We have been to Timpanos on a number of occasions and have had mixed feelings. As the crowds build, the noise level increases exponentially as conversations get ever louder to compensate for the conversations getting ever louder. After awhile the noise level renders conversation pointless. Yesterday was different. Timpanos wasn't as crowded in the early evening so we could hear each other talk and not only enjoy each other's company, but also our meal.
To start, my bride ordered a Chilean Margarita and I a Gin Rickey. The margarita was served in a martini glass with a splash of red wine floating on top...a surprisingly tasty combination. I was totally surprised that our server actually knew of the Gin Rickey, a refreshing cocktail from the 1890s. I have had wait-staff and bartenders in other establishments give me a blank stare when I have asked for this drink.
As an appetizer I ordered a dozen Blue Point oysters on the half shell. Again, a very pleasant surprise. The oysters were served properly shucked and presented, a novelty in Tampa, and they were salty and delicious. While I enjoyed my Blue Points, my date enjoyed the watercress and arugula salad which she declared was excellent.
For the entrees we ordered the bone-in rib eye for me and the Lasagna Bolognese for her. The lasagna was tasty and filling. The 20 ounce rib eye was cooked to a perfect medium rare with a nice char on the outside. Our server said that the Timpano's steaks are prime, but my rib eye chewed like a Publix choice cut. The flavor was there, but the tenderness wasn't. We also shared a very satisfactory bottle of Argentine Malbec during dinner. We were both too stuffed to even consider dessert.
Dinner for two with cocktail, wine and tip came to $180. We did manage to salvage our Thursday date night. Now if "she" would just quit looking at me and laughing, life would be perfect once again.
"I was totally surprised that our server actually knew of the Gin Rickey, a refreshing cocktail from the 1890s. I have had wait-staff and bartenders in other establishments give me a blank stare when I have asked for this drink."
ReplyDelete"The oysters were served properly shucked and presented, a novelty in Tampa, and they were salty and delicious."
Wow, you sound incredibly pretentious. I'll have to read some more of your stuff to see if you're as big a poser as you sound here.
Incredibly pretentious you say? I am assuming that isn't a problem.
ReplyDeleteI considered it a compliment to our server, who possibly wasn't even a gleam in his father's eye in the 1990s, that he was familiar with the Gin Rickey.
As far as oysters are concerned, I grew up in Northwest Florida on those juicy hummers from Apalachicola. I know how to shuck them, serve them, and eat them. I have enjoyed oysters from Alaska to the Pacific Northwest and to the Northeastern U.S. I know how oysters should be shucked and served. Timpano did a good job - a rarity in Tampa.
Pretentious? I earn my money and I don't get paid or comped for my restaurant reviews. Like any restaurant patron I am paying for good food and good service. Anything less is unacceptable.
So, thanks for the compliment and for reading more of my stuff.