Now that I’ve been to a couple of social media events, I’m starting to get more invitations and that’s pretty cool. The latest event was the VIP Patio Party at GrillSmith on Dale Mabry. They have this really fabulous patio that wanted to show off, so they invited lots of local professionals and social media types out for some free food, drinks and music. Sounded like fun to me, so I brought my husband and our friends Joe and Aubyron.
We arrived a little late, but the place was still packed. Unfortunately, we missed some of the food. However, we did make it in time for some of their fabulous Smoked Salmon Bruschetta, which I fell in love with at the Dine Tampa Bay launch party. In fact, I asked @GrillSmith that day if it would be there and they said “No”, but they decided to include their signature appetizer after my 
reply. I was very 
to see it there. We also had some mixed mushroom bruschetta (tasty but not as good as the salmon) and caprese (tomato, mozzarella and basil) on a stick. The caprese was alright, but they opted to go without the balsamic vinegar (less messy), which really ties it together.
They also had some tasty drinks for everyone. Two lovely ladies from Bacardi were kind enough to hand out samples of their mixed drinks. I tried the Mogul, a citrusy drink made with Grey Goose vodka. I’m not a huge fan of alcohol, but that was a very tasty drink. Too bad they were out before I could get another sample. So I had a strawberry drink instead and it tasted more like spiked Cool Aid.
Before I received my invitation to the party, I had been in contact with Ian Whiteside, Marketing Coordinator for GrillSmith via email and Twitter about doing a giveaway on Jenn Likes It. I think that extra contact worked in my favor because he was very excited to meet little old me. In fact, he introduced me to the Corporate Chef, Joe Guli and Executive Chef, BIll Artis. Chef Artis even took me on a tour of the restaurant, including a trip to their busy kitchen. I’m not sure if anyone else got a tour, but it made me feel like a VIP among VIPs. Thanks, Ian and Bill!
I really liked the whole layout and design of the Carrollwood GrillSmith. It’s not too dark and the seating seems cozy and intimate. I loved all the natural wood features throughout. They also had this really cool cityscape painting hanging in the dining room that I wish I could hang up in my home. The bar and surrounding tables is very classy and Chef Artis says it seats up to 100 people. They also have very wide selection of craft beers, which is good news for my husband. I’m definitely not a beer drinker.
All in all, the food was good and it was fun seeing some of my Twitter friends (@MissDestructo and @Antony511) and meeting some new people (@nopanache and @ThatGirlAllie). You can see more photos from the party and my tour on the Jenn Likes It Facebook page.
Now onto the giveaway!
Ian was kind enough to give me two $25 off coupons for GrillSmith, which are redeemable at any of their six Tampa Bay locations. So this time I will choose two winners. Here’s how you can enter.
- View the GrillSmith menu on their website and leave a comment here saying what you would like to try.
- Like the GrillSmith Facebook page and tell them I sent you. Then leave a comment here saying you did.
- Like Jenn Likes It on Facebook and leave a comment here saying that you did this.
- Follow me on Twitter @JennLikesIt and tweet about this giveaway. Make sure you mention me and include a link (http://jennlikesit.com/2011/10/grillsmith-vip-giveaway/ ?). Leave another comment here telling me you did this.
- Follow this blog and leave a comment here letting me know that you did or do already.
Love to try the Caribbean Black Bean burger
I wanna try their Crab and Shrimp Burger. Sounds DELISH!
I already liked Jenn Likes It
tweeted
Oops forgot to mention I liked GrillSmith’s Page!
Already following the blog! Yeppers!
I would love to try their steak with the chimichuri sauce or even the chicken milanese. Yummy! I’ve never been so this would be a nice treat. And I already like your Jenn Like’s It FB page and I don’t tweet! I liked Grill Smith’s page too! Did I do everything?
FB Fan page of Grill Smith, done!
I like Jenn Like’s It already, so that was done, months ago!
You know, for as many times as I’ve been to GrillSmith, I have yet to try their Chicken Marsala. For shame, right?? That’s what I would get with a coupon.
As an aside, how does one get invited to events like this anyway? I’m so jealous
I think someone originally found my blog and sent me an invitation. I also just interact with restaurants and travel/dining places on facebook and twitter and let them know that I’d live to be on future guest lists. They’re always happy to add me. If I get an invitation, I will suggest they invite you too. I’ve done that for others on twitter before.
I liked them on Facebook and told them you sent me!
I liked your page on Facebook too!
Tweet tweet! https://twitter.com/#!/JLoBug/status/128916238230503424
And, finally, I have already added you to my Google Reader!
Ooo…the Crab and Shrimp burger!
I liked the Grillsmith page
I like you on facebook
I like you on Twitter and tweet your glory
I will follow you…wherever YOU may go (including this blog).
The Stoli Ravioli looks good but I really want to try the Jalepeno Mac & Cheese!
I am now a GrillSmith fan!
I was already a Jenn Likes It fan on Facebook.
I shared on Twitter!
Grill Smith’s Mediterranean Salmon sounds delish! Would love to try it!
I believe I’ve done it all!
The appetizer wings look pretty tasty and also the gin martini.
Step 2 check
step 3 and 4 done.
step 4 so I don’t miss out on an entry
Mediterranean Salmon sound yummy
Liked facebook.
I already am a liker on your page Jenn:-)
You are Great!!!! Enjoy your weekend!
Blue Collar Golf Enjoy likes Jenn!!