Ulele Tampa now open for lunch

A few months ago, I had the chance to check out Tampa's newest hot spot Ulele during their media night. Since they opened in September, Ulele has made it's mark in Tampa Heights, right down the street from our Ybor City condo. This Friday, we were looking for somewhere to eat lunch in the Ybor area and I stumbled upon the fact that Ulele is now opened for lunch. While their full dinner menu is available during lunch hours, Ulele's lunch menu is quite impressive. Multiple sandwiches, salads and entree's that will have you jumping out of your office chairs. Make sure you make reservations - we dined at 1:30 and the place was packed.

We couldn't decide on an appetizer, so we got two. Upon walking in the doors, you could smell the butter and garlic from the Charbroiled oysters. It's a smell we are familiar with during our many visits to New Orleans. We ordered the half dozen of charbroiled oysters ($12) and Gabe's 3 were gone before I could blink an eye. Delicious.

We also got one of my favorites - Blistered Shishito Peppers ($5). These little peppers are addictive - you can pop them like french fries and are tossed in sea salt, garlic and olive oil. However, one out of ten are spicy. It's like playing Russian Roulette with peppers.

For our entree's, Gabe and I were torn between two items so we got both and split them. As soon as we saw the Ulele Burger ($12), we had to order it. Their signature burger is made with char-grilled ground short rib, brisket and chuck blend burger. Topped with Wisconsin sharp cheddar, house signature steak sauce, portobello mushrooms, fire-roasted red peppers and fried leeks. I can honestly state that this burger is in my top burger list. While it had a lot going on, the flavors meshed perfectly. My husband is not a fan of fancy burgers and he stated "this may be the best burger I've ever had".

We also ordered the Lobster Roll ($16). If you are a frequent reader of this blog, you know our obsession with Lobster Rolls. Ulele's is made with fresh poached North Atlantic lobster, tossed with garlic, lemon and butter served with a mango citrus aioli, diced vine-ripe tomato (which we had them hold) and most importantly, an authentic New England split-top buttered baguette. The flavors of the Lobster Roll was spot on. I do wish there was more lobster on the bun though. Add a little more lobster to this sandwich and it would be the best Lobster Roll we've had in FL.

Ulele already had a fan in me, but now Gabe is already looking for an excuse to go back for dinner. For those in Tampa who are going to utilize the Coast Bike system, I noticed a bike station in front of Ulele.