Grillin' At The Smith

We got an invite to join our daughter and son-in-law for dinner last night at GrillSmith, so we packed provisions for a long road trip and headed north to a land far, far away from the paradise that is SOG City.

Normally when we do the "Smith" we do the one on South Dale Mabry. This time we did the one on North Dale Mabry since it is about equal in distance for us'n and them to travel.

We all arrived around six, so we beat the dinner crowd and as a consequence were seated promptly and presented with menus by our charming server of the evening, Marissa. Once our drink orders were taken we were given time to peruse the menus at our leisure.

Having dined on numerous occasions at the south Tampa location, the Belle of Ballast Point and I were very familiar with the menu and knew right up front what we wanted - a six ounce Filet for her...








And the 16 ounce Steakhouse Ribeye for moi.

As usual, both steaks were seasoned perfectly.

For her sides, the Belle had mashed potatoes and green beans (the seasonal veggie of the day), and for me, the ubiquitous green beans and the sautéed spinach.

Atop my steak were the "signature Portabella mushroom fries".

Mish had been craving the Fitness Grilled Salmon, a fresh grilled, tender salmon filet lightly seasoned with a special blend of herbs and spices. This dish was declared a real winner.

Maj chose the Center-Cut Sirloin, a USDA Choice, Midwestern center-cut sirloin "grilled to your specification", and finished with garlic-herb butter.

I think the side was the Jalapeno Mac 'n' Cheese.

The one constant that we have found when dining at GrillSmith is that no matter at what temperature you order your steak prepared, that isn't necessarily how it will be presented. This has been true at both the North and South Dale Mabry locations.

Last night Maj requested medium-rare and the Belle requested medium to medium well. He got medium well and she got rare. I was the only lucky one. I requested medium-rare and that is what I got. That was a novelty since I have never been that blessed in the South.

If it wasn't for the company of our dining companions, I can't envision another trip that far north to GrillSmith. The prices aren't too bad though. Dinner and adult beverages for two plus a 20% gratuity for Marissa came in at $86.74.