{Restaurant Review} Timpanos Italian Chophouse

(Pictured left to right: Mega Yummo, me, Tasty Chomps, Forkful.net, Droolius, and Alexia and Brielle)

In late January I was invited to dine at Timpanos Italian Chophouse with fellow bloggers. It had been at least 5+ years since the last time I had visited Timpanos, and I was excited to have the opportunity to dine their once again. There are four Timpano's location; three in Florida and one in Maryland. The best way to describe Timpanos is Pasta meets Steaks. You can have the best of both worlds at this restaurant. As stated on the website, "Timpano Italian Chophouse offers a menu that marries award winning cuisine with a combination of steaks, chops, and pastas."

We started our evenings off with two signature martini's. 

Pear-Fect Martini, Grey Goose Pear, Lime Juice and pear Puree. Topped with Castello del Poggio Mascato di Asti and garnished with a pear slice. By far one of the most amazing martini's I've tried in a long time and I officially rank this in my top 3 martini's of all time list! 

The Big City Cosmopolitan, Grey Goose Orange, Citrone, Cranberry Juice, and Fresh Lime. 

After we received our martini's we were immediately brought fresh baked bread accompanied by a sun dried tomato oil. I could have easily made a meal out of just the bread alone! 

We tried a wide variety of appetizers, of course prior to eating everyone had to photograph the food. Have you ever been to dinner with a food blogger? Try, five food bloggers, and the customers tend to think that their is a celebrity in the room--that would be the food! During our course we had the opportunity to meet Executive Chef, Patrick Quakenbush. He joined Timpanos in 2009. Growing up with an Air Force family he was exposed to exotic foods at a young age. "Chef Quak" studied Restaurant Management at Ohio State University, and soon after moved to Florida  where he was a sous chef at Planet Hollywood preparing meals for over 6,000 customers daily. Chef Patrick was hospitable and eager to tell us about the food and answer all of our questions. 

Prince Edward Island (PEI) Mussels, these mussels are smoked on a hot skillet with sea salt and olive oil. This is one of the most popular appetizers that Timpanos sells on a daily basis.

Deconstructed Bruchetta, Burrata Mozzarella, sliced cherry tomatoes, grilled onions, garlic, and ciabatta. 

Tuscan Flat Bread, sweet Italian sausage, mozzarella, arugala, and mushrooms. My husband loved this flat bread and was so happy that the plate happened to be right infront of him. He could have had this as his meal. 

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, these mini cakes were served with basil and sriracha aioli. 

Meatballs, a mix of veal, pork, beef and pancetta served with ciabatta croutons and marinara sauce. 

After all the wonderful appetizers it was time for our main course. We had the option between, Braised Veal Rigatoni Pasta, Braised beef Short Ribs, Mixed Grill of the Day, and Crispy Chicken Breast. 

Although I'm not a big meat eater, I was in the mood for meat that evening. I went with the Braised Beef Short Ribs. The beef short ribs are braised for 4 hours in cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel, and veal stock and are served with parmesan risotto and tomato fondu.

My husband went with the Mixed Grill of the Day, which consisted of a 6oz. Filet mignon served with whipped mashed potatoes and our catch of the day; corvina. The corvina was served with lemon, caper butter and green beans.

We also were brought out a wide variety of side dishes. Pictured above is the Mac & Cheese with truffles. We also had the sauteed fresh broccolini, sauteed asparagus, garlic whipped mashed potatoes, and herbed wedged potatoes. 

Of course no meal is complete with out indulging on a dessert. We were brought out four massive desserts for all of us to try.

Crème brûlée, topped with fresh berries. 

Homemade Tiramisu, this huge portion is definitely fit for 4 (or maybe 2 really hungry patrons just stopping by for wine and dessert). You'll find ;ayers of coffee and rum mousse in between lady fingers

and chocolate sauce.

Homemade Cheesecake, New York style served with a generous serving of black cherries. 

The Homemade Chocolate Mousse Cake looks as decadent as it tastes! I can promise that. This cake is stacked with three layers of lite and dark chocolate mousse between between moist chocolate cake served with homemade oreo ice cream. 

If you live in Central Florida or are visiting from out of town you must stop by Timpano's to enjoy their martini's, pastas, and steaks! Don't miss out on the daily happy hour specials located at the bar area every day from 5pm to 7pm. You can indulge on half off (select) martinis, cocktails, and wine by the glass. 

Disclaimer: I was provided the meal for free; however, my words are my own.