Bernini's, Ybor City

A lemon drop martini and dinner at Bernini's was a great way to start off our Great Escape. As part of our "Restaurants Revisited" theme, this year we're picking out some old favorites to see if they still measure up to our first experience. Bernini's gets a somewhat mixed review not for the food which was excellent, but for the other things that can make or break an evening out. My lemon drop martini was served in a stainless steel glass which I found quite interesting - a good way to keep it cold. But I was disappointed that it had no lemon garnish so the one you see pictured here came out of my water glass. It's the little things you know?

We had made our reservation more than a week in advance knowing what a busy place this is. When our party of 8 arrived they led us to a table on the main floor that literally had 6" of room all around it with people pushing past from the bar and diners knocking knees on the other side. We politely but firmly declined and noticing a free 8 top by the door simply said we're taking that one. Once seated comfortably the service was pretty good and very friendly. Our food came in a reasonable time frame and we were all happy with our meals. I had the Arugula/Pear Salad and the Lamb Lolipops which were delicious and 'peared' beautifully (forgive me).

For traditional Italian entrees, hubby had the Eggplant Parmesan which didn't measure up to his home made, but in some perverse way he insists on ordering things he knows he can make better (sigh). Ken had the Penne and Sausage and enjoyed it. Cheryl had a simple Linguini tossed with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella - it was light and very pleasing. Having eyed a platter passing to another table nearby, Mike ordered the Lasagna and loved it.

The negatives were the noise - the location was once The Bank of Ybor and was built in grand style with lots of marble and high ceilings so it's extremely noisy. And while we could put up with that, we were less than thrilled to learn that the women's room was out of order on a Saturday night. Yikes.

We ended the evening with dessert at Jollywood where very tasty Mini Cannolis from Publix were served with Coffee and Espresso along with some Fresh Strawberries. We'll go back to Bernini's for sure, but it will be a weekday evening to avoid the crowds.

http://berniniofybor.com

1702 E. 7th Ave, Ybor City (Tampa) Florida 33605

Reservations highly recommended

Acropolis, Ybor

Last night was a particularly fun 'escape' that started with dinner at The Acropolis in Ybor City and ended with opening night at the Straz for Jersey Boys. In a word.....WOW. We selected the Ybor Acropolis for its good food and also its close proximity to the Straz, a mere ten minute drive. The restaurant was very quiet at this midweek point which meant quick service. Our waitress was dressed in the cutest 60's retro style, sporting a black and white polka dot head scarf and matching nail polish. I know it's not the 'Greek' styling you'd expect from the Acropolis, but her style seemed perfect for Ybor City's trendy atmosphere, and besides - she was an excellent waitress in every way. I love the ambiance at Acropolis and the Ybor City location differs slightly from the Riverview one but they both appeal.

I had a Greek Burger sans bun with sauteed mushrooms and onions and topped with feta cheese served with lettuce, tomato and red onion. It was absolutely delicious, juicy and flavorful and I'd definitely order it again. Hubby had the seafood pasta and as is typical when he orders pasta, it didn't measure up. The sauce was a bit to creamy for his taste but he ate all the clams and scallops.

The real star was his appetizer of Roasted Red Pepper Hummus served with Pita Bread. We all scooped that up eagerly and enjoyed it immensely.

Marianne had the Spanakopita and loved its flaky pastry dough and the side of Tzatziki. Phil had the Blackened Shrimp Wrap with olives, sun dried tomatoes, avocado, spinach, feta...yum, in a Spinach Tortilla.

We finished up quickly and headed over to the Straz for what was the most wonderful show - I've seen the Jersey Boys before and enjoyed it, but this production was exciting and joyful. The crowd roared with applause each time they sang one of their hits, sustained applause that filled the room and gladdened the hearts of the singers. It was a wonderful opening night and I'm glad we were there to see it.

http://www.acropolistaverna.com/

1833 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605