Lisa Browder

Can I just tell you how much I loved Mise en Place? Located by Tampa’s downtown college campus, it’s sleek and modern, sophisticated and quiet. The tables are far enough apart that you don’t feel like the next table is taking notes on your conversation and, if that’s not enough, they have a more private dining area in the front of the restaurant. The food is pricey but it’s worth every penny. Adding to the experience was my waiter, Michael. He was personable, knowledgeable, and efficient.

All of the restaurant’s breads are made in-house. I really wanted to sample one of each but knew I’d never finish my meal if I did. I stuck with the onion focaccia. It was damn delicious.

In front of the breadbasket is a dish called “amuse-bouche.” Meant to “wake up the palate” before the meal, it is an hors d’oeuvre presented by the chef. This one had distinct flavors – sweet, salty and very spicy. I loved it, but if you don’t like spicy, you might want to forego it.

Next up? Butternut soup. This was so fabulous I’m surprised they didn’t hear me slurping from the kitchen. Then the branzino entree arrived. Although it was listed with a kale and farrow salad, I’m not a big kale fan. I opted to replace it with potatoes. I don’t think I’ve ever had a more juicy, tender fish entree. It was juicy and light. If you’re one of those people who won’t eat fish if it tastes like fish (in which case it seems to me you’d never eat fish), it would be a great choice.

Interestingly, about halfway through the meal, I noticed there were no condiments on the table. The dishes were so perfectly balanced that it hadn’t occurred to me I might even want any. I thought perhaps that was the point, but Micael said no, a good dining experience involves sight as well as taste and they didn’t want the table to look crowded. I guess it worked.

And then there was dessert. Can you go wrong with affogato and cappuccino? I don’t think so.

It was a perfect meal in a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. It cost me around $75, but if you can’t splurge once in a while, you miss out on some of life’s basic pleasures.

Mise en Place is located at 442 W. Grand Central Ave. in Tampa. Call 813-254-5373 for reservations. They’re open Tues/Wed/Thurs from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Fri/Sat from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. They are closed Sun/Mon.