Cool, Chic and Comfort

on Hot Beach Drive
Tryst Gastro Lounge | By Ronda M. Parag


Open since late September 2011, Tryst Gastro Lounge is finding a fashionable and chic crowd along St. Petersburg's Beach Drive. Early in the evening guests dine on innovative and fresh small plate cuisine and later gather at a Manhattan-style inspired lounge. The feel is comfortable and not too formal with large tufted sofas along the wall, black and silver wallpaper, a black bar with glittery lighting and a mosaic tile backsplash. The interior combines glam, style and comfort and was designed by local designer Rob Bowen, who has done numerous homes and condos, but this was his first restaurant/bar. The décor speaks to the sophisticated and stylish crowd gathered there on a recent Friday night. Outside guests lounged on stylish outdoor furniture listening to a dee-jay spinning tunes. Chef Mark Kaba describes the music as acid jazz. Music is available on Friday and Saturday nights as well as a jazz trio on Wednesdays.

Owner Renaud Cowez and Executive Chef Mark Kaba sought to create a modern lounge with an emphasis on food too. Kaba describes the food as "International Modern created with classic techniques." "What makes good food good is lots of layers and good product," Kaba said. The menu changes about every two weeks according to what is available. While the menu is still developing, Kaba says that he sources the best local produce, only local seafood, organic as much as possible and antibiotic free chicken. "It's a constant evolution and growth," said Kaba. "We will be expanding the kitchen in the back to have more space to create." The menu has evolved over the initial six months, while three menu items have not changed: Beef Carpaccio, Corn Chowder and Scallops. "These dishes are the most popular and guests won't allow us to take them off the menu," said Kaba. "The Chicken Tandoori Lollipos are also a huge hit."

The bar offers 27 draft beers and 180 bottles along with handcrafted cocktails including the signature cocktail — The Tryst — combining muddled lime, rose syrup and Cruzon® Raspberry Rum topped with Champagne. M
Tryst Gastro Lounge
240 Beach Dr. NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-821-4567
www.trystgastrolounge.com

Rustic Farm Charm
Boca Kitchen Bar Market - Hyde Park | By Ronda M. Parag

Loco for local food. Boca Kitchen Bar Market is the new gem in the farm to table restaurant movement. Inspired by trips to Napa Valley, Boca was created by local restauranteur Gordon Davis, with Executive Chef Ted Dorsey, and Chef de Cuisine Chad McColgin at the helm. Boca specializes in using local, fresh ingredients from area farms, and displays the fresh fruits and veggies in a glass display case. The chalk board outside lists the farms and location of ingredients including the catch of the day. The rustic chic interior is the perfect setting for the sophisticated, farm fresh food delivered to the palates of Tampa. The restaurant is lively with the close tables allowing for intimate conversations or meeting new friends. 

Open for lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends, the menu offers a variety of starters, salads, flatbreads and market specials. Tastings called Boca-dito's include Prosciutto and Teleggio Fig Jam, Smoked Salmon or Tomato & Mozzarella served on fresh Ciabatta Bread. Try the Mason Jar Spreads & Breads served on a oversized board with Dolce Blue and Walnut, roasted Red Pepper and Granna Pesto, Tapenade Trio and Goat Cheese with mesquite grilled Flatbread. Another good choice is the Baked Feta, wrapped in phylo and served with pickled Chow Chow and seasonal citrus and micro greens. 

The dinner menu offers four over-sized flatbreads certainly large enough for sharing or for a meal itself. Try the Rustic Italian topped with Prosciutto, Pepperoni, Wild Mushrooms, Black Mission Fig Jam and Dolce Gorgonzola. The current 10 entrees include the signature Lobster Pot Pie and a selection of local fish including Tuna and Sea Bass. The Braised Short Ribs are tender and tasty atop sliced potatoes with a Burrata stuffed tomato gratin. On a recent Sunday evening, the popular "staff meal" a value at $16 was almost sold out, just one order still available. The waiter touted the organic chicken breast and the menu says "Just order it — the Chef says you'll love it." For a lighter meal, the menu offers a selection of imported cheese and dry aged charcuterie. 

Offering a selection of wines and beers from the bar, Boca is a fresh edition for Bay area foodies. M

Boca Kitchen Bar Market
901 W. Platt Street Tampa, FL 33604
813-254-7070
www.BocaTampa.com

Saturday - Wesley Chapel

FREASH MARKET AT WIREGRASS

"Local Food, Hand Crafts & Live Music"

The Fresh Market at Wiregrass operates on First and Third Saturdays year round from 10am - 3pm.

The Shops at Wiregrass; open-air retail and entertainment destination conveniently located on the corner of State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Wesley Chapel, Florida. The Market is located at 28211 Paseo Drive, Suite 100 Wesley Chapel, FL 33543. 

This Market and supports 100+ vendors selling only fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted and eco-friendly products. 

A taste of what you will find this Saturday is:

Local, Organic, Conventional & Hydroponic: Produce, Herbs, Microgreens, Lettuces and Plants.

