Ulele’s Restaurant, Tampa

Thank you and Emily Minton  for hosting our event and showing us the hospitality and quality we know our guests will receive when dining with you at Ulele

I can only begin by describing the amazing evening at Ulele’s – a Tuesday night and not a single seat empty by 7:30 PM!!   I also want to thank the event staff for keeping us well hydrated and for keeping our hunger at bay, everyone was quick and efficient and above all courteous and kind.

The evening could not have been more perfect as we arrived just before sunset along the waterside.  The near-cloudless sky, the gorgeous bright orange/red sunset and the cool breeze and the view alongside the Hillsborough River set the tone for a relaxing evening and kept everyone in our group, including your patrons eager to sit outside, to enjoy the beautiful view.  The house-made craft brews and wine were refreshing and were flowing, much like the spring the restaurant gets its namesake, supplying more than just refreshment.  What I found most intriguing was the passion Vincent expressed for his location and the rich history of not only the building in which it resides (the waterworks that supplied Tampa and Ybor City) but the history of the family that founded it.  Thank you again Vincent for sharing the story behind the culture Richard Gonzmart and his family have maintained for 100 years in our wonderful city of Tampa.

If the weather and setting was not enough, let’s talk about the fabulous food!!  I now know why Ulele sells more oysters than any other restaurant or chain of restaurants in the Tampa Bay area.  The chaffing tray was emptied almost immediately and I almost was afraid not to wait for the staff to replenish as I did not want to miss the chance to have just 1 more.  Now most people aren’t familiar with eating alligator, but if you haven’t tried it, the Gator Bites wrapped in hush puppy batter will make anyone crave them and to look at alligators in a whole new yummy way.  Now that was just to start; the fresh green beans, the Gouda Grouper and the Skirt Steak Chimichurri rounded out the meal ever so elegantly.  The gift box of delicious truffles, not to undermine the fantastic meal or the other gifts, was such as special treat that I am still thinking about them as I write this, days after my last bite.  Rich, creamy and oh so melt in your mouth, I cannot wait to have another, if can hide them from my spouse that is.. J

I also wish to thank our presenters for speaking to our members about their new and amazing services: Kristina and her Candleroses concept was unique and definitely unlike anything we have seen, offering a hypoallergenic option for those that typically cannot enjoy the scent of a rose is genius – too often the options for those with allergies goes without consideration.  Also, as Kristina stated, these are great ways to advertise and network to new clientele that won’t be tossed away as would be live roses within 3 days.

Thanks again Emily for all your hard work putting this event together and for yours and Vincent’s Tremendous Generosity & Hospitality!