The Tampa Style Magazine staff was recently invited to experience the all new Social Hour menu at the incredible Council Oak Steaks & Seafood at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. The Social Hour menu, which is available seven days a week between 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. in the Council Oak Lounge, did not disappoint.  

Chef Francisco Pomalaza, chef de cuisine at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, developed the menu to reflect the restaurant’s elegant plating and classic new American flavors. The menu consists of six “Signature Bites,” as well as three classic cocktails and five distinctive wines by the glass. 

“We are excited to introduce these inventive new dishes to Council Oak,” says Dawn Lazo, Vice President of Food & Beverage at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. “Each one features a modern take on classic flavors, which is something our chefs have become known for over the last 10 years.”

Each menu item reflects the classic, fresh flavors guests have come to love at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood. The Grilled Brioche & Mushroom Toast topped with truffle crème fraîche and savory Manchego cheese with pickled shallots and micro chive, and towering Fried Green Tomato Caprese Stack layered with burrata crème and drizzled with cilantro-spinach pesto and roasted red pepper jam, are excellent vegetarian-friendly options. 

The restaurant’s prime meats and seafood offerings are also on display for Social Hour. The Grilled Beef Tenderloin Skewers served with blended herb chimichurri and crispy shallots, as well as the Council Oak Meatball marinated in house made marinara and served with Parmigiano Reggiano, both feature Council Oak’s dry-aged beef. Guests will enjoy Chef Pomalaza’s Korean-style take on BBQ Kurobuta Pork Belly with sweet kimchi glaze, parsnip chips and refreshing cucumber slaw. For a taste of the fresh seafood on offer, the Skuna Bay Salmon Tartare is a raw preparation with three citrus dressing, pickled red onions, citrus crème fraiche and crispy potato skin that showcases the freshness of the Vancouver Island fish.

Wine Dinner Series

Council Oaks Steaks & Seafood has also announced additional dates and featured wineries for their exceptional 2019 wine dinner series, which runs through the spring. Future dates include March 13 (Orin Swift Cellars), and April 17 (Penfolds).

Tickets are available for purchase by calling 813-627-6630. Learn more about Council Oak Steaks & Seafood at SeminoleHardRockTampa.com