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

Amelia Island Restaurant Week

January 24-31: Second Annual Amelia Island Restaurant Week

The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to announce the

Second Annual Restaurant Week, which offers a great opportunity to try a

selection of Amelia’s irresistible, award-winning dining options. With 19

participating restaurants in 2010, patrons can enjoy the culinary

masterpieces by some of the area’s finest restaurants at a great price.

Each restaurant will offer a fixed menu, including three courses and a

beverage, for $19 and $29. For more information and a list of participating

restaurants, visit www.ameliaisland.com/yummy.

The Foodie gets fresh on February 15th

Seasons 52 to Open in Tampa

Seasons 52 will open its newest location at WestShore Plaza in Tampa, Florida on Monday, February 15th. The new location, thefirst on Florida’s west coast, is set to expand Seasons 52’s forward-thinking, fresh concept and sophisticated dining experience.

“We believe that Seasons 52 is a perfect match for Tampa’s fresh and exciting lifestyle environment,” said David Valentine, Managing Partner, Seasons 52 Tampa. “Guests are sure to enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere, our fresh, seasonally-inspired cuisine topped off by award-winning mini indulgences, live music nightly in our piano bar and an adventurous international selection of 100 wines with 60 by the glass.”

To make reservations, please call (813) 286-1152 or visit Seasons52.com.

Look for a full review in the April issue of Tampa Bay Metro.