CUAISR ITNE
A GOURMET DINING EXPERIENCE
Bon Appétit Restaurant
By Margaret Word Burnside and Aaron R. Fodiman
Photography by Gram
These prosciutto-wrapped shrimp were enhanced with
a sweet corn and tomato ragout with a touch of basil pesto.
This burrata cheese toast and caramelized peaches plate
started the dinner with a sensational rush of flavors.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 169
The Tampa Bay Food
and Wine Society
was established for
individuals who
enjoy the camaraderie
that comes from enjoying
fine meals together. There
are no speeches, just table
conversation during the
meal, while a selection
of wines is paired with
multiple courses. Typical of
one of the society’s evenings
was the most recent one at
Dunedin’s finest dining
establishment, Bon Appétit,
which has set the standard
for gracious service, value
and food excellence for
42 years.
Society members began
by sipping a sparkling
French wine, JCB No. 21 by
Jean-Charles Boisset, as they
mingled and enjoyed some
creative hors d’oeuvre that
included octopus, paté
and steak tartar. Dinner
commenced with burrata
cheese toast with caramelized peaches,
onion confit and baby arugula with a
balsamic reduction. This was paired
perfectly with a French Rosé, Fleur de
Mer, which showed flavors of watermelon,
cherry, citrus and lavender with a mineral
finish. Next was prosciutto-wrapped
shrimp with a sweet corn tomato ragout
tender and tasty petit filet
mignon with a Cabernet
mushroom demi glace and
black truffle butter that was
accompanied by roasted
fingerling potatoes and
asparagus spears. A California
Red Blend from Hahn G.S.M.
with layers of bright cherry,
strawberry, white pepper,
cinnamon and a smooth finish
made for a perfect pairing
with this course.
Dessert was a banana
semifreddo with roasted
coconut and dulce de leche that
was a perfect ending to such a
delightful meal. A Sandeman’s
10-year Tawny Port from
Portugal served as a balance
for this light and refreshing
conclusion to the meal.
Bon Appétit consistently
serves exceptional food with
the ultimate in attentive
service and provides beautiful
waterfront views of St. Joseph’s
Sound and Caladesi Island.
It is a great place to dine any
time of day, indoors or out. The Bon is the
favorite of many sophisticated diners, such
as members of the Tampa Bay Food and
Wine Society. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Bon Appétit Restaurant
is located on the Dunedin waterfront at
148 Marina Plaza, (727) 733-2151.
and basil pesto that was enhanced by a 2014
Los Cardos Chardonnay from Argentina
that carried notes of mango, pineapple and
peach. The salad course was composed of
baby iceberg lettuce, mushrooms, golden
raisins and escargot with a lemon white
wine balsamic dressing.
The main course was an incredibly