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Friday, October 18, 2013

Foodie Friday: Cru Cellars Tampa

Since I am in the process of re-vamping this site, I thought it would be fun to add a new weekly {or bi-weekly depending on my mojo} series at Casa de Crews. You see, I love Tampa Bay. I may have been born in Buffalo, New York, but having lived here since I was ten, I call Tampa home. Most of Florida is known for being the state where everyone else flocks to, and coincidentally, make fun of as well. But you know what? We all came south for a reason. Don't knock us until you try us. And as an added bonus I met the one guy who was not only born and raised in Tampa, but who is a fourth generation native to these parts. That's a rarity, around here.

And so now that we have that  out of the way. I have decided I'd like to kick off the weekend, and share local Tampa Bay restaurants on Fridays with  Foodie Friday.

To start Foodie Friday, I'm sharing Cru Cellars. I first wined {and dined} at Cru Cellars in South Tampa with the lovely, and talented Emilee some time in 2012. At that time I enjoyed one of the best flatbreads, ever. In fact, should I ever need to really pick my last supper, I may have to choose their Fig Jam, Prosciutto, Bleu Cheese, and Argula Flatbread. I'm not even kidding. It's heaven on a plate. 

Fig Jam, Prosciutto, Bleu Cheese, and Argula Flatbread
Fast forward a year or so, and Jennifer and I met up for Wine Wednesday. But I have learned with Jenn we don't normally wine as much as we dine. Together, we tend to order a few small plates to share, and enjoy a drink. With most of my friends, it is the other way around, and so I like the way she and I do tend to hit up happy hour.

But don't worry, a glass of wine was most definitely had!

Josef Leitz “Leitz Out” (Riesling) Rheingau

To start, we shared the Roasted Mushroom Orzo. It was creamy, comforting, generous in portion, and because sharing is caring, I didn't feel bad eating this.

I so desperately wanted more of that Fig Jam Flatbread, but alas my partner in foodie crime didn't like one of the ingredients, though which one I can't recall, and so we opted to order another delicious flatbread, instead. The Steakhouse Flatbread did not disappoint; topped with sliced steak, roasted garlic spread, roasted tomatoes, goat cheese, caramelized onion, fresh basil, and a balsamic reduction. It was ah-maz-ing. But then isn't anything topped with goat cheese, just delish?


Though already full, we knew one more item had to be ordered. And after much debate between Roasted Garlic Hummus, Truffled Pommes Fritas, or a Cru Burger, we chose the Truffled Pommes Fritas. The portion was ginormous! But sadly for flavor, it was a tad lacking. I feel there are many more flavorful of small plates to share than the Truffled Pommes Fritas. 


The next time I visit Cru Cellars, I plan to not only enjoy more wine, but visit their wine shop, as well.


Cru Cellars on Urbanspoon


What is your favorite local wine shop, or bar?

Cheers!
Nichole

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8 comments:

  1. You know I've found that to be true of a lot of truffle fries. I think you order expecting it to explode in your mouth with flavor and instead it's just 'eh'. Happens every time I order something like that, but I keep doing it, so...;) Also that first flatbread. I have to have that! I might have to try and recreate at home since I'm a little too far away ;)

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  2. Mmm sounds delicious! Totally want that fig flatbread for breakfast now!

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  3. That food all looks amazing!! Have a great weekend!

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  4. Yum! Cru Cellars is definitively on my list of places to try in Tampa. That risotto looks amazing!

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  5. Nothing like some good flatbread and wine!! Cheers :)

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