In the vibrant tapestry of St. Petersburg’s culinary scene, a new symphony resonates at the Mahaffey Theater with the grand opening of Sonata Restaurant. Sonata is the combined vision of Bill Edwards and Chef Ted Dorsey, creating a multi-sensory experience where the culinary arts dance in harmony with the visual and performing arts. Bill Edwards, … Read more
Nestled between the bustling cities of Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland, a quaint town in Polk County, might not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of fine dining. Traditionally, Lakeland’s culinary reputation has been more closely associated with hearty BBQ joints and comfort food diners than upscale gastronomy. However, the emergence … Read more
While the Tampa Designated Market Area encompasses eleven counties, Hillsborough County stands out in the culinary scene with three Michelin One Star restaurants – Koya, Lilac and Rocca – all located in Tampa. This trend seems to be propelled by the substantial growth in Hillsborough, where distinct urban pockets like the Channel District, Midtown Tampa, … Read more
The culinary experiences available for distinguished palates, in the Tampa market, are flourishing, especially with the welcome addition of three recipients of a Michelin One-Star rating in the region. What is the significance of a Michelin star and how does it impact the evolving dining landscape? According to the Institute of Culinary Education, a Michelin … Read more
Alter Ego, a music-focused cocktail lounge, plans to open in Water Street Tampa, in early 2024. Located in Asher, at 1050 Water St., Alter Ego is locally owned, and operated, by the Proper House Group and Chef Ferrell Alvarez, with partners Chon Nguyen and Ty Rodriguez. Alter Ego will be Proper House Group and Alvarez’s … Read more
Beacon, Tampa’s newest rooftop lounge at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, opened on Friday, October 6. Beacon has several lounge areas, including an outdoor terrace, a signature bar and a variety of intimate seating spaces. The signature bar space was conceived as the heart of the Beacon experience, with a canopy feature, while the … Read more
Three Oaks Hospitality plans to open Ro, a modern Asian dining restaurant, in Hyde Park Village, in Tampa, in October. The restaurant says it will receive daily deliveries from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, which will ensure fresh and authentic fish. The concept, led by Chef Kiichi Okabe, a multi-Michelin starred Japanese chef, will offer tableside presentations … Read more
As Tampa Bay’s dining scene explodes, there are new restaurants opening weekly. With increased competition, the culinary stakes have been taken up a notch. Earlier this year, three of Tampa’s best – Koya, Lilac and Rocca – were honored with Michelin stars. With presence on this esteemed list, elevated dining is truly a reality for … Read more
Rococo Steak, in Downtown St. Petersburg, has named David Blackmon as its new executive chef. Blackmon, most recently, spent seven years at Bacchanalia, in Atlanta, where he started as a line cook. Rococo Steak has been recognized 10 years, in a row, by Wine Spectator with its annual Best of Award of Excellence. Its wine … Read more
Cru Hospitality Group, based in Tampa, is opening a new concept, Vela, in the former Cru Cellars Westshore Marina location, on October 2. Vela, which means “Sail” in Italian, will provide menu items inspired from the Mediterranean, with an emphasis on Italian cuisine such as pastas and pizzas, small plates and entrees. Vela is located … Read more
