By Shannon

Tampa’s first official Foodspotting event took place at Datz  last Thursday evening.  It was quite the event, full of photos, libations, a few of Datz signature dishes and sneak previews of things to come!  Each course was spectacular, wonderfully executed and very thought-out….not a surprise because that’s just how Datz does it.  Now on to the hunger inducing photos:

And the Foodspotting began…

The event took place on Datz’ covered outdoor patio, nestled between Datz and Dough – it’s soon to be sister home of baked goods and artisan coffees.   Keep reading on as behind the scenes drool-worthy footage of this soon-to-be new hotspot is included …

Course 1 : Figgy Salad

Baby spinach, dried mission figs, Point Reyes blue cheese, Nueske’s applewood smoked bacon, red onions, pumpkin seeds, warm bacon vinaigrette

A salad with sweet, salty and savory notes is always a winner in my book – this fit that description to a T!

Prickly Pear Mimosa

Sparkling wine, tangerine-mandarin puree, prickly pear cactus syrup, kiwi & prickly pear cactus pate de fruit garnish

This is what a mimosa on steroids tastes like and please be warned that after one of these bad boys a plain old mimosa will no longer satisfy.

 Next we ventured on to the “Gluttonous Delights”

Mac Bites

Jalapeno and crispy Benton’s Tennessee hickory smoked bacon mac-n-cheese with sriracha aioli

These delicious balls of happiness are a MUST ORDER when you visit Datz – just believe me and do it

When Pigs Fly

the Datz bacon flite: featuring Benton’s Tennessee hickory smoked bacon, jowl bacon, back bacon, peppered bacon & Nueske’s applewood smoked bacon served with balsamic glaze, maple syrup, red chili pepper jam, and Vosges chocolate

A flight of bacon, need I say more???

Our next pair of courses took us to the deep south Datz style…

Creole Shrimp and Grits

Gulf shrimp, spicy Creole sauce, Anson Mills antebellum white grits, smoked gouda, sautéed spinach

Honey Badger

Buffalo Trace bourbon, fresh lemon, Datz local honey syrup

I’ve had the opportunity to try this cocktail a few times, and as someone who typically leans towards drinks with a clear liquor base I have been pleasantly surprised with how the honey and lemon transformed this bourbon drink into quite the palate-pleaser.

Waffles–n-Tweet

boneless fried chicken, cheddar Belgian waffles, sautéed spinach, jalapeno-maple syrup

Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale

Beer aged for up to 6 weeks in freshly decanted bourbon barrels

 Beer me!  The Kentucky Bourbon Barrle Ale was a perfect choice to serve alongside the Waffles-n-tweet.

“Classics our way”

Havana Hottie

Datz housemade Mojo pulled pork, baked ham, Swiss cheese, honeycup mustard, served on hot house-baked batard

 Datz’ interpretation of the Cuban Sandwich. I will admit that although it is one of the less authentic versions around town (if not the least), it is without question in both Todd and my top 5 all-time favorite Cubans.

Crunchy Grilled Cheese

Extra sharp cheddar & quick pickled cabbage/carrots/zucchini sautéed in sesame oil, served on grilled, sesame-crusted, house-baked sourdough

Yes Please!  Grilled cheese has always been one of my favorite sandwiches, and was about the only thing I would eat as a child.   I loved the addition of crunchy pickled veggies and the use of sourdough bread.  This sammie was a sneak peak of a new menu item to appear in the next few weeks.

Barrel Aged El Presidente

photo by Jodi Fritch – Tampa Bay Wine Woman

Pritchards Crystal Rum, aged for 3 months in bourbon barrels in Datz’ wine cellar.  This artisan Cuban cocktail was another sneak peak of things coming to the menu soon.  Sweet, flavorful and deceivingly strong – this just may be my new favorite night cap.

 “Sweet Finish^2”

Housemade Gelato

lavender-honey, red velvet, salted curry caramel

Made in-house, this gelato was incredible!  I’m excited to see what flavors Datz comes up with next.

Hot Doughnut Experience

Doughnut making (& eating!) next door at Dough

So many topping choices… After sampling each and loving them all, I opted for the classic glaze – MMMmmm.  Tampa get ready for Dough – it’s going to completely knock your socks off!!

Oh and if you’re looking for catering of any kind – Datz’ has a division called “Dazzle” that does just that.  I don’t know about you, but if I heard of a wedding being catered by Datz – there would definitely be some crashing going on…

Not to my surprise at all, Datz had done it again!  This meal was one to remember, leaving me more than full and ready for bed – where I knew dreams of warm doughnuts would be visiting me soon!

Datz is located at 2616 South MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL