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FROM TOP: PHOTO BY WENDY YODER. PHOTO COURTESY OF ULELE. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MERMAID TAVERN. ULELE, Tampa Ulele.com If attention to detail were an Olympic sport, Ulele would take home the gold every time. From the tasteful décor to the outstanding service, dining here is an absolute treat and should be repeated as often as possible. Their Alligator Hush Puppies are no exception and a welcome twist on simple fried dough. Executive Chef Eric Lackey sources the alligator filet from Louisiana and marries it with country ham smoked over corncobs for a really unique and delicious flavor. The dish also features bacon, jalapenos, fire-roasted fresh corn and a sauce made with Datil peppers that arrive fresh from St. Augustine. Finished off with fresh-ground horseradish aioli, this dish is sure to please even the toughest critic. Pairs well with Ulele’s signature grilled oysters and a glass of their Wedding Beer that is brewed on site. Cheers! Four Cheese Lobster “Mac” RUMFISH GRILL, St. Pete Beach RumFishGrill.com Frequented by both tourists and locals, this larger-thanlife restaurant on St. Pete Beach is definitely not your typical bar-food-style restaurant. That said, Chef Aaron Schweitzer has created an elevated mac n cheese so delicious it must be included. Available only at dinner, the Four Cheese Lobster “Mac” looks as good as it tastes. The backbone of the dish is a 10-ingredient lobster stock that takes the kitchen several hours to prepare. The stock is then combined with butter, cream and equal parts white cheddar, Parmesan, mozzarella & blue cheese to create their signature “lobster cream.” It is then married with perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta, topped with Caribbean lobster tail and served in the well-appointed dining room with a view of the 33,500-gallon aquarium. Arrive early to explore the resort and grab a couple predinner cocktails at the outside bar or stay late to enjoy their nightly live music! Alligator Hush Puppies THE MERMAID TAVERN, Tampa MermaidTavernTampa.com Routinely voted “Best Bar Food” in Tampa, this Seminole Heights institution is a must-visit for anyone that enjoys craft beer, wine, hipsters or truffle fries. At first glance this gastro pub may not seem like much, but there’s plenty to be thankful for–starting with the ample free parking. After choosing your favorite beverage from the 20+ craft beers on tap (or the extensive wine list) go ahead and order the Drunk Grilled Cheese. This bad boy starts off with sourdough bread and is filled with port derby, sharp cheddar and caramelized onion. Finished with a side of blackberry-mead dipping sauce, The Mermaid Tavern’s grilled cheese is beyond delicious. Pay the extra $2 to upgrade to their famous truffle fries. Insider tip: Choose your table upon entering, but note that both food and drink should be ordered directly at the bar. Drunk Grilled Cheese 24 localsDISH SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016


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