Cheese boards, artisan charcuterie, lobster nachos and steak frites are some of what Grace, a new modern-meets-laid-back restaurant, is bringing to St. Pete Beach sometime in summer. The Pass-a-Grille food spot, neighbors with the Brass Monkey, is set to specialize in Mediterranean fare at 120 Eighth Ave., where Vida de Cafe, a casual raw vegan joint, closed about a year ago.
• In the same South Tampa plaza as 81Bay Brewing Co. and Jerk Hut, a multipurpose skating rink with specialty drinks and food is also targeting a summer opening. Pattinis Bistro & Skate promises a full bar, "mixologist," an upscale sushi bar and entertainment (think concerts and other live music), plus an arcade, on its Facebook page. The newcomer is located at 4465 W. Gandy Blvd.
• The Bistro 60, attached to the Clarion Inn, dishes a something-for-everyone lineup during breakfast, lunch and dinner. A guava barbecue brisket, open-face Cuban and house veggie burger are among the sandwich options, while additional offerings include fish and chips, carnitas tacos and funnel-cake fries.
The Tampa restaurant at 9331 E. Adamo Drive, which also offers craft beer and wine, has its grand opening celebration planned for 8 to 11 p.m. Friday.
• A while back, Tangelo's Grille was among the Tampa Bay stops for Season 2 of the Cooking Channel series Beach Bites with Katie Lee. For those who didn't catch the Gulfport restaurant on the show's latest episode, "Grilled & Que'd" (a 'sode with St. Petersburg's Bodega on Central has aired as well), it's on again this weekend.
"Mmm, you know that spice really hits me in the beginning, with the ginger and the garlic, and the grill really brings out the sweet flavors," Lee said of the Tangelo's grilled mango jerk chicken. "I love grilled food when I'm at the beach. Great on a hot day like today."
• Finally, look for Franky D's to launch in the building formerly home to a Mexican restaurant, Elsa's, at 18450 U.S. Highway 41. The Lutz eatery bills itself as a family kitchen.
This article appears in Jun 8-15, 2017.