Seems like there are two things we can count on in Tampa Bay: unpredictable weather and an abundance of food news.
In the last week, we’ve welcomed three new restaurants, one brewery and raised excitement for expansion at Lolita’s Wine Market. On the horizon is Brandon’s new Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Tampa Bay’s first indoor-outdoor dog park, and Blind Tiger Cafe’s claim to another mall location.
Revolution Ice Cream’s pop-up truck leads our goodbyes, however, along with Earth Fare’s closure of all Florida stores. We also highlighted a few local events for foodies to explore. Grab a bib, here’s your serving of food news.
OPENINGS
Five Branches Brewing The new small batch brewery creates pours like blueberry, strawberry basil, and cilantro lime ales. The name “Five Branches” stems from its veteran ownership, and represents the five branches of the military. Get a taste of this new Tarpon Springs brewery at the inaugural Northwest Beerfest on March 15. 531 Athens St., Tarpon Springs. fivebranchesbrewing.com
Grain and Berry The acai bowl and smoothie shop opens a new location in Riverview this weekend with serious giveaways. The first customer in line wins a free bowl every week for an entire year. The next 99 customers in line win a free bowl every month for an entire year. Sound like your next camping trip? 12953 U.S. Hwy 301 S., Riverview. grainandberry.com
La Gloria Colombian Restaurant The family-owned restaurant recently expanded in Pinellas County. Both La Gloria Colombian Restaurant locations (the original is in Largo) have stacked menus chock full of traditional Latin American and Caribbean dishes—seriously, it’s the type of menu where you have to squint because there are so many options. 4505 Park Blvd. N., Pinellas Park. la-gloria-colombian-restaurant.business.site
Lolita’s Wine Market Lolita’s took over the former Spitfire Theater space next door. The front half of the space will be utilized as a retail wine shop, while the backend becomes an event space for private events and parties on Fridays and Saturdays. The expansion also allows for the return of Lolita's Thursday wine tastings, the first of which takes place on Feb. 13. 16 18th St. S., St. Petersburg. lolitaswinemarket.com
Sea Dog Cantina Gulfport’s newest Mexican joint makes its debut this Valentine’s Day when it takes over the downtown space formerly occupied by the Artisan food hall concept. Get ready for extensive beer and spirits offerings alongside a menu of classic Mexican favorites like tacos, burritos, chimichangas and chiles relleno. 2832 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. seadogbrewing.com
COMING SOON
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s The grand opening for the latest Beef’s location happens on Monday, Feb. 17 when locals can get their hands on a signature menu loaded with burgers, wings, nachos and packed sandos. Happy hour runs from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. daily. 889 East Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon. beefobradys.com
Blind Tiger Cafe Ybor City born and bred coffee shop Blind Tiger continues its speedy expansion throughout Tampa thanks to a new location in Brandon’s Westfield Mall, within a space formerly occupied by a Starbucks. The official opening date has yet to be announced. 459 Brandon Town Center Dr., Brandon. blindtigercafe.com
Brick Street Farms A pop-up market opens in Brick Street’s production warehouse while renovations continue at Brick Street’s market location (a “cultivation hub” is on the way at the latter.) Opening in March, the warehouse space will be home to the Thrive Program, which allows consumers to buy or lease the shipping container farms that the Brick Street team manufactures. St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District (at the corner of 3rd Ave. S. and 22nd St.) brickstreetfarms.com
Sucré Table In the coming months and in the space formerly inhabited by Take Three Cafe, Tampa Bay is set to welcome its newest bakery and dessert shop. Owner and professionally-trained chef Brenda Villacorta has competed on Food Network shows like "Halloween Baking Championship" and "Cake Wars Christmas." Get ready to sink your sweet tooth into high-end pastries and unique, made-to-order cakes. 4048 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. @sucretable
Two Shepherds Taproom This Drew Park venue was initially slated for a late 2019 opening, but owners of Two Shepherds Taproom Patrick Verdugo and Ross O'Bryan confirmed in an email with CL that the new projected opening date is set for "around April." Not much longer until Tampa Bay welcomes its first indoor-outdoor dog park. 4813 N. Grady Ave., Tampa. twoshepherdstaproom.com
CLOSED
Earth Fare First Lucky’s Market, now Earth Fare. The organic grocery store is closing 50 stores nationwide, citing financial stress. In total, there are 15 stores in Florida, with local locations in Largo, Palm Harbor, Lutz and Lakewood Ranch, plus three in Orlando. earthfare.com
Pipo’s To Go After five years of service, the Pipo’s to Go location in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg is closed. If you feel the Pipo’s craving don’t fret, because the family-owned spot still has two other locations in St. Pete—one on Bay Pines Boulevard and another at the Historic Manhattan Casino.
Revolution Ice Cream Co. Before you freak out, only the weekend pop-up truck location has discontinued its hours. Thankfully, Rev’s third location is set to open in March, so South Tampa won't have to wait long until it gets its hands on signature scoops like "Greetings from the 813,” which is made up of cafe con leche ice cream with a chocolate truffle ribbon and salty caramel ribbon. 4032A W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. revicecream.com
EVENTS
Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival This year offers 25 brand new additions to its menu alongside long-time fan favorite dishes, courtesy of Busch Gardens’ new award-winning Executive Chef, Ernie Reyes. The festival runs every weekend from Feb. 29-Apr. 26 and is included in the price of park admission. 10165 McKinley Dr., Tampa. buschgardens.com
Oyster Bar “Sweetheart Series” A new “Sweetheart Series” cocktail menu is on a mission to take locals on a boozy trip down the tunnel of love this Valentine's Day (and all month long.) The four new cocktails range from sweet to fruity, and include the devilishly-named pour "The Young Lust" comprised of Grey Goose, peach schnapps, cranberry and orange juice. 49 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. oysterbarstpete.com
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