Unbridled enthusiasm: The unforgettable experience of Urban Stillhouse (PHOTOS)

Urban Stillhouse, in St. Petersburg’s Warehouse District, is a rare find in the Tampa Bay area restaurant scene. It’s special, and unique, in many ways. First, it’s owned by American Freedom Distillery, makers of Horse Soldier Bourbon. So, it’s no surprise that this is a restaurant that knows its spirits, and how to skillfully use … Read more

Paradise found at 82 Degrees on St. Pete Beach (PHOTOS)

82 Degrees is a little restaurant and bar, stashed off Sunset Way, in St. Pete Beach. It’s awash with natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, giving a panoramic view of high-rise buildings and the Gulf of Mexico beyond. 82 Degrees is stylish, created to serve guests of the Saint, a boutique hotel … Read more

Mexican, with a nod to Asia (PHOTOS)

Jotoro, chef Joe Isidori’s Mexican restaurant, in Tampa’s Channel District, is a casual spot for drinks and dinner near the seaport. The space is filled with bright accents and a luchador image painted on a giant chain canvas. While Jotoro’s heart is in Mexico, the menu is instilled with an Asian influence. The unique culinary … Read more

One Liners Polk: Fresh Kitchen, BayCare and more

► Bruce Jacob, a researcher and chairman of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, was named to the editorial board of the international publication IEEE Access. ► Fresh Kitchen, a Tampa-based build-your-own-bowl restaurant chain, has plans to open its first Lakeland site at 4520 S. Florida Ave. ► The Lakeland … Read more

One Liners Pinellas: HMC Hospitality Group, Raymond James Financial and more

► Sweetgreen, a Los Angeles-based fast-casual restaurant, signed a lease, at 1114 Central Ave., in St. Petersburg’s Edge District. ► St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch appointed several members to run his team including Stephanie Owens as deputy mayor and chief of policy, Janelle Irwin Taylor as communications director, Tom Greene as interim city administrator and … Read more

Rare and well done: Bern’s Steak House is a Tampa legend

By Brooke Palmer Kuhl | Photos by Amy Pezzicara, Pezz Photo The New York Yankees. Tom Brady. The Tampa Cuban. Ybor City. Stuff that Tampa legends are made of. And then, there is Bern’s Steak House. After 66 years, Bern’s still serves hundreds of guests, night after night, sharing important milestones or just a great … Read more

Midtown Tampa update: Ponte construction progress, William Dean now open and True Food Kitchen opens (PHOTOS)

Midtown Tampa’s evolution is still underway, as restaurants and retail complete construction and open their doors. One of the most anticipated openings, Ponte Tampa, is still under construction but is beginning to take shape showcasing Chef Chris Ponte’s vision for what is anticipated to be one of Tampa’s premier dining reservations to score. PONTE TAMPA … Read more

Channel District sophistication

Cena, pronounced “chen-na,” is a bold, inventive and award-winning trattoria located in Tampa’s Channel District. Owner, and chef, Michael Buttacavoli honed his culinary skills at remarkable restaurants throughout Tampa, including SideBern’s and Council Oak. But in his own place, his Italian heritage shines in a restaurant that is special, and unique, in the Bay area’s … Read more

One Liners Polk: Orlando Health, Sun ‘n Fun and more

► An urban-style community of 630 apartments with, restaurants and shops, will be built on the abandoned Florida Tile site, located between Lake Wire and the upcoming Bonnet Springs Park. (Rendering above) ► Phillip Walker, a Lakeland city commissioner for 12 years, will serve as president of the Florida League of Cities. ► Noah’s Ark … Read more

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