In Paradise, love lasts a lifetime. And what better way to say I love you all month than to take your honey after Valentine’s Day to one of the ‘Burgs new restaurants that keep popping up daily or spend a canoodling day at the Saturday Morning Market, nibbling knishes, French crepes, veggie fare and Tidal Boar’s Ginger Beer, made from fresh ginger root and lemon juice with a dash of cane sugar and spices, very refreshing.
For Sunday brunch, we love The Library (formerly the Peabody) and Callaloo’s southern fare, craft cocktails and live music. Best of show are the mojo chicken or pork with cheese grits, cilantro rice or sweet potato fries. The shrimp and grits and Southern meatloaf with sweet onion gravy dazzle the palate. Save room for the cheesecake flan or tropical bread pudding.
Coming soon, The Galley expands next door, adding a new bar and events space. The Ship’s Hold will feature different rums and rum cocktails. Also opening this month is Annata Wine Bar’s marine sister, Alto Mare Fish Bar a mirror image of the layout next door, but with coastal flair and décor, serving seafood, caviar, oysters and shrimp. Expect the same caliber of high-quality cocktails and boutique wines, and a vibrant happy hour scene.
The international culinary explosion continues with the introduction of WEPA, and authentic Puerto Rican restaurant opening in the Warehouse Arts District. Asian food, from pho to sushi, dominate downtown (Hawker’s, Pin, Wok & Bowl, V’s) and our new favorite is Pacific Counter. Build your own bowl or roll with a base (rice, noodles, mixed greens), add protein and 5 mix & top (avocado, daikon salad, kimchi, radish, mango, lotus chips, cilantro and so many more) then top with a sauce, from citrus ponzu to poke classic. They even cater!
Java and kava joints are jumping, and small batch coffee is brewing especially at MLK’s Pineapple Espresso who will introduce a drive-thru where you can get your caffeine fix and a breakfast sandwich. Another fave is Mother Kombucha, brewed right here, with exotic pick-me-ups like blood orange ginger, ginger lemonade and lavender mojito. And it’s good for you!
Renzo’s South American steakhouse took over the beloved Z Grille space, and like the Tampa restaurants, feature a good time, great service and mouthwatering Argentinean grilled meats. Also new to Central Avenue is Baum Avenue Market featuring Serene (smoothies, wellness bar) and Avocado Valley.
Kings Street Food Counter is now No Vacancy featuring Floriday-style dishes and drinks. Downtown’s The Wooden Rooster opens in the Seminole City Centre with delicious crepes, salads and soups. For cocktails, check out The Tamiami on Central, the place for shots and happy hour. Once a beloved downtown St. Pete watering hall, this is re-imagined by the folks who run Five Bucks Drinkery.
For boaters, the highly anticipated Big Catch at Salt Creek near our beloved Nueva Cantina is in the works, the visionary concept of Jon LaBudde and partners who took over the dilapidated Fish Tales space at the southside Marina.
In the Grand Central district, Jeff Schorr (Craftsman House) and Leslie Curran (ARTicles Gallery) just opened an eco-friendly boutique, Truffula featuring clothes and more. Look for hemp, bamboo and organic cotton attire.
In addition to all the festivals downtown, mark your calendars for April 6th Taco & Margarita Crawl Hop including stops at Thirsty First, MacDinton’s and Yard of Ale. March 2-10 is Tampa Bay Beer Week for the hops-happy fans who support craft beer. tampabaybeerweek.com
By Nanette Wiser