Roy's Hawaiian Fusion - Tampa

I love Roy's Hawaiian Fusion. I love Roy's even more when it is free. How you ask? I was a lucky recipient of an email asking if I wanted to be an Outback Taste Panelist. Um, Yes. So my first experience as a taste panelist was sampling two Outback Specials. I got a $50 gift card to do this. This is when it pays to live in the same city as Bloomin Brands Headquarters (not to mention their offices are 3 buildings down from mine).

So Gabe and I used the gift card to have a date night at Roy's in Tampa. I had another $20 gift certificate to add to my taste panel money and we had a very yummy dinner. I also must mention that Roy's is currently an Open Table 1,000 point restaurant, so this date night put another $20 Open Table certificate in my hand, just in time for  my upcoming trip to NYC for the BlogHer conference! I actually made money on my free meal!

We started off at the bar, as Roy's has arguably the best "Aloha Hour" in town. I started off with a Cucumber Collins, which I do not have a photo of. It was cucumber and lime muddled with cucumber vodka. Very refreshing.

I went for round two and selected the Skinny Cosmo, also on their Lifestyle Menu - (SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka & VeeV Açaí Spirit). I am a Cosmo snob and loved this martini.

Skinny Cosmo

Gabe got a Coconut Frappe (Don Q Coco Rum with Coconut Milk & Coconut Water) and it was on their Lifestyle Menu - less than 150 calorie cocktails. I was not a fan, but he liked it so much that he had two! At the bar, their hand crafted cocktails and appetizers for only $5 until 6:30. One of many things Bloomin Brands does right - their Happy Hour!

Coconut Frappe

We also had Roy's complimentary Edamame which has a spicy sweet seasoning on it. So good and it is free - most restaurants would charge $5 for this.

Moving to our table, we were torn over ordering sushi or a fish entree. I am a creature of habit and went back to what I traditionally order at Roy’s - Roasted Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with Maine Lobster Essence ($28.95). The Maine Lobster Essence pushes this dish over the top. I am absolutely in love with it.

Roy’s Roasted Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi

Gabe ordered something I had not seen on Roy's menu before - White Tiger Prawn Pad Thai with Snow Peas, Bok Choy, Toasted Peanuts, Coconut Curry Sauce ($24.95). This was SO good,  I am happy he ordered it, although it was completely gone before I could try a second bite!

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The finale of the evening was dessert - Roy’s Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé, Belgian Chocolate, Raspberry Coulis, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. SO FREAKING GOOD. Thank goodness we ran nearly 6 miles on Saturday so we could eat like this!

Roy’s Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé,