Official James Beard Foundation event returning to Tampa

Beard by the Bay, an event created to celebrate the culinary greatness of the Tampa Bay region’s finest chefs, sommeliers and mixologists, is returning to Tampa, in October, for the first time since 2019. The official James Beard Foundation Event, organized by RSBP Events+PR, will be a multi-course tasting event on Sunday, October 29, at … Read more

TBBW tries things: New menu items at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse and a love song for a Pizookie (PHOTOS)

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, a chain based out of Huntington Beach, California, isn’t a dining spot you will find in the monthly installment of our Posher Palate fine dining preview. But it is a fan favorite of the Tampa Bay Business and Wealth staff. You may find us enjoying deep dish pizzas, crispy fries or … Read more

Bern’s Steak House partners with Mastry’s Brewing for Legacy Series

Bern’s Steak House has announced the launch of Legacy 9, the latest barrel-aged beer offering, as part of the restaurant brand’s annual Legacy Series in collaboration with breweries. This year, Bern’s partnered with St. Petersburg-based Mastry’s Brewing, for the second time, on a saison-style “biere de garde” ale (characterized by a toasted malt aroma and … Read more

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 … Read more

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 … Read more

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 … Read more

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 … Read more

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 … Read more

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 … Read more