Review: Ash, Water Street Tampa's new Italian spot

I snagged a reservation at Ash, the long-awaited Italian concept from Rooster & the Till chef Ferrell Alvarez.

What to expect: My girlfriend, Maya, and I wound up with a patio seat. I caught a late whiff of Ash's soft opening, and a table inside was next to impossible to reserve at a moment's notice.

Best bites: We began our dinner with warm, fluffy focaccia and whipped ricotta ($14). Then, we tried an order of Ash's crispy artichokes ($20), which had the taste and texture of potatoes.

• We topped it off with the braised lamb neck ($70), served with flatbread, refried white beans, and salsa verde.
• If you consider that the entree is intended for at least two people, the price is forgivable, and the taste is unforgettable.

Four-word review: Worth the pit stains.

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