Foodie Friday: Grimaldi's Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria

Who can even begin to think about food, after the feasts we all had yesterday?! Me, that is who. But in all seriousness, if you're like me you may be hitting the stores, and mall hardcore today for some {hopefully} impressive Black Friday deals. And since I am assuming you didn't bring a to-go container filled with copious amounts of leftover turkey to eat between stores, may I suggest you hit up your local Grimaldi's Pizzeria. There are three in the Tampa Bay area, alone!

Last week, I was invited to try their menu at the Westshore location with the Tampa Bay Bloggers, and let me just say they prepared quite  the spread for us to sample.

Before we were served, the General Manager, Randy Bartoe, discussed a little bit of Grimaldi's history with us. I wish I loved my job as much as Randy clearly does. You could tell he was passionate about pizza, which in my opinion is never a bad thing to be passionate about, really. He informed us that most everything was made in-house, or specially made for Grimaldi's. As an example, their pepperoni is distributed by Hormel, but specifically for Grimaldi's, only. He also explained that their coal ovens at each location were designed just for them. And my favorite little "tidbit from Randy" was a concept. He explained that rather than being a pizza joint with other menu items that were just so-so, they focus on what they know, so they can be the best at it. I loved that, and whole heartily agree. Also, I don't actually recall Randy saying, "pizza joint" -- I may be paraphrasing, but you get my point.

House Salad: Romaine Lettuce, Red Onion, Cherry Tomatoes, Oven Roasted Sweet Red Peppers, Mushrooms, Sicilian Green Olives, Vinaigrette Dressing

Now...on to the food! To start, we shared the House Salad, Mediterranean Salad, and a personal fave, the Antipasto Plate. I love salad, and generally eat it four, or five times a week. Of the two we were served, I think the Mediterranean, was my favorite. A bowl  filled to the brim with Romaine Lettuce, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives {the real deal, pits and all}, Feta Cheese, Red Onion, Vinaigrette Dressing. How could I not love it?

Medterrian Salad

Have you been to an "Italian" restaurant and ordered an antipasto salad/platter, only to be disappointed with slices of what taste like pre-packaged deli lunch meat and cheese that could have been bought yourself at the grocery? I have, and it's a sad day for my palate when that occurs. Fortunately, Grimaldi's Antipasto Plate is spot on; Fresh Mozzarella, Oven Roasted Sweet Red Peppers, Genoa Salami, Olives and Fresh Baked Bread. Their Mozzarella is hand-sliced, and fresh, as well. Mozzarella makes my heart, and stomach very happy.

Antipasto Plate

We could have stopped with salad, antipasto and the red sangria I was drinking, and called it a night. But oh no, we had so.many.pizzas.to.try.

Red Sangria!

Regular/Pepperoni

To start our pizza smorgasbord, we were served a Regular Pie. Don't let the name fool you, as there was nothing just regular about this pizza! I am learning in my culinary travels that less is sometimes more, and that was apparent with Grimaldi's Regular.

Added to the other half of our regular pie was a classic, pepperoni.

White Pizza/White Pizza with Spinach and Tomato

Next, we were served the White Pizza; a generous amount of hand sliced mozzarella, with garlic and a blend of olive oil, and seasonings. Yum!

Are you keeping track of all the food?! After Regular, Regular with Pepperoni, and White, there were more varieties to try.

Pesto/Pesto with Artichoke

Up next was my favorite of the night -- Pesto with artichoke, and sun dried tomatoes! Oh mah gosh....it was delish.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Last on our pizza pie "tour" was my second favorite, a special, Buffalo Chicken Pizza. Frank's Red Hot, Sliced Celery, Gorgonzola, and Grilled Chicken. Had I not been bursting at the seams, this may have been my favorite, since you all know how much I love Buffalo Chicken! I also enjoyed the addition of celery to this pie.

After all the food we consumed, I wanted to cry I was so full. But then someone mentioned cheesecake, and somehow, I dug deep and magically found a bit of room within me. Listen, there is always room for cheesecake! Generous in size, moist, and flavorful I do believe I have found a new place to get my cheesecake fix.

