Some may call it “fusion” cuisine, however so many of its traditional menu items stand on their own merits that I would prefer to call it a diverse selection of both traditional and cross-cultural appetizers, entrees and desserts.
The eclectic menu offers traditional Italian and Asian appetizers, such as Calamari ($8) served with a trio of three sauces, sure to please different palates, and Chicken Satay ($8), as well as an Antipasto Plate($10) and Spring Rolls ($8), however just for fun and a real palate please, don’t miss the Deconstructed Seafood Rangoon($12), a combination of shrimp, scallops, lobster, Chives, Chestnut, ginger, garlic cream cheese and sweet and sour sauce, served on a fresh, light and flakey spring roll shell. The chunks of seafood are generously portioned on top of the Rangoon in a light, creamy sauce.
Three selections of soup are offered both by the cup and bowl. Health conscientious patrons and soup lovers should try the Tuscan White Bean Soup ($4-$6). It is thick, nutritious and the white bean puree’ is prepared with Pancetta ham and truffle oil. It’s unique blend of flavors and somewhat thick texture could suffice for meal on its own.
There is a wide array of Pizzas and salads, which may be enhanced with chicken, shrimp or steak. All made with fresh ingredients and reasonably priced.
Lunch patrons may select from a variety of sandwiches and plated meals. There are smaller portions offered for lighter diners or those on limited budgets. A popular lunch entrée’ is Chicken Milanese($10-$14),Panko encrusted organic chicken breast, Indonesian curried Udon noodles.bok choy,Napa cabbage, fresh bean sprouts ,Shitake mushrooms, toasted pine nuts and fresh lime.
Dinner is served from 5PM to 10PM. Lighter eater s do not have to sacrifice taste for healthy selections. Weight and health conscientious diners might want to go with the deliciously prepared Miso Glazed Salmon ($20), which is pan roasted to perfection, with a Miso glaze. It is served with stir fry Asian vegetables, soy misran broth and Undo noodles. Poultry lovers will enjoy the moist, Chicken Vesuio ($18), a split roasted chicken, with white wine, lemon, garlic, fresh oregano, peas and oven roasted potato wedges. The house favorite is Lobster Risotto Fra Diavlo ($24), it features rich, creamy Arborio rice, infused with Sake wine and thick chunks of succulent Maine lobster, San Marzano tomatoes, red chili flakes and fine herbs. I rarely order risotto in a restaurant and prefer to make it at home. It is a traditional Italian dish and too often it is dry when prepared in a commercial kitchen that is turning a lot of plates each night. Not here! My risotto was heavenly and prepared just as it should be, rich, creamy and mouth-watering. Don’t miss this!
Dinner items include a selection of pasta, poultry, beef and seafood. One may choose from seared tuna to a New York Steak.
Save some room for dessert. There is Ricotta cheesecake, enhanced in a Amaretto and almond crust, fresh berries and almond biscotti Tuile, as well as a Tropical Mousse cake and Crème Brule and a Spumoni wedge, however the star of Italiasia’s dessert menu is the Wonton Cannoli ($6), fried flaky Won Tons layered with sweet ricotta cheese, sugar, chocolate chips, pistachio nuts and milk chocolate sauce.
There is a wide international selection of delicious and reasonable priced wines, offered both by the bottle and glass as well as a full service bar.
Italiasia is located in the Doubletree Hotel, 4500 West Cypress St. Tampa,Fl. 33607 For reservations or more information call (813) 998-2265. Visit them at www.ItaliAsia.com

Highly Recommend It!

We really were quite upset not to be able to have another meal there when we returned there on our way back to Europe a couple of weeks late, as we arrived late at night at 12.30 am. As the shuttle was late picking us up (waited 25mn instead of 15!) the reception manager who was there Mr Eberley offered us breakfast vouchers! and very courteous apologies. AND WHAT A BREAKFAST. the most sweet and mature tropical fruit I have had, sugarsweet mangoes, pineapple, water melon etc etc. beautiful omelette made on the spot, all the cereals, nuts, bagels, viennoiseries, etc. you could think of. what a treat! And all this only costs $16!!! if you have to pay (including orange juice! )

Another nice touch they have which I forgot to mention are the delicious chocolate cookies their patissier bakes on the premises , which they offer to their guests! And Eberley supplied a double dose of them for our supper as it was too late to eat in the restaurant! Very naughty but…my God so yummy!