Anchor And Brine: Dining At Its Best On Water Street Marriott

BY KIMBERLY McAVOY

This was Tampa Bay Food Tour's second recent visit to the adjoined downtown Tampa properties JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and Tampa Marriott Water Street.

This world-class brand is reshaping the Water Street landscape and the downtown Tampa experience.

Today we are visiting with Chris Adkins, director of sales and marketing, to learn more and to enjoy an evening dining at Anchor and Brine.

The original flagship Marriott property in downtown Tampa has long been an anchor (pun intended) hotel to the ever-evolving Tampa Riverwalk. With recent renovations and the addition of the expansive outdoor dining option of Anchor and Brine, it shines brighter than ever.

The reinvention of the merged properties introduces several new culinary experiences. All the restaurant properties (JW's Driftlight and Six featured in a previous post) are guided by Joseph Pankrath, executive chef. His menus are full of unique dishes, accented with seasonal flavors and local ingredients of the Tampa Bay region.

The Water Street property has undergone extensive remodeling and the updated lobby is stunning.

The outdoor Riverwalk space of Anchor and Brine is sexy and cool. Stylish, comfy seating with gas fireplaces overlook the boats and the activity on the water.

We started with some of their creative and delicious handcrafted cocktails.

The Hemingway: Havana Club Rum, Luxardo, Fresh Grapefruit and Fresh Lime

I know I had to look up Luxardo liqueur. Obtained from the marasca, a sour cherry variety exclusively cultivated by Luxardo, it is one of the very few liqueurs in the world produced by distillation. The distillate is allowed to mature for two years in Finnish ash wood vats and is then diluted and sugared.

Violet: Hendrick's Midsummer Solstice Gin, Creme de Violet, Luxcardo, Prosecco and Fresh Lemon

Tomato Conch Chowder was the soup of the day so I do not have a run-down on all the ingredients. I can attest to the depth of the flavor achieved from an abundance of fresh veggies and a savory rich broth.

Burrata: Marinated Watermelon, Tomato, Pistachio and Black Garlic Vinaigrette

There are lots of creative ways that chefs are showcasing Burrata. Burrata is an Italian cow milk cheese (occasionally buffalo milk) made from mozzarella and cream. The outer casing is solid cheese, while the inside contains stracciatella and cream, giving it an unusual, soft texture. This dish excels at showcasing the star ingredient.

Parker House Rolls with Cultured Butter and Organic Honey

Parker House rolls are named after the Boston Parker House Hotel where they first originated during the 1870s. Legend has it that a disgruntled hotel baker threw a batch of unfinished rolls into the oven after an altercation with a hotel guest. The rolls are a staple at many a family dinner so to us they are as nostalgic as they are heavenly.

Grouper Sandwich with Jalapeno Aioli, Tomato, Arugula on a Brioche Bun

Grouper sandwiches are a mainstay on Florida menus. Anchor & Brine's is a top contender.

Seared Scallops with Roasted Cauliflower Puree, Garbanzo Beans, Chorizo Cassoulet, Poblano Emulsion and Pomegranate Seeds

This dish was as beautiful as it was delicious. Lots of noteworthy flavors and textures come together for a perfect bite.

Anchor and Brine's desserts were very memorable and you should plan ahead to make sure and save room.

Mango Bunuelos with Mango Cinnamon Crème and Horchata Sauce

Bunuelos are a dessert made from fried dough covered in cinnamon sugar. The sauce that accompanies this fried delight is a creamy dipping sauce reimagined from the rice- (or coconut) based horachata drink.

Sweet Potato Brownie with Burnt Marshmallow Ice Cream, Honey Cookie Crunch and Orange Salted Caramel

This dessert was very unique with complex flavor combinations that sang.

I mentioned the adjoining property of JW previously and feel this is the right time to bring up the shared amenities. Marriott has a day pass available where you can enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness center, gorgeous rooftop pool, world-class spa and, of course, the restaurants without an overnight stay. That said, this is a perfect overnight staycation spot for locals wanting to see what all the excitement in downtown Tampa and Water Street is about.

Visit soon and please be sure to tell them that www.TampaBayFoodTours.com (food tours in downtown St. Pete, Tampa and Dunedin) sent you. Join the delicious fun.

See related stories:

• Plum Delicious Southern Cooking At Splitsville At Sparkman Wharf
• New Brunch Menu Introduced At Jotoro's At Sparkman Wharf
• Casa Santa Stefano Is A Local Treasure
• JW Marriott Water Street Showcases Design, Function, New Eatery