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 … Read more

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 … Read more

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 … Read more

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 … Read more

The Pinnacle of Ponte (PHOTOS)

From his initial start in the Icot Center, in Clearwater, to expanding his brand in Hyde Park and South Tampa to his newest venture in Midtown Tampa, Chris Ponte’s journey has developed within the Tampa market as he continually builds roots with flagship dining concepts including Olivia’s, On Swann and now Bare Naked Kitchen.  But … Read more

Bern’s Steak House launches new reservation policy with philanthropic twist

Bern’s Steak House has launched a new reservation process that will require credit cards to secure bookings. No-show reservations, and reservation cancellations made within 24 hours or less of the booking, will be subject to a $25 per person charge but 100 percent of the proceeds of those charges will benefit Feeding Tampa Bay, according … Read more

There’s a new Italian market in town (PHOTOS)

Many locals (and tourists alike) know Mazzaro’s Italian Market as the premier place to purchase anything Italian in St. Petersburg. Since Mazzaro’s is a legend, parking is a challenge any time of the year; however, during the holidays, and most Saturdays, there are parking attendants to help with the chaos. It can be a nightmare. … Read more

Bern’s Steak House announces closure dates for lounge remodel and kitchen renovation

Tampa’s Bern’s Steak House will close, temporarily, for design enhancements that include a remodel of its lounge and renovations in its kitchen. The last day of service before the summer closure is July 2, with the renovations set to last two-weeks. BDG Architects is overseeing the architectural design and Richard Zingale is leading the interior … Read more

Allelo: The place to flock to on Beach Drive (PHOTOS)

The restaurant industry is challenging and establishments change hands, bringing variety to the ever-growing food scene, in the Tampa Bay area. A welcome addition to St. Petersburg is Allelo, a Mediterranean-influenced restaurant on Beach Drive. Shawn and Jeanna Damkoehler combined forces with Volet Hospitality and the innovativeness of Chef Alex Pyser to bring a remarkable … Read more