Harbour Island's
Café Dufrain

Secluded from the stresses of day to day life in downtown Tampa, Café Dufrain is only a trolley ride away to a unique spot where many businessmen, local residents, and loyal fans gather for a casual waterfront dining experience. Located within the Post apartments on Harbour Island, this restaurant has become a well-known establishment due to their delectable contemporary menu, live musical entertainment, monthly wine tastings, free wireless internet access, and pet-friendly patio facing the skylines of the city. After opening in February 2003, owner Andrew Bonnemort has transformed the once deli style service to a sit down establishment with options ranging from a lighter fare of sandwiches and salads along with gourmet style pizzas, to entrees including Mango Lump Crab Crusted Snapper, and Baked Chicken Rigatoni Pasta.

As we first walked in the door, we immediately felt welcome by the friendly greeting of the waiters as they sat us down on the crowded outside patio directly across the water from the St. Pete Times Forum. The walls inside are vibrant with color and covered in original artwork, while the tables are decorated with vivid orange and yellow daisies. After reviewing the menu of creative culinary dishes, we decided to start with the Tuna Tataki - seared tuna covered with toasted sesame seeds on the outside and a wasabi and soy reduction sauce drizzled on top, all sitting upon a bed of Japanese seaweed ($8). I strongly suggest their Latin Grilled Shrimp Salad consisting of avocado, tomatoes, crispy plaintain sticks, black beans and sweet corn tossed in their roasted poblano vinaigrette ($11). Their grilled portabella sandwich, a perfect option for light eaters, overflowed with zucchini, yellow squash, tomato and herbed goat cheese served on focaccia bread ($7). We also sampled their individual sized Mediterranean Pizza with a thin, lightly crisp crust, topped with herbed oil, artichokes, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, roasted garlic, feta and parmesan cheese ($11).

Café Dufrain’s location along a channel of the Tampa Bay, and their unique flare for combining Contemporary, American and Fusion cuisine is the reason why this restaurant is notable throughout the South Tampa community. Next time you are in the area and looking for a great place to dine, I highly recommend making your way to this cozy spot nestled in the heart of Harbour Island. Not only is it a remarkable place to dine for a speedy business lunch, but would be a perfect night out with friends or a romantic gourmet dinner for two on the water.

707 Harbor Post Drive, Harbour Island
275-9701
www.cafedufrain.com
6/6/2005

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