2021 Year In Review: My perfect dinner

When people find out I write restaurant articles, they always ask the same questions. The questions are, “What is your favorite restaurant” or “What is your favorite thing to order?” Recently, a friend asked me, “If you could create your perfect dinner, from your favorite dishes served by your favorite local restaurants, what would be … Read more

The St. Pete experience rises at Social Roost (PHOTOS)

Social Roost is a fun, and eclectic, restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg, serving inventive cocktails and delicious food. It’s the brainchild of St. Petersburg natives Rob Bowen and Jason Teabout, who wanted to create a restaurant inspired by their love for travel. The team with Susan Burdian, a chef from New York, to create a … Read more

Next Level Brands to open new restaurant at Water Street in 2022

Next Level Brands has announced its newest restaurant concept, Boulon Brasserie, is slated to open at Water Street, in Tampa, in the summer of 2022. Next Level Brands is a partnership between Jeff Gigante, former co-founder of Ciccio Restaurant Group, and Andrew Wright, a Tampa real estate entrepreneur. This is the third establishment developed under … Read more

Beautifully delicious: The atmosphere and cuisine at Donatello are simply elegant (PHOTOS)

Diners feel special every time they go to Donatello. For decades, the Tampa restaurant has defined fine Italian dining and stepping into the dining room transports you to a world that delights the senses. Tables adorned with roses are draped with pink cloths and napkins. Pendant fixtures hang overhead and provide dramatic lighting. Black-jacketed waiters, … Read more

Il Ritorno brings back intelligent dining

Il Ritorno, David Benstock’s Italian-inspired restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg, holds a special place in Tampa Bay’s dining scene. At first glance, it seems like an Italian restaurant. After all, the menu titles major sections with Italian words like “antipasti” and “primi.” But upon closer inspection, most dishes stray a little from classic Italian. And … Read more

Le Dîner en Blanc’s ‘secret’ dining experience coming to Tampa in November

Tampa Bay will host its very first Le Dîner en Blanc on Saturday, November 6, in one of the city’s best-known public spaces. The twist? Guests don’t know the location until they arrive. Le Dîner en Blanc is a long-standing French picnic tradition. The number of guests attending will be limited. The hosting team of … Read more

Seafood takes center stage at Ocean Prime (PHOTOS)

Ocean prime | 2205 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa As an upscale dining establishment, Ocean Prime checks every box. The location, adjacent to International Plaza in Tampa, teams with well-heeled clientele. The bar near the lobby is impeccably lit, cozy and offers exclusive spirits, signature cocktails and an impressive selection of wine, like the 2019 Caymus … Read more

Teak offers a view to a thrill

Before it opened, Teak, the Birchwood-operated outpost on the pier head in downtown St. Petersburg, was the envy of many restauranteurs. It is the featured restaurant on the city’s newest attraction, the St. Pete Pier. The sweeping views of Tampa Bay, the yacht basin, Albert Whitted Airport and downtown are unparalleled. The facility is brand … Read more

The Library: A culinary love story (Photos)

Stepping into the Library in St. Petersburg, you will immediately notice the stylish interior space, abundant in natural light and furnished with modern fixtures and a deep-blue color palette. As you look further, you’ll realize each one of the hundreds of books that line the shelves has a blue, and only blue, spine. It is … Read more

Westfield Brandon launched Dining for a Cause to support restaurants and charities

Westfield Brandon is launching Dining For A Cause, a charitable rewards program for those dining in, or ordering takeout, at participating restaurants at Westfield Brandon. Beginning on April 1, and throughout the month, guests can upload receipts from The Cheesecake Factory, Red Robin, Panera Bread, P.F. Chang’s and Bahama Breeze to have 10 percent of … Read more