Wimauma, the town, I am sure is a garden spot with a plethora of fine dining establishments, but that was not my intended destination. I had just read the review of a fellow Urbanspoon blogger, Tasting Tampa, and was delighted to discover a new restaurant in South Tampa named, of all things, Wimauma. And, if you are a true Florida cracker, the proper pronunciation is why - mama.
The Belle of Ballast Point and I climbed into Gus (my pick 'em up truck) and headed off on what she thought was going to be a long, arduous journey. Five minutes from our SOG City ranchero I pulled into the parking lot of Wimauma at 4205 South MacDill Avenue.
Was my Baby ever surprised!
We wandered in to a bright, freshly painted dining room and were promptly seated. Johnny, our server brought menus and took our drink orders, and then told us the day's specials. While we were deciding, Amy the owner and wife of the chef, came over and introduced herself. At our request, Amy described the Wimauma concept of fresh foods daily, their plans for the future, and how the restaurant came to be named Wimauma.
I'll not share this information. It will sound better coming from Amy herself when you stop in for lunch or dinner, and I would encourage you to do just that. The food is superb!
My dining partner chose wine by the glass - I believe this Cabernet was a Pessimist (interesting name). I requested a New Orleans brew, the Abita. The Wimauma dinner menu is divided into Small Plates and Big Plates. We chose one of each.
My bride's small plate was the Buttermilk Hoe Cake with House Smoked Trout, Caramel Butter and Flying Fish Caviar. I was surprised at her choices because she is not an aficianado of finny things or fish eggs, but she raved over this small plate. Mine was the Crispy Fried Florida Oysters with Guacamole and Smoked Tomato Jam. I quiver at the mere thought. The first bite of this crispy delight flooded the mouth with a subtle smokiness before exploding into plump, juicy oyster goodness. Holy, moly was that ever good!
For our big plates we ordered the House Smoked Pulled Pork with Grits and Collard Greens for her, and the Pork Two ways for me. The pork consisted of two slices of perfectly cooked (not dry and tough) pork loin and a slab of braised pork belly (again, I swoon) over a bed of White Beans with a side of collards. Both of the Big Plate choices were excellent and abundant. I could barely finish mine and my bride had to request a to-go box.
Dessert? Forget about it! On second thought - we requested a Chocolate Bacon Brownie to go. That brownie later in the evening was like heaven to our taste buds.
Our bill for the evening with food and adult beverages came to $82.39 and we added a 20% gratuity. When, not if, you go keep in mind that what you see on the on-line Urbanspoon menu and what I have described may not be available since the menu can change daily depending on what is fresh and locally available.
Thank you for such a lovely critique. I will have to borrow your trick on my spouse and tell him we are going to Wimauma for dinner. And yes, I'm a real Southern gal, who says "Why Mama!"
ReplyDeleteThank you Notyourmomma's Kitchen for your comment, and happy dining at Why Mama. I think you will really like it.
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