You might’ve had a taste of what St. Pete chef Kenneth Tufo can create during his five years at the Sea Salt restaurant within The Sundial. Now, Tufo is finessing a new loaded menu at his very own pop-up called “The Kitchen” located at the historic Watergarden Inn in downtown St. Pete.
Open weekly Thursday through Saturday, The Kitchen features a modern, chef-driven prix fixe menu that draws inspiration from the chef’s culinary background, which includes cooking in high-end kitchens of Daniel Boulud and Gordon Hamersley in both Boston and New York City.
“The Watergarden Inn is the ideal location for my pop-up,” chef Tufo said in a release. “The inn is an oasis in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg and the perfect setting for guests to enjoy my intimate, market fresh menu.”
Some menu items include a Braised Dutch Valley Rabbit, Atlantic Swordfish “Livornese” and a Maple Leaf Duck Duo with seared breast, roasted leg, parsnip purée, and cherry sauce. Dessert items include a mascarpone cheesecake, flourless chocolate torte and strawberries with aged balsamic topped with fresh mint and whipped cream.
The three-course prix fixe menu is $65 per person with tax and tip included. Beverages can be purchased at an additional cost. Guests—who can opt for indoor seating or outdoor reservations by the pool—can also bring their own drinks or bottle of time without worrying about a corkage fee. Just a heads up, reservations required, and can be made via phone at 646-732-1758.
The Watergarden Inn on the Bay is located at 126 4th Ave. NE in St. Petersburg.
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This article appears in Feb 20-27, 2020.
