76 ENTERTAINMENT | dishing it out Beachwood: An Impressive Addition to Seafood Options A few months ago, I lost count of how many people suggested I check out this new seafood place opening on Tampa Road. BY BRIE GORECKI ntrigued and knowing that our area sushi or a regular I could definitely use a good, upscale entrée as your seafood restaurant, I followed them on main course. Facebook to keep track of their opening For our date. After seeing (and drooling over) their entrees, I ordered posted pictures of dishes they would be two sushi rolls and serving, I knew I had to pay them a visit. my dining partner Beachwood Seafood Kitchen and ordered the Fresh Bar officially opened in early August in Grouper ($26.50). the space that formerly housed Suegra The grouper Tequila Cantina and before that, City consisted of a pan asparagus were topped with roe, kabuyaki Fish. The atmosphere is serene, deco- seared serving of black grouper on top of sauce, and spicy aioli. I’m typically not rated in clean shades of grays and blues a white cheddar potato pancake (a larger a fan of tempura rolls, but the server with nautical accents. My dining partner version of what the scallop appetizer assured me that roll was very lightly fried and I visited on a Wednesday evening consisted of), topped with citrus beurre and nothing like a typical tempura roll. and were seated immediately. Our waiter blanc sauce and served alongside sautéed I’m glad I took her suggestion because it greeted us shortly after and explained the spinach. The grouper was delicious. The was delicious. The blend of flavors were menus to us. Their food and wine menus sauce was light and refreshing and the fantastic and even though it was lightly were extensive and, although seafood is fish was fresh and perfectly cooked. My fried, it still tasted very fresh and the spicy their specialty, there were plenty of meat, dining partner, who is usually not a fan sauce on top had just a hint of heat to it chicken, and vegetarian options such of spinach, agreed that it was tasty and rather than being too spicy. as filet mignon, lamb chops, and truffle flavorful and not bitter, as spinach can We were both too full to even think risotto. sometimes be. about dessert, but I will definitely We decided to start with the Pan In addition to their regular menu, they remember to save room for either the Seared Scallops ($13.50) and Poke Trio also have a separate sushi menu, which Nutella Marshmallow Pops or the Rice ($23.50). Colossal scallops were perfectly includes basic rolls, sashimi, and specialty Krispy Skillet next time. Their drink menu seared and set on top of crispy white rolls. Since everything sounded so good, I includes a variety of local craft beers, cheddar potato cakes accompanied by a asked the server for her recommendations wines, and specialty cocktails, and you generous portion of creamy lobster sauce. and she suggested the Keto Crazy Roll can get daily happy hour prices at the bar The scallops were buttery and flavorful ($16.50) and the Molokai Lava Drops Roll from 4-6:30 p.m. and the potato cakes were perfectly crisp ($14.90). The Keto Crazy Roll was stuffed What we both noticed was how on the outside and creamy on the inside. with pastrami seasoned tuna, sprouts, impressive the presentation of the dishes The poke trio consisted of spicy ginger lump crab meat, cucumber, avocado and were, in addition to how wonderful they salmon, ahi tuna with mango and avo- kimchee, and served with a honey garlic tasted. You could tell they take pride in cado, and the chef’s daily special, which miso sauce and a kabuyaki sauce (Side the quality of what they serve and how was squid and lightly pickled vegetables. note: I’m not on the Keto diet). I loved the they serve it. Welcoming us to the restau- The fish tasted very fresh and the portion unique flavor of the tuna using the pas- rant, the manager even walked around size was even big enough for us to save trami seasoning and the honey garlic miso and spoke to each table. Overall, this was some to take home. It’s the perfect size to sauce was so good that I could’ve eaten an excellent experience and I really do share and a great way to get your sushi fix it with a spoon. The Molokai Lava Drops hope that Beachwood survives since they if you’re having trouble deciding between Roll was the standout for me. Crispy ahi are a wonderful (and delicious) addition to tuna, crab, cream cheese, scallions, and our area. GET THE DISH! 4022 Tampa Rd., Oldsmar, FL 34677 Beachwood Kitchen and Seafood Bar Hours: Mon-Thu, 4-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 4-11 p.m.; Sun, 4-9 p.m. WOW | OCTOBER 2019 1019-D_62-81.indd 76 9/18/2019 2:54:55 PM.