Homemade Take Home Foods such as Breads, Pastries, Biscotti, Muffins, Cupcakes, Gluten Free Goodies, Pies, Prepared Entrees, Perogies etc...

Ready to Eat Lunch Bites: Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Fusion Tacos, Italian Delights, German Bratwurst, Southern comforts, Mexican specialties and more!

Handcrafts, Eco Friendly Products & Fair Trade items!

TEXAS DE BRAZIL, TAMPA BAY CELEBRATES FATHER’S DAY Car Displays, Grilling at Home Recipe

In celebration of Father’s Day, Texas de Brazil, Tampa will open at 11 a.m. with their full dinner menu and will showcase a display of unique and exotic cars for Dad to view along with his meal.*

Dads and families can enjoy the traditional cuts beef, pork, chicken and Brazilian sausage for which Texas de Brazil is famous, all carved tableside in true Brazilian Churrascaria fashion, along with a sumptuous 50-60 item salad bar. Diners can complete their Brazilian Steakhouse experience with a decadent dessert, after dinner drink, steaming espresso or hand-rolled cigar.

This spring, Culinary Director Evandro Caregnato, features a savory grill-friendly recipe for Dads to enjoy all summer long: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken, complete recipe is below.

Car display, Sunday, June 19 at 11 a.m.

Texas de Brazil

4112 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa

(813) 871-1400

Chef Jeannie Pierola Returns to Tampa Dining Scene in Trendsetting PopUp Dining Series

Leave it to the former Executive Chef of Bern’s and SideBern’s to pick up on the hottest culinary trend in the country and bring it home: Pop•Up Dining. The brainchild of L.A.•based Chef Ludovic Lefebvre who appeared on “Top Chef Masters,” Pop•Up Dining is a guerilla restaurant that, as its name implies, literally pops up at a selected space for a limited time. “When I read about LudoBites I was immediately curious and excited,” states Pierola. “Here’s a highly regarded chef who’s frustrated that the economy is stalling his own efforts to open a restaurant. So he finds a breakfast and lunch only place, borrows it in the evenings for a few months, and cooks his most recent creations. And because of the limited overhead, guests can enjoy fine dining at casual dining prices. It’s the ideal restaurant for these times.” Now Pierola is ready to bring her creative talents to the pop•up dining trend with a limited engagement at Pinky’s Diner for 10 nights in November (09•13 and 16•20). Called KitchenBar, it will continue her exploration of world cuisine and mark her return to the local dining scene since leaving Bern’s in 2007. “KitchenBar is the natural evolvement of my culinary journey, “ adds Pierola. “After Bern’s and SideBern’s, I dined my way across the country, Mexico and Europe and consulted with a number of restaurant groups.” KitchenBar is the culmination of Pierola’s travels and experiences, and will offer the thrill of amazing products, precise execution and her unique creativity to everyone. “Breaking bread should be an affordable, daily expression,” explains Pierola. “KitchenBar will be a dining democracy; exceptional food, exceptionally priced. Come eat what’s next.” Guests can pre•purchase wines from uber•wine merchant Bob Sprentall of B•21 which will then be delivered to Pinky’s. Or, they can choose to bring their own. And after November? “This is an ongoing series, so stay tuned,” sums up Pierola. “Click ‘like’ on KitchenBar’s Facebook page to find out where we’ll pop up next.” Pinky’s Diner is located at 3203 W. Bay to Bay Blvd. For reservations 813•374•4537.

Slow Food USA Starts Tampa Bay Chapter

The international Slow Food movement has officially come to Tampa Bay. To celebrate the formation of a new chapter, Slow Food Tampa Bay will host its first event – a Slow Food Sampler on Thursday, July 8^th from 7–9 p.m. at Studio@620 in St. Petersburg.

The event will feature samplings of locally produced food supplied by Whole Foods of Tampa and prepared by Chef Dave West of The Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium of Brandon. Slow Food Tampa Bay board members will be on hand to talk about upcoming activities. The event also will include a raffle of tickets to the Jack Johnson concert in Tampa (with proceeds supporting Slow Foods Tampa Bay) and a silent auction for a package that includes 2 tickets and dinner at Pelagio Restaurant. Tickets to the Slow Food Sampler are $10 per person, available at the door and via the new website: slowfoodtampabay.org.

Who: Newly Established Tampa Bay Chapter of Slow Food

What: Slow Food Sampler event

Where: Studio@620, 620 1^st Ave S., St. Petersburg

When: Thursday, July 8, 7-9 p.m.

Why: To introduce the concept of Slow Food to the Tampa Bay area

About Slow Food

Slow Food Tampa Bay is the 10^th chapter of the organization in Florida, whose mission is to promote food that is good, clean and fairly produced.

The Capital Grille Wine Tasting Event Returns

This summer, Master Sommelier George Miliotes has again assembled an impressive collection of wines for you to savor with dinner. Some are famous wines you may know, others are insider wines you'll want to know.

This tasting event ends July 25 contact The Capital Grille at International Plaza for more information. 813-830-9433