When Stella Bella, from Nice, France highly recommends a French restaurant, you should take her at her word. Such was the case with So Gourmet, the new French restaurant on the scene in Tampa Bay. Tres magnifique!! The lines (which will be well worth waiting in) will be out the door and around the block, once the word gets out about this restaurant!
I wanted my friend, Stella Bella to join me, but she was called at the last moment to her volunteer role at the Children's Cancer Center. So, I took my mother along for a mother/daughter luncheon. I am SO glad I did! Imagine my surprise when I pulled up to the location and realized So Gourmet had replaced an old neighborhood Spanish fav, Nuervo Cafe.
Newly opened in July, 2015, I knew I would enjoy So Gourmet's culinary delights from the moment I walked in the door. I was greeted by a window case of exquisite French pastries and sandwiches. And these were just the to-go items.
The menu reads like an authentic French bistro. Our order consisted of French onion soup, potato & ham soup, Croque Monsieur, and Daily Burger - which was a burger topped with thin sliced chorizo sausage and a fried egg.
Let's start with the French onion soup. THE BEST I've ever tasted! It is not the typical French onion soup you're accustomed to. This has a light touch of cream and such a wonderful aroma and flavor. I'm hooked! The potato ham soup was just as tasty, but with a heavier cream consistency. Ah...the Croque Monsieur. Ham, bechamel sauce, emmental cheese on soft, sourdough bread. (Your mouth watering yet?) But, wait! The Daily Burger...juicy, perfectly seasoned and can I say the word juicy again?! For most of my adult life, I have tried to find a burger as tasty and delicious as Blue's hamburger joint in Pensacola, FL from my early childhood. Eureka! It's at So Gourmet!! I can only imagine how delectable the the quiche, tartes, croissants and the rest of menu tastes.
Save room, if you can, for dessert. If not, take it home later for a special treat. Tartlettes, eclairs, macarons and other tempting treats are there to awaken your sweet tooth.
While waiting for our order, mom and I admired the transformation of the interior decor. Sleek and modern, So Gourmet used the contrasting colors of black, grey and vibrant orange to decorate this casual dining space. Track lighting and a wine wall display adds to the ambiance.
Pricing is reasonable. Our dining feast, including one dessert to share came to $40.00 without drinks. A bargain, for a meal worthy of the most upscale gourmet restaurant in Tampa. All products are homemade and cooked on site. Did I mention they will be offering delivery service soon? So Gourmet opens at 6am for breakfast and closes at 10pm every day.
Are you in Tampa and still sitting down? Get up and head over to So Gourmet NOW!
5 Aprons-Golden Apron Award
So Gourmet
3301 S. Dale Mabry
Tampa, Florida 33629
www.sogourmetbakery.com
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