All Entries in the "Davis Island" Category
Restaurant Review: Yeoman’s Road Pub & Restaurant
A well known little road pub on Davis Island, Yeoman’s (Yeomans Road Restaurant, 236 E Davis Blvd, Tampa, FL. 813-251-2748) brings exotic brews together with large portions of American favorites in a relaxed pub environment.
I’ve been there twice now, firstly for drinks and secondly for the fish and chips. The trip for drinks was with the Miata guys, and it was a good little meet. The environment is surprisingly kid-friendly for a bar, and you get a lot of Davis Island regulars in.
They have all of your standard beers, but a good selection of off-the-wall and hard to find brew. I asked for, “Something amazingly ridiculous” and was presented with a bottle of “La Fin Du Monde”, features an explosion on the label. It was really good! It had the bitter resonance of a much darker beer and was pretty good for the price (around $5). The bartendress even served it to me in a fancy goblet.
The bar itself isn’t just well stocked, but a collection of different artifacts from various cultures. It’s a lot like Boneyard in that respect, and I love it. You’ll see mardi gras style artifacts, beer advertisements, pictures of patrons and more throughout the bar. It’s a very hometown-bar kind of feel with a catalog and inventory to match any big city establishment.
It is a laid back establishment. So laid back that I caught the cook asleep in the back, easily seen from the dining room area.
Everyone there seemed happy and in good spirits.
What can be said about the fish and chips? Pretty darn good. The fish piece they serve is good size, probably atleast a pound. The little lemon wedges do little for flavor or presentation, but it’s good old fashion pub food. The fries are a little dry, but that’s easily fixed by drowning them in ketchup. While not the best fish and chips I’ve ever had, I’d say it was good enough to soak up the excellent beer selection and good company I always find at Yeoman’s.
Restaurant Review: Estela’s Mexican Restaurant
In my continual search for the best Mexican Cuisine in Tampa, I tried out Estela’s (209 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa, FL 33606, (813) 251-0558 ) on Davis Island today. This is one of five Estela’s locations in the Tampa area, all with the same menu.
The lunch crowd, even at 1:15 this afternoon, crowded this place when we got there. The smell of Latin food filled the air before I even entered the building, thanks to people eating in the outside pavilion. When I arrived, I sat down and waited for my lunch companion who would show up a few minutes later. Within a few minutes, the waitress brought me a drink and complimentary chips and salsa. Not only was she prompt but was very cordial and made some recommendations on food I might try. The atmosphere and the staff were all very warm and friendly, so I felt very comfortable. Beautiful hand painted artwork filled the walls in both the main dining area and the bar area, making this a colorful dining experience.
After John arrived, we placed our order. He ordered the Steak Fajitas and I asked for the Carne Asada meal (today’s special at $10). We consumed almost all of the chips and salsa while waiting, which were very good. The chips, much like the chips I had at Cinco De Mayo just a few days ago, were thick and crispy. They needed a bit of salt, but otherwise were perfect. The salsa was more a puree than the traditional salsa I expect from this kind of place. It was tasty and they provide you plenty, but I would have preferred chunks of onion and pepper over a thin salsa.
The food came quickly and was magnificent. I was impressed with the portion, especially for the cost. For the $10, I received a 12ish oz. rib eye steak, rice, beans, tortillas, lettuce, guacamole and sour cream. Under the steak was some kind of rolled soft-shell Mexican treat, perhaps an cheese enchilada, that came with the special.
The steak was mouthwatering. I generally don’t expect a lot from a $10 steak, but this thin cut portion was large, succulent and tender. A light glaze added both taste and texture, and this was great both on it’s own and wrapped it tortilla. The rice and beans were good, as they are at many places. The beans were a little watery, but when mixed with the rice made a great side dish. The guacamole is made fresh, as it was a bright green and didn’t have any brown spots or an overt lime taste that you see with guacamole that sits around. Everything about the meal was fresh and flavorful.
I was impressed with the size of the tortillas as well. They were large, burrito size, and helped make quick work of all of the ingredients. The cheese enchilada was also incredibly tasty and tender, as it has been sitting in the same glaze as the steak. It was a nice little treat to finish off a memorable meal.
John shared my sentiment throughout the meal that it was delicious. I left full and happy, and still feel full even 5 hours later as I write this. This is food that sticks with you, and now I have a reason to go to Davis Island more often.