Indian Rocks Beach-born Slyce Pizza Bar has brought its mashup of artisan pizza and adult beverages to Madeira Beach. Owners Jack Bennett and Ken Gillespie's flagship, founded in 2011 a few miles north of Mad Beach, is known for its stone-baked pies as much as its energetic "bar" vibe, and their second Slyce is no different.
Guests can pair the waterside Mad Beach location's lineup of seasonal craft beer, fine wine and signature cocktails with pizzas like the Truffle Shuffle (olive oil, garlic, mozzarella, mushrooms, truffle oil) and Beach Bird (barbecue sauce, chicken, caramelized onions, smoked Gouda, mozzarella, parsley). There's also a selection of salads, sandwiches and unconventional starters (for a pizzeria, that is) that include an Italian sushi roll and spinach artichoke wontons.
Opened Feb. 7, the latest indoor-outdoor Slyce is located inside the Madeira Shopping Center at 662 150th Ave.
• In downtown St. Pete, two 24-hour diners are taking shape. The first is 2nd & Second, a partnership between Kahwa Coffee co-founder Raphael Perrier, Tryst owner Renaud Cowez, and Wooden Rooster co-owner and Cassis American Brasserie chef Jeremy Duclut at 201 Second Ave. N., while the other, Diner24, is set to replace the short-lived Fuego Lounge, which held its grand opening at 350 First Ave. N. back in August.
• A fresh spot for frozen treats has also made its way to downtown St. Pete. On the 400 block, IceBurg Frozen Yogurt offers a rotating list of smoothies (strawberry and mango were featured during a recent visit), hot and iced Kahwa Coffee drinks, baked goods, and, of course, froyo in flavors such as dulce de leche. The shop at 449 Central Ave. aims to add Thai ice cream rolls, which are in vogue locally, to its roster this spring as well.
• On the other side of the bay, South Tampa has gained a storefront from The Vine Baking Co. Owned by head baker Samara Wohlfiel, the Vine premiered its signature desserts and baked goods last month in the space previously home to Library coffeehouse, which closed at 3201 S. Dale Mabry Highway in late December.
Patrons will find menu items that are made fresh daily, including cookies, doughnuts, bagel balls, Belgian Liege-style waffles and sandwiches. Plus, there's coffee.
"It has been our dream to create a space where family, friends and the community can gather in a warm and welcoming environment," said the Vine of its storefront in a Dec. 20 Facebook post.
The shop, which also does custom cakes, is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
• About three weeks ago, Brandon's Thai Legacy Restaurant celebrated its grand opening at 120 N. Parsons Ave. Under new management with a new name, the former Thai Boat location spotlights an assortment of dine-in and takeout eats, as well as lunch and dinner specials.
Stuffed tapioca balls, Thai dumplings, beef noodle soup, classic pad Thai, and a tofu-heavy vegan menu — featuring everything from sweet chili and garlic tofu, papaya salad and drunken noodles to black coconut sticky rice with mango for dessert — are among the highlights.
• And here's a sixth course for good measure: M-N-M BBQ's craft barbecue joint at 2827 16th St. N. is now open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