We were also served cannoli. In all honesty, I have never been a fan of this dessert, anywhere. The filling was good, but I was all about the cheesecake. Those who ate the cannoli raved, so you will just have to take their word for it.

I already can't wait to dine again, and bring Jason, and friends along!

Friday Foodie: Salt Rock Tavern

I swear I didn't mean to post two Oldsmar restaurants in a row, but lately I have been sticking close to work, and home, so Oldsmar it is has been.

Located off Tampa Rd in the same plaza as Tijuana Flats, and one of their sister restaurants, Rumba's, Salt Rock Tavern is better each time I dine. I have been three times now, and each visit is better than the last.

{taken from Salt Rock Tavern's Facebook Page}

The first time I tried Salt Rock Tavern,  after they first opened and they were packed. Parking was a nightmare, and we had to circle several times to find a spot. But I assume that is because they were new, and who doesn't want to try a new spot on Friday night?

The second time, I went with a few girlfriends for a catch up dinner, and also to take advantage of their happy hour special, a $3.50 glass of house Pinot Grigio. They also offer $3.50 well cocktails, and $1.75 PBR, or Bud Light M-Sat 4-7, and all day Sunday.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

To start, we ordered the Buffalo Chicken Dip served in a tasty bread bowl, while waiting for one more friend to arrive. It was thick and creamy, with just a kick of heat. It was delicious and I have been craving it, ever since!

Mile High Meatloaf: topped with garlic mashed potatoes, red wine demi glaze, and crispy onions

Leftovers ;)

For dinner, I ordered the Mile High Meatloaf. I kid you not, it was like a pound of meat {there's a joke in there that my husband would use, I'm sure. I digress}! Very filling, and enough for two-three meals. It was very flavorful, and moist. My only complaint, was that it was a bit too peppery for me, but other than that, I recommend it, if you are looking for something hearty.

Foodie Friday: Nosh

When I was in the 8th grade, we moved to Oldsmar, Florida. At the time, there wasn't a whole lot to the town, and as a middle schooler, why would I even care? We had a few local spots that our family frequented, however. One “hot” spot {I use this term loosely} was Broadway Subs in the Woodlands Square Plaza. As far as I know, for years, Broadway was the only sammich spot in town. Fast forward fifteen years {was I seriously in the 8th grade that  long ago?! I digress} and Oldsmar has grown, and Broadway is no longer. We have a Subway, and a Jersey Mike’s. We had a Central Park deli, and of course there is the beloved Publix Sub #pubsub; but nothing in our town that was unique, or independent. Until Nosh opened their doors in October, that is.

Thanks to an event last week, I was able to try Nosh for the first time. What wasn't to like?! Just as Joey Tribbiani loves em', I too love a good sandwich, and Nosh did not disappoint. For the Yelp event, I sampled three kinds of sammie; Cuban, Roast Beef, and last but not least, a lovely marriage of roast beef, turkey, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on Cuban bread: Old Broadway. Oh my gosh! The pasta salad was quite tasty, as well. The potato salad, was just okay for me.

I enjoyed my eats so much, that over the weekend, I took Jason to try for himself. Obviously less packed on a chilly for Florida, rainy morning, we were able to peruse the menu and interact with the friendly staff and linger a bit longer.

+

Jason tried the special, The Bermuda Triangle: Roast Beef, Purple "Bermuda" Onions, Horseradish, pressed on Cuban Bread, and then topped with Coleslaw. 'Twas a large, and slightly messy sammie! Also ridiculously tasty. We both agreed the coleslaw was a little too sweet for our liking, but after removing a bit of it, it was perfect!

As for me, I love gyro, and somewhere decided that any time I dine somewhere new, I must try the gyro. Can I get that on a tee shirt? "I want ALL the gyro". So obviously a pita was to be my lunch! It was VERY generous in portion. A warmed pita, thin gyro, and tzatziki. It sounds simple, but if you've had a bad gyro pita, you know someone can mess it up. I'm happy to report, Nosh's was spot on. My only issue, if you can call it that, was that there was too much tzatziki and my wrap was super messy. But aren't there worse things in the world to have happen to you?! Next time, I'm definitely trying the gyro salad.

