By Steve Fiske
Cuvée 103,
a new American
cuisine restaurant
and wine bar is
deserving of many
of the clichés that always
convey a positive
restaurant hospitality
experience. The service is superb, the
food is excellent and the atmosphere is
both sophisticated as well as comfortable.
This place could find success in
Napa Valley or New
York.North Pinellas
is fortunate to have
this kind of quality
venue so conveniently
located in its
midst. It deserves
support.
The dream of
owners, John and Dana Zias, Cuvée 103
is a real treasure. John spent a career as
a working musician and retail owner of
a New York based fine wine & liquor
store. The wine bar and restaurant’s
casual elegance is not by accident. “We
wanted to create an atmosphere where
our patrons could
come and relax while
enjoying quality wine
and dining unlike
anything else in the
area”, says John.
This place is
THE reason NOT to
drive to Tampa or St.
Petersburg. Patrons
here will be treated to
excellent fare at reasonable
price points. This is not another
chain operation that makes its living off
of early bird specials and gimmick happy
hours. Cuvée 103 an oasis in a wilderness
of local mundane dining experiences.
John gives deserving credit of his
establishment’s eclectic menu to Chef,
Jeremy Tatarow. This talented young
chef will soon be the talk of the town.
Chef Tatarow uses
his culinary experience
to create a
brand of delightfully
tasty and
mouth-watering
items. The evening
that I was there
I enjoyed what
might be the most
moist and delicious
Duck Confit that I
have ever tasted. The
skin was
crispy and
flavorful
while the
meat was
so moist and tender that it
easily fell off of the bone. It
came with a blackberry gastrique,
roasted potatoes and
arugula hash.
Vegetarians and carnivores alike
will enjoy the imaginative selection of
scrumptious appetizers, such as Beet
Carpaccio, thinly sliced cooked beets,
winter greens, goat cheese toasted walnuts
and topped with a flavorful white
wine balsamic vinaigrette. I
highly recommend the Ratatouille
and challenge our readers to
find a better one anywhere else
in the Tampa Bay area. The size
is enough for two. Other appetizers
include a Charcuterie Plate,
Soup du Jour and a Pistachio
and Pork Salad.
The main course selections
are wonderful. In addition to
the Duck Confit, one will find a
fresh fish of the day, homemade Chicken
Pistachio Tortelli with mushroom ragout,
caramelized onions and accented with
truffle herb oil. Lamb lovers should try
the Rack of Lamb, which is seared and
cooked to perfection. Its Provencal herb
rub does not overpower the sweet succulent
meat and comes with a mild red
wine reduction sauce. There is a 12 oz.
rib eye steak also available on the menu.
If you are feeling a bit adventurous order
the phenomenal Shrimp and Grits. These
creamy cheddar stone-ground grits are
amazing when paired with the chef’s
Rosemary Wine Sauce and Andouille
Sausage. Quite a surprise! The grits are
light and complimented by plump sweet
Gulf shrimp and seasoned sausage. The
combination produces the perfect chemistry.
The Wine Bar
inventory represents
every major international
and domestic
region. One may
select from a host of
premium wines and
order by the glass or
bottle. Premium wines
available
by the glass
provide an
excellent
opportunity
to try
extraordinary
wines
at reasonable price points. I sampled several
varieties, each one more delightful
than the other. There is also a very wide
selection of craft beers.
You might want to visit their website
to reserve a place at one of their popular
wine tastings.
Live entertainment is available on
stage Friday and Saturday evenings and
changes each week. Local musicians enhance
the already romantic atmosphere
and sophisticated ambiance. Call ahead
for times. Reservations are strongly
recommended.
Cuvée 103 is located at
2454 Mc Mullin Booth Rd.
Clearwater, Fl. 33759
Mon.& Tues. 4 PM -10 PM,
Wed. & Thurs. 4 PM-11PM
& Fri.& Sat 4 PM to Close
Reservations are recommended.
Phone727-726-0350
website www.Cuvée103.com
aste of
North Pinellas 11
/www.Cuvée103.com
