Tampa’s Del Frisco's Grille is tucked away in a prime location across from International Mall. It has been open for five years, and if you haven’t yet been there, I highly recommend it.
I went there for lunch to see what all the hype was about. Del Frisco’s has a stylish and modern interior, with a beautiful outdoor patio downstairs and a lovely rooftop deck. The professionally-dressed staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable.
General Manager Laura Sabbagh walked me through the menu. “The cheeseburger, steakhouse burger, and the shaved-steak sandwich are popular lunch items,” she said. She raved about the shaved-steak sandwich and, upon her suggestion, that was what I chose. The sandwich did not disappoint and lived up to expectations. The steak is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. It comes on an artisan French roll, which is the best bread for it, as it holds up well and doesn’t get soggy. The au jus smells delicious and is an equally mouth-watering dipping complement. I decided on frites for my side; they were perfectly seasoned and came nestled in a tin holder. The frites, by the way, are hand-cut and available in classic and Parmesan style.
There are options sure to delight any appetite. Their signature steaks, filet mignon, prime New York strip, and prime rib eye are gluten-free. There is a variety of seafood options from the Mediterranean shrimp bowl to salmon with roasted asparagus, and fresh haddock fish tacos. Salad options are a-plenty whether you want an entrée size or as a side.
Aaron Henschen is the executive chef who helps make all this deliciousness possible. “Aaron has been with the company Del Frisco Restaurant Group for 15 years and has been a chef here for two years,” Sabbagh said. “He really knows what he’s doing. It’s great to have him back there.”
In addition to the delectable eats that Henschen is cooking up for the Del Frisco clientele, a big draw comes on Friday nights when there is live music. “We have 10 performers that rotate,” said Sabbagh. “One of them is Julliard-trained on the guitar.”
Sabbagh says the most popular days for lunch are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The restaurant also attracts a good crowd for Saturday and Sunday brunch.
Del Frisco's Grille values your time more than anything! You are always welcome for a visit. So, the next time you're looking for an unforgettable lunch experience, be sure to check out Del Frisco Grille. Your stomach will thank you!
Cover photo courtesy of Del Frisco's Grille Facebook