They also offer breakfast, and quite the coffee bar if you're so inclined. Free delivery in Oldsmar, as well.

Nosh, welcome to Oldsmar. I just know you are here to stay!



Cheers,
Nichole

Foodie Friday: Surf Shack

Before I met my husband, I pretty much loved chain restaurants. No lie, I thought Applebees, and Olive Garden were the best spots of all time. Not to knock Applebees or the like, but my tastes, and fortunately my budget, have changed.

One of my favorite local, independent restaurants is just minutes from Casa de Crews! Surf Shack is fresh, fast, and flavorful. The first time Jason and I dined at Surf Shack, we went for their Wednesday Wings & Things; things  being $2 draft beers! Those wings were crisp, tasty, and on special. Since that first visit, almost two years, ago we visit one or two times a month. I bring friends, my siblings and even...my mom. If you were to know my momma, you'd know she loves a good chain restaurant, but will pretty much request that we dine at Surf Shack whenever she visits my neighborhood. No where else will do for her {also, if you can't tell, my mom is not really big on change. The lady likes what she likes!}.

Plus, any joint that immediately brings you a basket of fresh tortilla chips and homemade house salsa, while you peruse the menu, is alright in my book.

I have yet to have a bad meal at Surf Shack. While I don't typically order an appetizer {unless dining with foodie blog friend for "research", of course. Duh} before dinner, almost every time we bring someone new, I insist we order the Buffalo Chicken Eggrolls {Buffalo chicken, jack and cheddar cheese, in a crispy wonton shell--served with chipotle-ranch}. These babies are crispy and SO good. I don't know how else to describe them. Should you visit, order them and see for yourself. I promise you won't regret it!

Last week, my sister and I tried their frickle chips to start {okay, maybe I order an appetizer more often than I realize. Sue me}. Fried pickle chips are a new special to the Surf Shack menu. They are light and airy, and because they aren't heavy, I don't feel too extremely guilty sharing these before my dinner.

For entrees, I like it all. They have awesome tacos, and a decent surf slaw that comes with. Visit Thursdays for $2 tacos {fyi, there are no substitutions on $2 taco night}, and try a variety on the cheap

Tiger Shrimp Taco{Crispy shrimp, cilantro aioli, shredded cabbage and pico de gallo}
 &
Filet Mignon Taco {Tenderloin, garlic-tomato salsa, cheese and crispy onions}

I enjoy their salads, and while I tell myself to try something new, I end up usually getting the Taco Salad, Tenderloin Steak Salad, or Buffalo Chicken Salad. Have you figured out I have an "issue" with all things Buffalo?

Taco Salad {chicken, guacamole, sour cream, mixed greens, cilantro, shredded cheese,black beans, and  pico de gallo}

 Tenderloin Steak Salad {Filet tenderloin, mixed greens, crispy onions, tomato, celery, gorgonzola and green beans}

Buffalo Chicken Salad {Buffalo chicken, romaine, gorgonzola, corn, pico de gallo and celery w/ cilantro-lime ranch}

I could go and on, and on, but I have run out of decent, and not so decent food porn pictures, and time. Visit Surf Shack for yourself and let me know what you think!

Cheers!
Nichole

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.

Pazza Bistro: Fresh Casual Italian

I love food, and we know this. I am also trying to lose weight, and have mentioned a time or twelve two how when I have a weekly cheat meal, or two, I want something worth it. Food that is fresh, delicious, perhaps indulgent, and won't make me feel guilty for well, cheating. Enter Pazza Bistro: Fresh Casual Italian.

Located in the Shoppes at Park Place, close to Target and even closer to the movie theater, I was invited to try out their fresh menu last week with some local blog friends, and they did not disappoint, folks! Most everything is freshly made in house at Pazza Bistro. Homemade pastas, sauces, dough and dressings. I was impressed. I don't actually know if I have had fresh pasta in the past. I take that back, there is a distinct difference, and before last week I had never had fresh pasta. It was glorious.

To start, I ordered a Goose Island IPA. I'm not a huge IPA drinker, but this one was quite tasty. Plus, at some point I wanted to say I ate pizza and beer, duh.