After introducing my good friend and work-colleague to Florida's Gulf coast, a good dinner was next. Anees, a 12-year emmigrant from Iraq was already enjoying Florida. Leaving the beach area and up the boulevard, I spotted the Seabreeze Island Grill on the right."Right here", I...told him, as he was driving. Admittedly, I made my choice solely because Sea Breeze is a lake-front community on the northeastern-most part of Rochester, NY, our hometown. I thought, it has to be good; and my instincts were right!
We were promptly greeted and seated, at the bar, as most all tables were full. Sidney greeted us immediately, and she brought us wine and water a refreshing, crisp white. From the Chef's Specials, I ordered Calamari Fritti as an appetizer and roasted mussels over pasta, which Anees ordered as well. This cuisine was completely new to my friend, Anees, however he was anxious to taste new things. Myself, being Italian, these two dishes are staples; very simple to prepare and, very easy to ruin. A few seconds to soon or too late, can make for a disappointment.
Sidney brought the Calamari with her persistent smile. Served over a bed of shoe-string french fries and fried in a very hot soy oil, they were unusually light, not heavy. Additionally, accompanied by a light pineapple juice garnish and dipping sauce. Equally as light, yet brilliant with the sweet-sour flavors of the diced bell peppers of varying color and diced red onion. No heavy, rich marinara here. The looks alone won me over, but the collage of flavors and color was amazing. The calamari was very light to the taste and not at all chewy, like others. Anees nodded, smiling with consistent approval!
Then came the Roasted Mussels over 'Conchiglie', shell pasta in a rich marinara sauce. There were at least a dozen and a half or more mussels atop the bowl of pasta. The sauce was not too sweet, very good. The Conchiglie', perfect al-dante'. But the mussels, they just melt in your mouth! Ma don! I've never had mussels this good anywhere. Most of my years were living in the Washington, DC inside the beltway. Sorry 'Maggiano's," "Landini Bros.', "Tutto Bene'; Seabreeze Island Grill has you beat!
The staff, managed by 'Robbie' are delightful, attentive and very pleasant. The lovely Sidney, waited on us our first night; with no disappointments! Our final night in Tampa, we were attended to by the captivating 'Samantha'. We wanted for nothing. The service as well as the portions were generous as the conversation and professionalism! The views, sitting along the bay, were as captivating and as lovely as our waitresses! I cannot wait to return!More