Downtown Concierge by Nanette Wiser
From The Pier to WADA’s new outdoor market during ArtWalk, pop-up shops and indie markets make it easy to find the perfect holiday gifts. Many of DTSP’s best restaurants will offer Thanksgiving fare, so call now to make reservations at 400 Beach and your other favorite spots.
SIP: Even in the worst of times, a stock-market themed bar like the Whiskey Exchange is a welcome new watering hole where you can drink your woes away. Thursday is 30% off bottles of wine and cheese and weekend brunch is coming soon. Charcuterie and tapas with a smoked old-fashioned take the edge off Mondays.
Grand Central District welcomes Speakeasy Kava. Another newcomer, is the Saint Speakeasy serves up craft cocktails, a sinners paradise décor and delectable shareable plates, skewers, hummus and other starters.
3Daughters launched a new IPA, an homage to Tampa Bay Buc stars Tom Brady (who is moving across the bridge to Clearwater Beach) and Rob Gronkowski. Intermezzo introduced a new drink menu with more to come: A Spicy Pineapple Margarita (jalapeño-infused blanco tequila, poblano pepper liqueur, lemon, fresh pineapple), three classic gin martinis and three Negronis.
Coming to the EDGE District is South Beach’s Bacon Bitch, a breakfast and brunch restaurant that will give Datz a run for its money in the bacon-loving department. Ciccio’s Dirty Tacos (and bowls) is opening in St. Pete this fall. We love their fried chicken strips, citrus chipotle chicken, and buffalo avo broccoli.
MUNCH: Can’t get enough of Central Avenue’s Plant Love Ice Cream and Craft Kafé’s hand pies to nibble after my cold blend Kahwa or Bandit coffee. Fast-casual BurgerFi’s antibiotic and hormone-free burgers is coming to a second location in Pinellas County (its fifth in Tampa Bay) at 875 Central Ave. on the ground floor of Icon Central.
Too busy to plan a romantic date or small outdoor party? Let St. Pete Picnic Company set up the picnic, from plates to décor with food from Mazzaro’s and Brooklyn South Deli.
Have you scoped out Wild Child’s eclectic menu featuring whipped ricotta with grilled sourdough, chipotle chicken wings, chorizo stuffed dates and crispy cauliflower with grape chutney? Simply fabulous. Slow down and coast on their patio.
Don’t miss The Crafty Squirrel’s new fall menu, featuring tantalizing dishes such as a Thai Shrimp Bowl, Roasted Beets with blue cheese crumbles, Sweet Steak Taco Trio with Asian Slaw and Asparagus fries with a Mandarin vinaigrette dipping sauce.
Congrats to DTSP’s Pacific Counter, who will expand to Lakewood Ranch. There’s never enough sushi to make us satisfied!
SHOP: The Refillery, a new eco-boutique, purveys toiletries and cleaning products. Bring your empty containers and refill in the Molly’s Suds building at the corner of 75th St. N and 30th Ave. N. Hoping for more garden workshops like the fall succulent styling class taught by Tampa Succulents.
Central Avenue’s The Merchant is an urban general store selling small-batch soaps, apothecary items, art, well-crafted housewares, artisanal local food, handmade chocolates, barware, and heartfelt gifts that are both funky and functional, from makers who focus on quality over quantity.
FUN: Screening indie movies, the Green Theater is a welcome addition to downtown. At the Morean, Artsy Improv with John Huls runs 6-8 pm for all skill levels Nov. 11, 18, 25 and Dec. 2. New classes to be announced soon.