Dining: MeltSo Melts So Very Well … (PHOTOS)
Early 50 years ago, in Maitland, The Melting Pot first elevated dining by introducing fondue with shareable courses consisting of melted cheese, flambeed meats and chocolate fondue. Mark Johnston, a waiter working his way through college at The Melting Pot, saw the popularity of the concept. In 1979, he joined forces with his brothers, Mike
Flor Fina: A Culinary Gem in Ybor (PHOTOS)
When Tampa locals think of Ybor City, vivid images of the cigar industry, roosters roaming the streets and a lively nightlife often come to mind. While fine dining might not be the first association with this historically rich Cuban neighborhood, hidden culinary gems like Flor Fina offer an unforgettable experience, nestled within Hotel Haya. Hotel
Exclusive: Sundial owner says the addition of Forbici will ‘elevate the experience’ of the property
With the announcement of Forbici Modern Italian coming to Sundial, in St. Petersburg, the owners of Sundial, Paradise Ventures, say it could offer a major transformational use of the property for the benefit of the surrounding neighborhood and the city of St. Petersburg. Moving into the space previously occupied by Locale Market, Forbici will provide
Ladies’ brunch day at the Hard Rock (PHOTOS)
It’s a thing my group of friends loves to do, plan Sunday “Fun Days,” in which we let loose, enjoy a relaxed day and, it always starts with brunch. There are plenty of fantastic places to enjoy brunch in the Tampa Bay area, but only one place that is conducive to brunch, a massage or
How the ‘A-Team’ at Next Level Brands found their niche
An attorney, a real estate investor and a serial restaurateur walk into a bar … no, this is not the opening of a joke, it’s the reality of the founders of Next Level Brands. The founding team is made up of Joseph Guggino, an attorney and investor, Andrew Wright, founder, chief executive officer and managing
Collaboration restaurant Lona set to open in Tampa Marriott Water Street
Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval, a Fort Lauderdale-based Mexican restaurant, plans to open its newest location in Tampa, this month. It will open in the space formerly occupied by Garrison Tavern. With award-winning Chef Richard Sandoval and Chef Pablo Salas leading the culinary team, Lona’s arrival in Tampa marks a significant milestone for the restaurant
A Union well made (PHOTOS)
What happens when you blend the expertise of Jeff Gigante – a 20-plus year veteran of the dining and hospitality industry, Andrew Wright – chief executive officer of Franklin Street, a commercial real estate firm located in Tampa, and Joseph Guggino – a local lawyer and investor with an affinity to the restaurant industry? A
Melting Pot Social opens this week in downtown Tampa (PHOTOS)
Melting Pot Social, or MeltSO, opened its doors in the Ave Tampa Riverwalk apartment building, at 105 West Tyler Street. The menu is New American food and modern fondue, in addition to flambéed flatbreads, melted raclette and fondue burgers, handhelds, chef-curated entrées, and more, according to a statement. The menu also has create-your-own cheese and
Three Tampa restaurants earn coveted Stars from Michelin Guide
Three Tampa restaurants joined the ranks of Michelin-Starred eateries in Florida, as the 2023 edition of the Michelin Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa was announced Thursday night at LoanDepot Park. Koya, Lilac and Rocca all received one star from Michelin. There were four Stars awarded in Florida, three of them in Tampa. Lilac received a
The Helm: Provisions and coastal fare (PHOTOS)
Heidi Butler’s childhood dream of becoming the cruise director for the Love Boat played out in real life when she and her husband, Michael Butler opened The Helm: Provisions & Coastal Fare on February 22, 2022. The original meaning of helm is associated with the equipment used for steering a ship or boat. Now taking
The Bolts of Boulon Brasserie on Water Street (PHOTOS)
Let’s talk about the ghost town that turned into a cosmopolitan, mini-Manhattan, mecca now known as Water Street Tampa. Jeff Vinik, owner of Tampa Bay Lighting, and Cascade Investments, headed by Bill Gates, are the driving forces behind Strategic Property Partners and the vision for this metropolis. Early in the planning phase, Next Level Brands
The Cake Girl finds sweet success in Tampa Bay with gourmet cakes (PHOTOS)
Kristina Lavallee, also known as “The Cake Girl,” went viral on social media for designing Tom Brady’s 45th birthday cake, in the shape of a goat. Her business, which started off as a side hustle, in 2008, with Kristina and her husband, Kirby, selling cakes at markets and festivals has turned into a permanent storefront
