Let’s Talk “Oak & Ola”
Location: This Euro- American Restaurant is located at the Historic Armature Works Building in Tampa, FL
Service: It’s time for date night! Again, we wanted to try something different. The search began on yelp and we came across Oak & Ola. Of course, reservations were made with just a phone call. Parking at Armature works can be difficult due to the high number of activities going on at the Riverwalk Tampa, so recommend getting there a tad bit early or you can use the valet parking for about $10.00 (advance payment). We walked a few minutes to get to the restaurant and were welcomed with some friendly smiles. We were seated right away on the inside, the host made sure we were seated by the window looking out at Downtown Tampa. Our server, Brad was the man of the night! His friendliness and knowledge of the menu sold us. Throughout the evening, we had the manager checking in on us, which made in my book shows they care about their guests experience. This was the kicker of the night, so apparently the AC broke and the manager began to open the wall window, remember the window where our table was located. I was loving the open area as I love outdoor dining, but my husband that would be a negative 😂. One of the partners and lead chefs, Anne Kearney visited our table and I was honored to have the privilege to meet her and let her know how much I enjoyed every dish we we were served. I would recommend making reservations. Service at Oak & Ola would be rated top-notch in my book!
Food: According to one of the partners and lead chefs Anne Kearney, “Food is love”. The group of friends who own this unique Euro-American restaurant believes in creating culinary excellence for all of their guests. They truly did on our date night. Our server Brad’s recommendations were on point. I ordered the Wilted Brussel Sprouts as an appetizer- applewood smoked bacon, charred red onions & apple cider vinegar, this dish was to die for. For my entree I ordered the Onglet- 8oz Hanger steak, over roasted beets, topped with Life Farms pea shoots, Carbarnet Sauvignon-shallot vinaigrette, and blue cheese crumbles. This dish melted in the mouth. Hubby on the other hand ordered another one of Brad’s selections, the Gulf Fish Amandine- Pan-seared Yellowtail Snapper, on the side lemon-almond brown butter, haricots verts. He enjoyed his dish as well. You know we always to end the date with something sweet, so on behalf of Executive Chef Anne, we were served an English Toffee Cake on a plate that looked like it came directly from my grandma’s china cabinet. The dessert was 😋 “divine” and melted in our mouths. This dessert was light and topped with vanilla ice cream. To say it was made with dates, I could not even tell. One of the best desserts, I’ve eaten by far!
Ambience: The restaurant is located in the historic building of Armature Works in North Seminole Heights. The layout of the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating. The decor has an industrial style with an open concept, the pendant lights and chandeliers added a special touch to the decor. The location of the open kitchen and the bar in the center of the restaurant was a unique touch to this open space. I would say the European and American style was truly incorporated into the theme of the restaurant. The music was not too loud. The restaurant had a constant flow of guests. This a great place for a date night with you and your special someone or a double date or group date! Love the fact, that where we sat we were able to see the downtown area of Tampa and part of the Riverwalk. Again, Thank you Oak & Ola for a great and unique date night!
Price: $$$$
A Dash of Encouragement: Oak & Ola presents you with the touch of uniqueness. From the service; to the food all the way to the dining experience. This made me think of the word unique and what comes to mind is how each of us is uniquely hand-crafted by God to do something specific to benefit others and to draw them into His love. Each dish was uniquely created for each guest to feel the love of the chef’s cooking. Our assignments are to make others feel loved and appreciated and to share what you are created to do and be with someone else. My question to you is, are you being selfish with your assignment or are you using it to bring someone else joy? I would challenge us to use our unique gifts or assignments for others. Some people like to get ahead as long as others remain below them, I say this is a selfish act. It’s totally awesome for everyone to see others doing great, and your gift or assignment could be part of their growth journey! No competition! Like Anne and her partners, they are giving to others their unique “food is love” mission! What’s your mission?
A Dash of Life, Laughter & Love!
