Michael's Next Door...A New Twist
on an Old Favorite
Over the last few years, Carrollwood Village has embraced Michael’s Grill with an enthusiasm normally reserved for places like Bern’s Steak House. Michael and Andrea Riley have proven that you can’t give people enough of a good thing. Now, right next door to the original Michael’s is Michael’s Next Door. The food all comes from the same kitchen, but this intimate little space is more of a wine bar and quick lunch spot.
First time, I went for lunch with a friend. She had a "fresh pressed" panini sandwich of turkey, brie and pear chutney, $6.99, one of six selections at the same price. Of course, it was toothsome, as is most everything that comes out of that kitchen. Other paninis include roast chicken and black olive with basil aoli and tuna salad, Swiss and baby spinach. I plan to eventually work my way through the whole list. "Are you still working on that?"
I contemplated ordering a chicken and bean burrito with brown rice, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese, $6.99. Then I considered a fancy Waldorf salad,$ 8.99; with jumbo lump crabmeat, $12.95. But the salad of greens, black beans, avocado, tomatoes, mango and chicken, $8.99, won out. I should have ordered the dressing on the side, however.
The second time we were seated there for dinner, as part of an over-flow crowd on a Friday night at 8 o’clock. It seemed a bit quieter than the main room; as there were seven of us, that was a real advantage. This time we again dipped into the dinner menu, with three of our group choosing the special filet with Maytag blue cheese, $31.00. I had veal Marsala, 22.00, a perennial favorite; George had a yummy pasta dish, $18.00.And the other two ordered a la carte appetizers stuffed mushrooms, 8.50; crab-cakes, 11.50; and a bowl of She-crab Bisque, $7.00, which I guarantee to be the best anywhere.
I have no doubt that Michael and Andrea will work out any kinks, and triumph here as well as next door. The other day I ran into somebody in the Village who’d never been to Michael’s, a rarity, I’m sure. Admittedly, it is rather costly to dine here in the evening, especially if you order a superb red wine, which my brother did for us. But from the size of the crowd, price doesn’t seem to be keeping folks away.
Bon Appetit!
Sandra Harrington
