CUAISR ITNE
DELICIOUS DINING
717 South
By Margaret Word Burnside and Aaron R. Fodiman
Photography by Noraa
This 18-ounce rib eye served with truffle fries at 717 South on Howard Avenue in Tampa will satisfy any meat lover.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 171
The 717 South restaurant has been
one of our favorites for generations,
ever since Tampa native Michael
Stewart first opened his modern
establishment with its elegant décor
and menu. Over the years, this Tampa
restaurant has changed its food to reflect
the times, but its 1920s inspired Art Deco
artwork continues to keep it warm and
welcoming. Michael has always maintained
high standards for his open kitchen and
strives to keep the restaurant’s extensive
wine and cocktail offerings current.
Every tweak of the menu seems to make
717 South even better than it was before,
which is difficult since it has always been
so good. As the menu grows, there are
interesting additions that more than make
up for the loss of any old favorites.
To begin our meal, we shared the
Brussels sprouts that are topped with
smoked sea salt and some fresh lime and
enjoyed the cauliflower roasted in herbed
farmer ’s butter. Another must is the
Pu Pu Platter, a popular sharing sampler
of escargot, calamari, tuna tartar, chicken
egg rolls and Brussels sprouts. The crab
bisque is sensational as well.
corn spoonbread, mac & cheese, harricort
verts (green beans) and Mediterranean
couscous. The desserts are made in house,
and the Key lime pie and other sweet
endings have their own special signature
touches. In addition to a giant wine list,
the bar at 717 creates some awesome
concoctions such as the Mango Mistress
with mango rum and the Soho Socialite
with strawberries and gin.
717 South is open for lunch and
dinner. Its location on Howard Avenue
just off Swann Avenue in Tampa makes
it convenient, especially with its large
parking lot in back. If you can, ask for
server Tony, as he is a show all by himself,
but don’t worry, all the servers are trained
by Michael to give you the service that will
make your meal memorable.
717 South continues to change, but
always for the better. No wonder we keep
going back year after year. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: 717 South is located
at 717 S. Howard Ave. just off Swann
Avenue in Tampa, (813) 250-1661, or visit
717south.com.
There are eight large salads, ranging
from a spinach and caramelized pear
salad to a red and golden beet one with
goat cheese medallions, to which you can
add chicken, salmon, shrimp, or scallops.
Two of our favorites are the chopped kale
salad with dried cranberries, Parmesan
and lemon vinaigrette and the Seared
Sesame (sliced) Tuna Salad with edamame
and Key lime wasabi viniagrette.
Choosing a main course is a challenge
because there are so many wonderful
selections. The 18-ounce bone-in rib eye
with Himalayan pink salt and its pecorino
romano truffle fries over arugula salad
with apple cider is a must, as is their
famous lasagna. Also at the top of our
list are the macadamia nut chicken with
a lobster sherry cream sauce accompanied
by jalapeño sweet potato mash, the
Romano crusted Chilean sea bass with
garlic seared shrimp, and the jumbo lump
crab cakes with mango sauce. The truth is,
you cannot make a mistake here.
If you are not up to a full meal at dinner,
they also offer sandwiches that are served
with French fries or pasta salad. There
are nine great sharable add-ons such as