As the spotlight shines brightly on the new construction, and expansion, surrounding Water Street in the local market, the Midtown Tampa development has quietly emerged as a contender in the city’s culinary landscape. With its innovative blend of live, work and play, Midtown Tampa, developed by Bromley, has ingeniously combined residential and commercial spaces across 22 acres, linking downtown Tampa and the Westshore Business District. Its prime location, near the Tampa International Airport, proximity to Interstate 275 and major thoroughfares, offers unparalleled connectivity and visibility. At the heart of this urban sanctuary lies a lush central green space, a serene lake and a recreational trail with a dog park, promoting a pedestrian-friendly environment where residents, workers and visitors can revel in nature’s beauty, while experiencing the best of city living.
While Midtown boasts an array of dining options, including the popular burger chain Shake Shack, Sal Y Mar emerges as a crowning jewel of culinary excellence. Elevated atop the dual-branded Aloft and Element Hotel, both part of the Marriott umbrella, this sophisticated rooftop restaurant offers an unparalleled experience with breathtaking panoramic vistas of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Inspired by the enchanting Riviera Maya town of Tulum, Sal Y Mar radiates a casually elegant ambiance infused with old-world allure. Earthy hues, coastal organic touches and a remarkable bamboo ceiling coalesce to create an inviting atmosphere evocative of Mayan sophistication.
The passion for culinary artistry is a lifelong pursuit for Chef Johnathan Rodriguez, nurtured from his earliest days spent in an Italian-Puerto Rican household, where he witnessed the alchemy of flavors unfold, before his curious eyes, as his parents crafted their beloved family recipes. It was in this environment that the seeds of his ambition took root, blossoming into an insatiable love for the art of cuisine that Chef Johnathan now brings to the Sal Y Mar menu.
Initially embarking on a path in the medical field, Rodriguez’s mentors in the kitchen at the New York Hilton recognized his innate talent and encouraged him to pursue his true calling – the mastery of gastronomy. Enriched by experiences at Michelin-grade restaurants, Rodriguez developed unparalleled attention to detail, elevating each of his creations in a culmination of flavor and aesthetic presentation. Chef Johnathan has graced the kitchens of esteemed establishments including Sea Salt in St. Pete, Opal Sands Resort in Clearwater, Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort and the renowned Trump National Golf Club in New York, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of culinary luminaries. Beyond his prowess in the kitchen, Chef Johnathan’s charismatic persona and infectious passion for cooking recently catapulted him to the national spotlight, as a participant on Season 6 of Food Network’s Supermarket Stakeout, hosted by Alex Guarnaschelli.
For Chef Johnathan, maintaining a harmonious work-life balance is paramount to his team’s success in the fast-paced culinary world. By nurturing their passions, and interests beyond the kitchen, the team brings renewed energy, creativity and dedication to their craft, ensuring a vibrant and fulfilling work environment that enables them to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
The artfully curated libations at Sal Y Mar are designed to transport you to a blissful vacation state of mind. The Kiss of Death, the signature cocktail, tantalizes the palate with a harmonious blend of tequila, vibrant pureed strawberries, agave and a zest of lime. Equally enticing is La Siesta, a delightful concoction of coconut rum, tangy passionfruit and a touch of lime, evoking the sensation of a sun-drenched, tropical escape with every sip.
The menu at Sal Y Mar showcases an exquisite selection of Latin American cuisine, offering classics like Ceviche de Mariscos and the delectable Deconstructed Paella. A standout among the appetizers is the award-winning Tuna Tataki, an enticing dish featuring ahi tuna, wasabi aioli and caviar, elegantly presented atop a fried wonton and adorned with a touch of gold dust to elevate the posher palate. For a truly memorable dining event, the Sal y Mar Tomahawk Experience takes center stage with a tableside presentation of the expertly carved Tomahawk steak, enhanced with the luxurious flavors of truffle oil and chimichurri sauce, enough to satiate the carnivore.
Apart from designing the ever-evolving menus at Sal Y Mar, Chef Johnathan also orchestrates the catering for business events held within the versatile Aloft and Element spaces. From intimate gatherings to grand affairs, each event is thoughtfully tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of every guest. The largest event space offers an impressive capacity for up to 225 attendees, in a reception setting. The venue’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows create an inviting atmosphere filled with natural light, while state-of-the-art audiovisual technology accommodates various conference requirements, ensuring flawless and engaging presentations.
From happy hour gatherings to business events, the Sal Y Mar rooftop oasis promises an unmatched experience that encapsulates the essence of Midtown Tampa’s live-work-play philosophy. As Tampa continues to evolve, and redefine its skyline, Sal Y Mar stands tall as a shining example of the city’s commitment to culinary innovation, elevated experiences and urban transformation.
Following a delightful dining experience at Sal y Mar, be sure to explore the opportunity to acquire a truly unique piece of art from the on-site collection, located in the WXYZ lounge, adjacent to the Aloft lobby. This urban-chic space exudes the energy and sophistication of a Manhattan hotspot, featuring an impressive collection of curated artworks, and a remarkable collaboration between renowned artists Jason Skeldon and Arturo Romero.
Jason Skeldon, better known by his alias “SKEL,” is a distinguished artist hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada. Although he spent his formative years in Tampa, Florida, his captivating artwork can be found across the United States, adorning the walls of Los Angeles, New York and now, Tampa Midtown Aloft. SKEL’s artistic style is heavily influenced by pop culture and current events, as he skillfully employs a range of mediums such as spray paints, acrylics, watercolors, stencils and resins to bring his visions to life.
Arturo Romero, who goes by “r2romero”, has carved a niche for himself in the art world with his remarkable portraits on currency. Born and raised in California, he embarked on his artistic journey in 2015, when he began using banknotes as his canvas. Now based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Romero continues to create extraordinary pieces that blend elements of realism and collectibles, garnering attention and admiration from a diverse audience. His talent has led to collaborations with renowned artists and international brands, further solidifying his position as a rising star in the contemporary art scene. With his distinct style and innovative use of currency as a medium, r2romero is an artist to add to any art collection.
The collaborative works, born from the artistic synergy between SKEL and r2romero, are true masterpieces, destined to be coveted centerpieces in the collections of the most discerning connoisseurs. To acquire one of these masterworks is to possess a rare and invaluable treasure – a timeless embodiment of artistic virtuosity that will forever grace your esteemed art portfolio, serving as a testament to impeccable taste and unwavering pursuit of creative brilliance. ♦
