By Nanette Wiser
DOWNTOWN Chief’s Creole Café offers its “Soulful Sunday” dinner, complete with baked ham or fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, candied yams, corn bread and dessert, all for $15. In 2023, a new rooftop bar and cocktail lounge Cane & Barrel will open on the eighth floor of Ascent St. Pete, a hotel and apartment tower.
The clever Hunger Thirst Group have turned St. Pete into a late night, hip experience with unique cocktails, craft beers and yummy food. In 2023, they’ll introduce a vintage concept, Lost & Found, to their lineup that includes Tampa Bay’s The Avenue, Park & Rec, Tropicana Field’s Ballpark & Rec, Dirty Laundry speakeasy, No Vacancy and Asian fusion Good Fortune. Also coming in 2023 on Central Ave. is Noble Tavern, a joint venture of Noble Crust and Fat Beet Farm Kitchen & Bakery, an old-world tavern with modern design and craft cocktails. Central Ave’s Mangosteen and The Green Pagoda have another Asian concept opening on the 600 block, The Glass Noodle. Congrats to Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe, named by Wine Enthusiast as one of the Best Beer Shops in the U.S.
RESTO WORLD The Tyrone area has upped its foodie game, with Portillo’s (hot dogs, onion rings), Torchy Tacos and Doc Ford’s. Dunedin’s Fenway Hotel has a new executive chef, Clayton Parrett, overseeing HEW Parlor & Chophouse and Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar, a fab spot for romantic rendezvous and entertaining outtatowners.
Have you checked out Da Sesto Italiano Ristorante e Vino’s new patio and seasonal dishes with the most delectable sauces and exquisite presentation? Open for lunch and dinner, this is one of my favorite Italian for take-out or dining in style. With gourmet wine dinners, authentic regional cuisine, Le Marche Region dishes, an award-winning wine list heavy on Italian and fresh pasta, Chef Da Sesto has earned multiple awards including the Certificate of Excellence – Hall of Fame by TripAdvisor and Best of Tampa Bay. It’s the perfect romantic restaurant for Valentine’s Day.
TASTE OF TAMPA We were heartbroken when Café Ponte closed, but Chris Ponte has imbued Tampa’s dining scene with his culinary flair. We love On Swann and his Italian concept Olivia and in 2023, Ponte Modern American has opened on 1010 Gramercy Lane, reimagining the former Café Ponte’s ultra-modern décor and extraordinary Modern American dishes, seafood, steak, and artful presentation. Also opening in the same location is a new BellaBrava, boba bar, Shake Shack, and Whole Foods. Other Pinellas County faves heading across the bridge are Pete’s Bagels, opening Pete’s All Day Café and wine bar, in Ybor City. We’re also looking forward to French Bistro Boulon Brasserie on Water Street and the return of Fatburger to Tampa Bay.
Mark your calendars now for April Fool’s Day and Taste at The Straz Center for this annual epicurean extravaganza! Stroll Tampa’s beautiful Riverwalk with access to the Bay area’s best food, craft brews, cocktails, and live entertainment. Purchase tickets online at www.strazcenter.org, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office or by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800-955-1045 outside Tampa Bay. Handling fees will apply.