Price: $$ ($6-9 for your average sandwich or app, $10-$15 for entrees)
Amber's Rating: 5 out of 5
Jeff's Rating: 5 out of 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twisted Cork Grille
The restaurant that started it all....
Our first review is of a restaurant that is quickly becoming one of our absolute favorites in the Tampa Bay area. It is the driving force and inspiration behind the creation of this whole restaurant reviewing adventure we are about to undertake. We fell in love with the food and staff at this restaurant, and frankly, we want everyone else to as well. With the economy the way it is right now, even large flashy restaurants with giant advertising budgets are having trouble making ends meet and staying afloat; so we can only imagine how difficult it is for a small place such as The Twisted Cork. Yet with food this tasty and service this friendly, once word gets around, we have no doubt in our mind they will become a staple for locals and snowbirds alike.
At first, the twisted cork is easy to miss if you don't know what you are looking for. It's small, the sign is not large, and it's in an unassuming location that definitely doesn't jump out at you. The first time we were invited there we were, frankly, confused. Sitting in the parking lot of the motel it's attached to, we were quite unsure of how the night was going to go.
Being used to our chain restaurants (I'm ashamed to admit) we were extremely skeptical when we arrived for a birthday dinner we were invited to. Happily, our opinions started to change the moment we stepped inside...
For starters, the place is immaculately clean. That is the absolute first thing we noted as we walked in. The second was how friendly we were greeted (and how the friendliness remained throughout the night). The third, of course, was the food.
The Cork has a diverse menu. I like to call it comfort food, with a twist (get it?).
For starters the appetizers range from such choices as Fried Mac and Cheese Bites (Our absolute favorite- worth every calorie of my broken diet!) to Steamed Mussels to Margherita Pizza.
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| Fried Mac and Cheese (Comes with 4 pieces, but we were too excited to eat them that we didn't remember to take the picture until 3 were already gone...) |
The "something for everyone" mentality of the menu continues on through the sandwiches and entrees such as the delicious Mahi Sandwich that is refreshingly larger than you normally get for the price in this area and as packed full of flavor as many of the local beach restaurants the majority of locals here frequent.
The Veggie Wedgies are another favorite, and all I should really need to say to convince you of the tastiness and heartiness of this dish is that Jeff, who is extremely carnivorous and very quick to snub veggies, chowed down on one and was completely satisfied and happy. He got it with the polenta, our favorite choice of side dish in the restaurant. I like to see a restaurant with a vegetarian meal that is more than a few side dishes mashed together and the Wedgie doesn't disappoint with a perfect flatbread loaded with mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, feta cheese and a balsamic sauce you practically want to drink, does not disappoint.
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| Mahi Sandwich with Polenta |
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| Veggie Wedgie |
The menu goes on in much the same way through some mouthwatering burgers and onto entrees such as fabulous Coca-Cola ribs, Gorgonzola chicken pasta, and a local favorite done extremely well: fried shrimp.
Last but not least are the desserts. Chocolate coconut flan, blackberry cobbler, and fried (fried!) key lime pie. Really, not much more description is needed on that subject.
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| Chocolate Coconut Flan |
We implore you: Try this restaurant! The prices are ridiculously reasonable for the quality and quantity of delicious dishes and the service and personal attention the staff and owners have shown each time we've been in. Take my advice and give this place a try. I haven't the slightest doubt in my mind that it will leave a lasting impression that will hopefully keep carrying you back through the doors and keep The Twisted Cork's business growing. Maybe it will even get you, like us, out of your chain restaurant rut and into trying some of Tampa Bay's true local gems.
Be sure to leave feedback and let us know how you like it!
-A&J
BayAreaBites - Tampa Bay
