Urban Tide: Chef Jared Sets New Bar for Sensational Seafood in @HyattOrlando

As Orlando continues to be in the spotlight as a destination with world-class dining options, a burgeoning local brewery scene, and entertainment options that go well beyond the theme parks, Hyatt Regency Orlando continues to increase its offerings for both leisure and business travelers. The former Napa restaurant has transitioned into Urban Tide which offers diners a modern twist on local Florida seafood favorites.

Recently we had the pleasure of experiencing this tantalizing makeover spearheaded by Chef Jared Gross. Chef Jared derives inspiration from Florida’s local sustainable seafood, using unique flavors to create signature dishes with his modern twist, and most impressively, in efforts to keep the carbon footprint down, he uses local farmers and producers, approximately 75% at Urban Tide.

A minimalist menu, food thoughtfully sourced, carefully served. We commenced our dining experience with signature sweet and savory hand-crafted cocktails using quality liquor and only the freshest ingredients from their bar. Rocks Burning: Ketel One Orange Vodka, Serrano Pepper, Orange & Cranberry Juice and Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice and Blue Rock: Van Gogh Acai Blueberry Vodka, VeeV Açai Liqueur, Pomegranate/Blueberry Juice and Fresh Blueberries, accented with a touch of Thyme. A tantalizing start to our evening, if I may say so.

Mille grazie (thousand thanks) to The Bokeh Studio for capturing these drool-worthy photographs of our decadent dining experience.

Red Spruce Farms Aged Cheddar Biscuits: burnt onion jam, pimento spread. Chef Jared had me drooling at aged cheddar; rest was simply gravy. Soulfully warm, salty, and tangy; served with sweet onion jam and savory pimento spread – its the kind of biscuit which will be haunting your dreams for nights.

 

Ceviche – Citrus Marinated Florida Grouper, Serrano Spiked Rock Shrimp. The citrus and chili sparked flavors are just what the doctor ordered to refresh ourselves from Central Florida sweltering temperatures or just cause you relish Chef Jared’s glamorous version of ceviche served with house made chips.

 

Five Spice Seared Rare Sushi Grade Tuna – green bamboo rice risotto, lemon grass vinaigrette. Oh the sweet addictive aromas of lemon grass; heady and intoxicating; paired with the beautifully seasoned five spice powder and cooked to perfection sushi grade tuna – one word comes to mind – sensational!

If you haven’t had the pleasure of tasting grouper cheeks, you are missing out on the best part of the fish.. My husband and I perpetually fight over these delicate morsels of heaven. Thankfully the Grouper Cheeks at Urban Tide with shishito peppers is offered in generous portions. The sweetness of the Zellwood Farms corn paired with the blistered shishito peppers, savory grouper cheeks – it’s a divine marriage of flavors. Did I mention that cheeks are the juiciest part of a fish?

Baby Arugula & Spinach Salad – spiced hazelnuts, Point Ryes blue cheese crumbs, strawberry balsamic. Don’t let the understated listing of ingredients fool you. This salad, specifically, is one which will have you convert into eating greens for the rest of your foodie life. Yeah, it’s that phenomenal. Sweet strawberries, crunchy hazelnuts, fresh and healthy greens, buttery blue cheese biscuit crumbs – it’s incontestably one of the finest salads I have had the pleasure of tasting in my entire foodie career.

Farmer’s Baby Lettuces, brioche crouton, Turtle Creek goat cheese, baby beet tartar, crispy sweet onion, garden herb dressing. Now like me, if you secretly believe you have the foodie soul of a french woman/man – you will truly appreciate Chef Jared’s architectural – culinary masterpiece with baby beets, delectable goat cheese, brioche crouton, and more.

Yellowtail Snapper Grilled, trio of house made sauces. Flaky, mild, lightly dressed, paired with sauce of your choice or like me, a bite of each – we devoured the fish within seconds. I second the minimalist cooking approach in this dish. Bravo, chef!

If by any chance your dining companion doesn’t fancy seafood, don’t fret. The same meticulous care is imparted into Urban Tide’s non-seafood dishes such as the Grilled Domestic Lamb Rack. Served with creamy tomato farro risotto, baby zucchini; the lamb was earthy, deep, and rich. The beautifully grilled lamb was in perfect harmony with the creamy tomato farro risotto and sweet baby zucchinis. All you would need is a glass or bottle of juicy and vibrant Malbec or Syrah to sweeten this memorable meal. Did I mention the notable wine list at Urban Tide? Oh yeah, they have world-class wine to pair with each dish on their delightful menu.

For sharing – Four Year Aged Cheddar Au Gratin Potatoes, Oven Roasted Baby Beets, Flash Fried Brussel Sprouts. One word – delectable!

A picture is worth a thousand words – foodgasam for chocoholics. And even if you weren’t a chocolate lover, you might become one after one bite. Chocolate Espresso Layer Cake with Almond Crunch Ice Cream and Apple Pear Cobbler with Cranberry Orange Chutney, Nutty Streusel, and Ice Cream was our grand finale to an exciting evening filled with unique flavors. With each bite, I traveled from Spain, Italy, Mediterrean, France, to the far East – Thailand, to the Caribbean Islands, and back home to sweet Orlando; making our dining experience truly global.

Knowledgeable and friendly staff, flawless presentation, thoughtful flavors, and attention to detail are one of the many reasons to fall in love with Urban Tide. Central Floridian’s rejoice – you don’t have to travel to the coast to experience the sweetness of fresh seafood. Chef Jared with his dedication to local, sustainable seafood brings the deliciousness to his doorsteps for us humble folks. Did you make your reservation yet?

Special shout out to Mr. Rafael for his incredible depth of culinary knowledge and the most attentive service.

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