Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is one of those places that’s basically a one-stop-shop for everything. If you’re a gambler, there’s slots all over. Need to relax? A spa is located inside. Just want to go for the food? Yes, they’ve got you covered with options. I’m not a gambler (although I could really use a spa day), so the food is it for me. My favorite places there are Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, The Rez Grill, and the newly-opened Cipresso.

We went to Cipresso for a media group dinner before it opened and went back a couple weeks later for a second time on our own. The Italian-American trattoria is one of those places where you can either wear dressier clothes for a nice date night or go the relaxed route with casual clothes.

Whenever you do decide to go, I suggest getting more than one dish. They’re all enough for 2 people and you get your money’s worth. We ate several dishes like the Veal Parmesan, Cacio e pepe, and their Spinach salad. The salad is almost like a quick, little show. It comes with an uncooked egg on top and guests sit and watch as the waiter/waitress whips everything together. Yes, I know it sounds crazy but you’ll change your mind. I can’t go anywhere without having a cute, little cocktail to go with my meal. The Aperol Spritz I drank(a couple times) is a pairing I enjoyed since the fruity flavor doesn’t take away from the tastes of the entreés.

One of my top faves are their Brussels sprouts. I fell in love with the dish at the group media dinner although I’m not sure where my mind was to not order them. When the veggie hit my taste buds the first time, I’m positive my eyes lit up. As soon as the taste of honey registered in my head, I knew I’d never tasted them in this way before and I need to change that ASAP.

My supervisor and I talk about food a lot at work. There’s hardly a day that goes by where I’m not suggesting some kind of event or restaurant he and his wife should go to. Cipresso is the most recent because they haven’t been to the Hard Rock in a while. Am I suggesting it to everyone I meet? Of course I am.

Also, did you know there’s such a thing as National Meatball Day? Yea, it’s a thing. In honor of the holiday, chow down on Creative Culinary Director Frank Anderson’s Nonna’s Meatballs, served with ricotta cheese and grilled bread, on Monday, March 9th. From 3pm-6pm, Cipresso’s Social Hour menu offers discounted prices on the meatballs ($14), cocktails, wine, and appetizers.