions, jicama, avocado and cucumber topped with tempura battered onions, sesame seeds and sriracha aioli.

BOWL CULTURE - Choose between rice (yellow, sticky, brown), Kale Blend, Spaghetti Squash (+2), Chilled Asian Noodles (+2) / Add more protein (chicken +2, steak +3, tuna +3) OR Go Vegetarian! Sub veggie and broccoli mix (no charge)

Pictured here is the Fajita Bowl and the 'Phelps' which featured roasted eggplant, broccoli, chicken, goat cheese over Napa mix and quinoa salad. It was very tasty!

All in all a pleasant experience with excellent service. We capped off the night by taking a short walk through the plaza to Starbucks where we sipped decaf cappucino's and watched the fabulous evening sky (Photo credit to Cheryl). We'll definitely be back.

http://www.cicciocali.com/menu/dinner/ 11230 Sullivan St, Riverview, FL 33578