The local restaurant scene experienced a few things while you were getting your extended Fourth of July weekend on.
For one, 12-year-old downtown St. Pete eatery Z Grille has quietly closed at 104 Second St. S. The eclectic, energetic restaurant — owned by husband and wife Zack and Jennifer Gross — opened its original location on Central Avenue in 2005, serving up casual plates from Chef Zack during daytime hours and more polished dishes in the evening. Three years later, Z Grille moved to the ground floor of Signature Place along Second.
Known for its food with attitude, including the famous deviled eggs and deep-fried Dr. Pepper ribs, the restaurant was considered a pioneer in the downtown dining scene by many.
In downtown Tampa, Four Green Fields has won the bid for the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park retail space, for which a request for proposals went out in May. (OK, yes. This happened today, but still.) With a $680,000 buildout set for mid-August and slated completion in 16 weeks, the new pub will feature indoor and outdoor seating, a raw bar and a walk-up area accessible from the Riverwalk.
"The city received seven very enticing proposals, but the Four Green Fields concept with a raw bar is exactly what downtown Tampa is craving," said Mayor Bob Buckhorn in a statement. "For over 25 years, Four Green Fields has been a tried and true staple in Tampa, and their vision for the park seamlessly integrates with our busy event schedule while providing a much needed additional food options."
Another Irish pub and restaurant, Irish 31, announced its launch date at Wesley Chapel's Shops at Wiregrass, where Noble Crust is also opening this month, as 11 a.m. Thursday. This latest location, weighing in at 2,734 square feet, is the fifth for owner Jay Mize — plus the first standalone structure for the brand, which operates in Hyde Park Village, WestShore Plaza, Westchase and Amalie Arena.
Guests of the Wiregrass pub at 28358 Willet Way can expect a dog-friendly outdoor patio, TVs and nightly live music, alongside a menu of pub fare.
Construction on Irish 31s in Seminole, Clearwater Beach and Sarasota is underway, and sites in the Gainesville and Orlando markets will follow. The goal is 31 locations throughout the Southeast.
A grand opening for the Bay Harbor Hotel's latest feature, Bay Harbor Café, which debuted in early June, is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 14. The Tampa resort's formal celebration has tours, raffles, giveaways, appetizers, drinks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony in store. As for the café itself, highlights include a La Marzocco espresso machine and Buddy Brew Coffee, as well as grab-and-go sandwiches, fruit and sweets. Wine and craft beer are on hand, too.
"We are excited about the launch of the café, and hosting Tampa Bay at our grand opening event," according to Bay Harbor Café General Manager Crystal Rivera. "The café offers a common space for hotel guests and locals to mix, mingle and unwind."
