Pelagia Trattoria Tampa Menu Launch

Do you have a favorite Italian restaurant in your town? In Tampa, mine is Pelagia Trattoria, a hidden gem tucked inside of the Renaissance Marriott at International Plaza. Pelagia is a big hit among locals and I always love a good excuse to eat there. Last night, we had the opportunity to check out Pelagia's new menu and I sit here this morning still full reminiscing about the wonderful things we ate last night.

We were greeted with an assortment of wine and local beer. After seeing the TEN ITEMS from the menu which we would be sampling, I decided to stick with Chardonnay for the evening. 

Out first was the cured meat and cheese board. This amazing lineup included Duck Prosciutto and black walnuts! Everything from the cheese to the honeycomb was amazing.

After devouring the cheese board, we were served chargrilled octopus with Chorizo oil! I love grilled octopus and this was presented and prepared perfectly. 

Out next was one of my top dishes of the night, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Tomato Jam. The tomato jam was not necessary as this dish was amazing on it's own but it was an added special treat. It was full of crab, no filler!

The fourth dish was not one of my favorites - White Anchovies with a Radish Carpaccio. The rest of the table mentioned they didn't taste the anchovy yet that was all I could taste. Don't base your opinion on me though - the others enjoyed this dish. I guess I don't like anchovies after all.

Up next was the Grilled Pear and Watercress Salad. I loved this salad so much. It had maple bacon, blue cheese and cilnatro pesto. This may be my new favorite salad.

Moving away from starters, we were presented with a new pizza on Pelagia's menu Sausage & Ricotta Pizza. Gabe couldn't make it to this dinner with me so I brought him this pizza home. It was delicious.

The next dish that came out was a showstopper. I have seen this dish before on Foodspotting and I had a hard time controlling my excitement when I saw it on the menu. Cavatelli with Porcini & Black Truffle Cream. It was delicious, creamy, earthy and perfect.

Up next was Sauteed Florida Snapper with Charred Yellow Pepper Bisque. It was beautifully presented, almost too pretty to eat. The Snapper was served over organic Quinoa - I get excited every time I see Quinoa on a menu!

Then something magical happened. Although I was super full, the next dish that came out was Squid Ink Linguini with Seared Scallops and Blue Crab. I ate every bite of this dish. It was delicious beyond words and my favorite of the evening.

Our final dish came out and was beyond full so I ate one bite and had to throw in the white flag. The Grilled Lamb T-Bone with Minted Quinoa Tabouli and Juuniter Berry Saba. My one bite was perfect!

How about that for a Spring Menu launch? I bet you're hungry now. Good thing, Pelagia Trattoria officially started this menu today! I strongly suggest either the Squid Ink Linguini with Seared Scallops or the Cavatelli with Porcini and Black Truffle Cream! Speaking of Spring - Pelagia will have an all day Easter Buffet on 3/31. This may be the location of my Easter Brunch this year!