Valentine's Day menu for The Refinery

The Refinery (5137 North Florida Ave.) will be serving their Valentine's Day menu from 5pm to 9pm this Sunday evening.

Call for reservations: 813-237-2000

Appetizers:
Appalachicola Oyster: strawberry-serrano mignonette $2
Sea Scallop: vanilla, mango, cucumber, white chocolate, Sriracha $8
Goat Cheese Tart: leek, yellow foot chantrelle, creme fraiche $8

Soup:
Lobster Bisque: vanilla, ancho chiles $8

Salad:
Arugula: granny smith apple, gorgonzola, walnut, sherry vinaigrette

Entrees:
Hereford NY Strip: yukon gold-yellow foot chantrelle-gorgonzola gratin, roasted asparagus, truffle butter, zinfandel reduction $22

Mahi Mahi: sour orange, fennel, radish, mango-israeli-couscous, champagne beurre blanc $20

Duck Breast: cherry, zinfandel, chocolate, granny smith apple, risotto cake, rapini $22

Desserts:
Bleeding Heart Pavlova: macerated local berries, meringue $8
Chocolate Mousse: Mexican spices, bacon brittle

The Refinery is now open!

Seems things ramped up faster than anticipated - The Refinery (mentioned in a post below) is now open for business in the old Bungalow Bistro just up the road a piece from us here in Tampa Heights. The Bakers will be converting the restaurant (and the menu) over in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

The Refinery set to open in Seminole Heights

While not technically in Tampa Heights, this new spot will be opening in our more popular sister's neck of the woods. Check out the details on the Creative Loafing blog.



I was a fan of the Culinary Sherpas before I was friends with them. The fact that Michelle fed me hot wings and bacon-wrapped grilled stuffed jalapenos last night in no way led to me posting this. How's that for disclosure?

Reviews?

Anyone been to Ella's yet? The Independent? Care to tell us about your experience? Send it in!

I'm curious about The Independent and meant to go in there myself on Friday night, but the storm stopped me. The only thing I seem to hear with frequency is that it's expensive. Can anyone comment?