Besa Grill Happy Hour - Tampa

I am a big fan of Happy Hours. Especially Happy Hours that offer craft cocktails. What makes said Happy Hour even better is when you are celebrating something....like a Birthday.

I share my birthday with friend and fellow blogger, Katie (rufflesandtruffles.com). We initially met through twitter on our birthday last year, having no idea we lived in the same town. Fast forward a year later and we are great friends.

Megan, Fabio, Katie

It only seemed perfect to have a Happy Hour birthday celebration for our joint birthday. The first place that came to mind was Besa Grill in Clearwater. Besa is very chic and modern with amazing American-Latin fusion cuisine. They have a daily happy hour from 3pm-7pm with $2 off any glass of wine, cocktail (any brand), domestics, specialty drinks. On Sunday - Thursday, they offer $2 off any appetizers if you are at the bar.

We had a wonderful group of friends join us this evening -Lauren, Leslie, Chris, Rachel and of course Gabe and Justin. Upon arrival, I was very excited to order my first cocktail, a Guava Habanero Margarita (1800 silver, gran gala, guava puree, fresh lime juice, habanero infused simple syrup). This drink is not for the faint of heart. Spicy and sweet and the last sip will get you!

We started off with some scallop ceviche and guacamole trio. The Ceviche changes at Besa, about every three days. I was obsessed with this particular batch. It had amazing flavor and I would love to recreate it at home.

The guacamole was insane - we had 4 different varieties. Traditional, Goat and Bleu Cheese, Corn and Black Bean, and Mango. My favorite of the group was corn and black bean.

Avocado Caprese salad was so spectacular. I am NOT a fan of raw tomatoes but these were beautiful. The mozzarella and avocado were perfect companions.  

Time for drink #2! I got the Cactus Pear Margarita (Cuestion blanco, cointreau, fresh lemon, fresh lime juice, cactus pear puree) and it was delicious. It was gone before I knew it and I wanted another!

Moving onto Flatbread-ville. I truly believe I have fallen in love with a flat bread called Havana Cuban. Cudos to Besa for taking a Tampa classic and turning it into a flatbread. Shaved ham, mojo pork, swiss cheese, pickles, applewood smoked bacon, mustard aioli....simply amazing.

I was also a huge fan of the Chicken and Brie flatbread, consisting of grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, brie cheese, topped with baby arugula salad.

We received two other flatbreads - Smoked Salmon Flatbread!! I am so taking Mom and Hank here for brunch next time they are in town! This is his two loves mixed into one plate

And the classic Margherita Flatbread

My last and final drink choice of the evening was the Cucumber Cilantro Margarita (Corazon blanco tequila, gran gala, fresh cilantro, cucumber, agave nectar, fresh lime juice) and this was my favorite of the three drinks. I am going to recreate this cocktail ASAP.

Then this happened: DUCK NACHO's. They were rich. They were savory. They were amazing. Leslie mentioned they would be the best hangover reliever on earth. That mixed with Besa Grills unlimited $10 mimosa/bloody mary bar on Sunday may make a new location for weekend recovery.

At this point in time, I am full beyond words. Yet a parade of tacos made their way out to the table. We tried every taco offered at Besa and I am sad to say I was too full to even try a bite. Baha Fish Tacos - Crispy rock shrimp, jicama-chayote salsa, napa cabbage, cilantro, crema. Steak and Chicken Tacos with roasted poblanos + onions, pico de gallo, cilantro, cotija cheese, crema. Baja Shrimp Tacos - Crispy rock shrimp, jicama-chayote salsa, napa cabbage, cilantro, crema

I'm done - put a fork in me.....then it happens. The evil D word. Dessert!

Fried Banana Cheesecake

Crème Brulee Flight - chef’s choice of four mini crème brulees. I picked the caramel and it was amazing.

We were also served a huge slice of chocolate cake called the Seven Sins Cake - a godiva infused seven-layered cake, seven different kind of chocolate, chilled milk shot (how cute is the shot of milk!!!).

Thank you Besa for making this a very special night for both of us. We will be back sooner than later. Make sure you check out Besa Grill's Happy Hour if you are in the Bay area!