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!