In this week’s roundup and what’s new, coming and happening in the Tampa Bay food scene, be ready to buckle up for bubbles, a revived Pop ‘N Sons, and a spankin’ new Korean fusion food truck launching in Brandon. In other news, Haven debuts a barbecue pop-up, Corners Pizza expands, and Sammy + Paco’s prepares for its debut in St. Petersburg. Here’s what’s new, coming and happening in Tampa Bay’s food scene.
Openings
Insomnia Cookies The concept delivers late night and launched its first Bay area bakery near USF, with a South Tampa location coming soon. The location offers nine classic cookie flavors including chocolate chunk and Snickerdoodle, six “deluxe” cookies like confetti and salted caramel plus cakes, ice cream, brownies, and cookie sandwiches. And yes, Insomniac delivers cold milk, too. 5114 E Fowler Ave., Tampa. insomniacookies.com—Alexandria Jones
La Vid Wines The Iberian wine shop specializes in wines from Spain, Portugal, as well as international wines. Certified Sommelier Victor Manuel is behind the concept and can walk guests through curated sips. 14610 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Carrollwood. @lavidwines on Facebook
Murph’s BBQ Taking over Boat Run Oyster Co.’s shipping container, Murph’s is now slingin’ barbecue at Sparkman Wharf. The menu features “a no-frills, non-denominational BBQ style with quality meats and sauces inspired by the best BBQ regions in the United States.” That means 12-hour smoked brisket, pulled pork and charcoal roasted chicken. When it comes to sides, expect macaroni and cheese, barbecue baked beans, coleslaw as well as a rotating selection of seasonal bites. 615 Water St., Tampa. sparkmanwharf.com
Coming soon
Bouzy Cru Cellars owner Jennifer Bingham is behind the project that is scheduled to open this summer on W Snow Avenue. Pronounced “boozy,” the champagne and cocktail bar is also set to serve a selection of small plates with its sips. Hyde Park Village, Tampa. bouzybar.com
3 Corners Pizza The Sparkman Wharf resident, The Corners, is launching a new location at Water Street in downtown Tampa. The 2,500 square-foot, 120-seat restaurant will include both a full bar and an extensive patio area. 815 Water St., Tampa. thecornerspizza.com
Pop ‘N Sons Miami chef and Tampa native Richard Hales plans to reopen the '50s and '60s themed diner before the Super Bowl. While he still plans on keeping the nostalgic feels, menu staples, as well as many employees, guests can expect the decorated chef to add new as well as seasonal dishes to the menu. 4812 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa. chefrichardhales.com
Poppo’s Taqueria The Manatee County-based, family-owned chain is quickly spreading throughout the greater Tampa Bay Area. The fast-casual build-your-own-taco and burrito joint announced that it will soon open at the address previously occupied by downtown Tampa's Holy Hog BBQ. The menu is loaded with Mexican street food inspired by San Francisco's Mission District. 302 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. poppostaqueria.com
Sammy + Paco’s Kelly Rodriguez-Laureano alongside husband and chef Alex Rodriguez are the masterminds behind Lolita's Wine Market as well as Sophia's Cucina + Enoteca. Now the duo is launching a third concept as a cafe, bakery and market in Historic Kenwood. Guests can expect breakfast and lunch offerings as well as a handful of baked goods. 2735 5th Ave. N, St. Petersburg. lolitaswinemarket.com
Reopened
Earth Fare A year-and-a-half ago the organic and health food store announced that it was closing all of its locations. Well, change of plans, Earth Fare's reopening in Seminole City Center is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 23. There’s a wellness basket and dinner for two up for grabs at the Jan. 23 reopening, which kicks off at 8 a.m. 7880 113th St., Seminole. earthfare.com
ICYMI
Boulevard Burgers & Tap House Blood Drive The burger joint has linked up with OneBlood to host a blood drive. All donors will be tested for the coronavirus antibody and will receive perks including $10 off their meal at Boulevard Burgers, a $10 eGift card, and a long-sleeve OneBlood T-shirt. Fri., Jan 29 from 1 p.m.-6 p.m. 5905 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach. blvdburgers.com
Ginger’s Cafe Grand Opening Korean-American fusion “cafe on wheels” Ginger’s Cafe Korean American Mix Up has plans to open a home base in Brandon this weekend. The food truck initially opened in 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented it from a proper grand opening. Normal hours of operation are Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for lunch, Wednesday and Friday 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. for dinner. On Saturdays, find Ginger’s at Brandon Oriental Market at 112 Pauls Dr. from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 127 N Moon Ave., Brandon. @GingersMixUpCafe on Facebook—Alexandria Jones
Massive ‘Za Madison Avenue Pizza has debuted one of the largest pizzas in Tampa Bay. Diners can now snag a massive 32-inch ‘za for the entire fam or as a not-so-healthy way to meal prep. If you don’t have the appetite, you can find pies of all sizes, as well as Stromboli, calzone, subs and salads. 2660 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin. madisonavepizza.com
Larceny BBQ Tampa's Haven is switching things up by launching a new monthly pop-up. Haven's chef Chad Johnson is recreating barbecue classics with new ingredients and techniques. This isn't your average pop-up menu either. Larceny BBQ's selection is stacked from meat by the plate, half-pound, and pound, to sides in various sizes and a slew of booze opens. The first installment of Larceny is going down Saturday, Jan. 23 from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 2208 W Morrison Ave., Tampa. haventampa.com
Stuff N’ Waffles Metro Diner locations have added new loaded waffle dishes to the menu. Savory comfort food like beef tips, sausage gravy and chicken tenders as well as creamy chicken and veggies top waffles made from cornbread stuffing. Like a true breakfast for dinner combo. Various locations. metrodiner.com
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This article appears in Jan 28 – Feb 3, 2021.