Bazille at Nordstroms, International Plaza

I love going out to lunch with friends. There is nothing better than an extended lunch out, especially when great company, food and cocktails are involved.

For the past two years, Nordstrom Bistro at International Plaza Mall has been one of my favorite go to lunch spots. Wayne, one of my first friends in Tampa introduced me to this spot and anytime we wanted to do lunch at International Plaza Mall, he suggested the Bistro. Fast forward and Nordstrom Bistro has been remodeled and renamed to Bazille. Thankfully for the Bistro fans, Bazille kept a few signature items on their menu while adding some new additions. They also offer an extended craft cocktail menu (YAY). 

Post remodel and rebranding, I was very happy to learn that the Warm Asian Glazed Chicken Salad was left on the menu. My friend Katie and I frequent Bazille and we both love this salad. It consists of Szechuan glazed chicken breast, julienne vegetables, crisp wontons, cilantro, mandarin oranges, toasted almonds and ginger sesame dressing. It is one of my favorite salads ever.

One of my new favorite starters has to be Caprese Bruschetta, toasted rustic bread, seasonal tomatoes, burrata cheese, spicy basil vinaigrette, fleur de sel, balsamic reduction. I adore anything with burrata cheese. This bruschetta made me reflect on the many times I have turned my nose up to tomatoes over the years. I am glad I have decided to sorta like them :)

If you like pizza, you MUST try the Rustic Vegetable & Three Cheese Pizza. You cannot go wrong with this combo: roasted artichokes, sautéed organic baby spinach, wild mushrooms, oven-roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, aged provolone and parmesan cheeses, fresh basil. This is an insanely good pizza, plus the veggies make you feel less guilty!

On my last visit, I ventured out and tried the Roasted Chicken and Goat Cheese Panini. This amazing sandwich consist of natural roast chicken, goat cheese spread, aged provolone cheese, oven-roasted tomatoes, organic arugula, dijon balsamic vinaigrette and lemon chive aïoli on grilled rustic bread. Do you see the purple sauce in between the sandwich and french fries? That would be kalamata olive aïoli!! AMAZING.

Back in the day before the remodel, I always got a nice glass of chardonnay or pinot grigio with lunch. Now there are more options.

While not on the menu, Bazille has my lover, Moscow Mule. Copper mug and all. If you know me personally, you are aware of my love affair for this cocktail and it did not disappoint. The ginger beer was the correct amount of spice to go along with the vodka and lime concoction.

I also loved what I believe is to be called the Rent Check cocktail. Unfortunately, Bazille does not have their cocktail menu online. Going off of memory, a silver tequilla with muddled watermelon and possibly some spice? All I know is that it was quickly consumed with high praises.

Bazille is a great place to go have lunch or dinner while shopping at International Plaza. Luckily for us, Bazille is now taking reservations on Open Table - much better than waiting in line like it used to be. I strongly encourage reservations for those looking to dine here.