Wines by the glass, a retail wall with more than 150 bottles of wine and a new menu are what Cru Cellars has in store for the Heights Public Market. The Tampa Heights market hall has been steadily releasing its cast of vendors since last year, and Tampa’s Cru Cellars is the latest local spot to join the project at Armature Works.
Opened seven years ago in Palma Ceia, the sommelier-driven wine bar will focus its second location’s lineup on a French bistro favorite: steak frites. Guests can enjoy the dish from chef Brad Sobo as it’s traditionally presented, thinly sliced with fries, or as a sandwich topped with arugula and signature sauce — or, you know, gooey cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. No matter how customers order here, however, steak frites come with their choice of chimichurri, bearnaise, au poivre or barbecue-steak-sauce-with-a-twist dressings.
The Cru Cellars stall has a fancy chicken sandwich, plus artisanal cheese and charcuterie for its Farmer’s Platters, planned, too, alongside a selection of small-production wines. Expect a welcoming, industrial chic feel in the wine bar and retail areas, designed by Chris Rossi Studio, for sipping and nibbling.
“We’ve seen how much fun market halls are in other cities, so when I heard they were opening one in Tampa I knew we had to be a part of it,” said Cru Cellars owner Jennifer Bingham in a statement. “This is the perfect fit for Cru, and I think The Heights Public Market is going to be such a great asset to Tampa.”
Anticipating a summer opening, the Heights Public Market and its vendors are also accompanied by three restaurants. Steelbach and another eatery to be announced are set to anchor either side of the historic Armature Works building, while Atlantic Beer & Oyster is planned outside along the Tampa Riverwalk.
