As part of Chris’s job search, we went for dinner to Del Frisco’s Grille in Tampa, Florida. The restaurant was one of three places where he was considering working. Part of our job search includes eating at a potential restaurant to get a feel for the experience and see if the restaurant is up to our standards.
When we walked in, we liked the funky, modern vibe of the place. There was a large bar just inside the door, but we opted to sit at a table. We were there for an early dinner, so when our server came to the table, we asked if there were any happy hour specials. The server told us that the specials were only available at the bar. She then asked if we would prefer to move. While we love to save money when we can, we decided to stick with the table.
Chris ordered a beer, and I ordered a White Sangria, a combination of pinot grigio, white peach puree, and peach schnapps, with a strawberry peach popsicle. Not only was the cocktail delicious, but the popsicle made it fun as well.
The menu was amazing, making it difficult to narrow down our choices. We finally decided to start with Ahi Tacos. The tacos, filled with tuna tartare and avocado, topped with spicy citrus aioli, were fabulous, and I loved the presentation. With such a good start, we knew we were in for a tasty meal.
Our server explained how the menu works. Selections on the right side of the menu come with your choice of side, while dishes from the left side are as described. She then told us that we could swap the vegetable for a different side dish if we preferred.
As Del Frisco’s Grille is known for its steaks, Chris went with a 16-ounce Ribeye topped with blue cheese butter. He picked Truffled Mac & Cheese for his side. When the gorgeous steak arrived, Chris thought it was strange that the butter was purple. He asked if it was the blue cheese butter he had ordered, and the server assured us that it was. The succulent prime steak, grilled perfectly medium-rare, was delicious and nearly melted in our mouths as we ate. The mac & cheese was rich and creamy, the understated truffle giving it lovely umaminess.
I ordered Pan-Seared Scallops with shaved fennel, baby arugula, roasted broccoli, and lemon horseradish sauce. I am not a fan of broccoli, so I asked to swap the broccoli for Roasted Wild Mushrooms. The server said that was fine. However, when the dish arrived, I was disappointed with the presentation. The plate had five scallops with the sauce and a sprig of greenery. While the scallops were gorgeous and consummately cooked, I couldn’t help but think something was missing. Then, I realized there was no fennel or arugula.
When the server returned, we asked about the missing ingredients. She explained that because I had requested mushrooms instead of the broccoli, the kitchen had chosen to serve the dish without the other ingredients. She continued to say the fennel and arugula were only a garnish. While the scallops were fantastic, their richness made me sorely miss the relief the fennel and arugula would have offered. The mushrooms were delicious, but had I known I would lose essential ingredients in making the switch, I would have left the plate as is.
At the end of the meal, we requested the dessert menu. As a caramel lover, I was curious about the Salted Caramel Jar. When I asked about it, the server described it as a jar of caramel. While it sounded strange, I ordered the dessert out of curiosity. As it turned out, it was a custard topped with caramel and served in a small jar. I am happy that I didn’t pass on the dessert based on the server’s inaccurate description because it was delectable.
When our check arrived, we were disappointed to see an upcharge for the macaroni and cheese even though the menu clearly states the steak comes with your choice of side. Also, while the server had assured us that the purple concoction was the blue cheese butter we had ordered, the check showed she had rung in and served us Cabernet Goat Cheese Butter instead.
While the food was spectacular, we couldn’t help but leave with the feeling that our inattentive server had shammed us. We weren’t sure if it was only our server or how the restaurant does business, but we were uncomfortable enough that Chris took Del Frisco’s Grille off his list of potential employers.
Cost for a beer, a cocktail, an appetizer, two entrees, a dessert, and an espresso $148.89.
The food looks delicious but I understand why Chris wouldn’t want to work there after what happened with the server.
Our only qualms with the food would have been easily fixed with a good server. The food was fantastic.
It started off to be so promising! Chris’ plate looks amazing (minus the goat cheese butter issue), as do your scallops. I love perfectly cooked scallops and it is so hard to find a restaurant that can truly pull that off. I also understand why Chris wouldn’t want to be associated with a restaurant that pulls those sorts of shenanigans. If I were a customer, I’m not even sure if I would give them my usual “maybe it was an off night” second chance.
The scallops were amazing, but would have been that much better if we had been served all of the components of the dish.
I am drooling! Going to have to check this place out!
The food was fantastic.
Wow this place looks delicious! Did you ever find out what it was that made the butter purple??
Instead of the blue cheese butter, they had given us the Cabernet butter.
That’s a great way to determine if you want to work at a restaurant…visit it for a meal. Wise decision to pass on it I think!
We have found some great places to work using that process. Plus it’s a great excuse to eat out.