Openings
Twisted Indian Over a year after it was originally slated to debut, St. Pete’s newest restaurant Twisted Indian opened to the public for the very first time this week. Located in the popular Grand Central District, Twisted Indian will be tentatively open from noon-6 p.m. from Tuesday-Sunday. Owner Lokesh Vale tells Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that once things are fully up and running, his new restaurant will most likely be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. but remain closed on Mondays. Menu categories include tacos, Bollywood bowls, yogi fries, curritos, its signature naanwhiches, sides and drinks. Protein choices include chicken, paneer and tofu tikka masala, lamb and seitan korma (a mild, yogurt-based curry) and spicy cauliflower. 2639 Central Ave. St. Petersburg. thetwistedindian.com
Green Pagoda If you can’t remember the name of St. Pete’s newest Asian fusion eatery, then maybe its giant green pagoda out front will jog your memory. On Green Pagoda’s menu, there's a good balance between expected Asian offerings like pad thai, fried rice and dumplings alongside “fusion” (aka American) counterparts like Caesar salad, classic ribeye steak, baked chicken and lobster risotto. There’s also an extensive sushi menu with all of the expected rolls, as well as a section with more traditional Asian recipes, like stewed pork belly (served in a clay pot) and spicy seafood stir fry. Green Pagoda is the latest concept from seasoned restaurateur Sean Thongsiri, who opened upscale eatery and cocktail bar Mangosteen on St. Pete's Central Avenue last year. 7900 4th St. N, St. Petersburg. facebook.com/greenpagodastpete
Closings
Faedo Family Bakery La Segunda, which has baked out of Ybor City for more than a century, recently announced that it’s taking over the iconic Faedo Family bakery in Seminole Heights. “Located in Seminole Heights the Faedo family has been (and still is!) a staple in the Cuban bread community. As a fellow 'born and bread' multigenerational family, we are honored to carry on the tradition as well as extend our business in Seminole Heights,” La Segunda’s Facebook reads. It’s unsure exactly when the transition officially takes place, so follow La Segunda and Faedo Family Bakery on Facebook at @LaSegundaBakery and @FaedosBakery for the latest updates. 5105 N Florida Ave., Tampa. facebook.com/FaedosBakery
ICYMI
Bolts Brew Fest Tampa Bay’s beloved hockey team brings its annual party back to the Amalie Arena this summer—and there will probably be more beer than you can drink (but don't take that as a challenge.) Let's just hope the Stanley Cup is there for us to drink out of, too. The 5th annual Bolts Brew Fest—happening on Friday, August 5 at 8 p.m.—will give guests a chance to sample beers from both local, Tampa Bay breweries and national brands. Besides drinking, other activities at this summer’s Bolts Brew Fest include live music, various photo opportunities, oversized games, and socializing with the man of the hour—the official Lightning mascot Thunderbug. 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa. boltsbrewfest.com
Twisted Indian Over a year after it was originally slated to debut, St. Pete’s newest restaurant Twisted Indian opened to the public for the very first time this week. Located in the popular Grand Central District, Twisted Indian will be tentatively open from noon-6 p.m. from Tuesday-Sunday. Owner Lokesh Vale tells Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that once things are fully up and running, his new restaurant will most likely be open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. but remain closed on Mondays. Menu categories include tacos, Bollywood bowls, yogi fries, curritos, its signature naanwhiches, sides and drinks. Protein choices include chicken, paneer and tofu tikka masala, lamb and seitan korma (a mild, yogurt-based curry) and spicy cauliflower. 2639 Central Ave. St. Petersburg. thetwistedindian.com
Green Pagoda If you can’t remember the name of St. Pete’s newest Asian fusion eatery, then maybe its giant green pagoda out front will jog your memory. On Green Pagoda’s menu, there's a good balance between expected Asian offerings like pad thai, fried rice and dumplings alongside “fusion” (aka American) counterparts like Caesar salad, classic ribeye steak, baked chicken and lobster risotto. There’s also an extensive sushi menu with all of the expected rolls, as well as a section with more traditional Asian recipes, like stewed pork belly (served in a clay pot) and spicy seafood stir fry. Green Pagoda is the latest concept from seasoned restaurateur Sean Thongsiri, who opened upscale eatery and cocktail bar Mangosteen on St. Pete's Central Avenue last year. 7900 4th St. N, St. Petersburg. facebook.com/greenpagodastpete
Closings
Faedo Family Bakery La Segunda, which has baked out of Ybor City for more than a century, recently announced that it’s taking over the iconic Faedo Family bakery in Seminole Heights. “Located in Seminole Heights the Faedo family has been (and still is!) a staple in the Cuban bread community. As a fellow 'born and bread' multigenerational family, we are honored to carry on the tradition as well as extend our business in Seminole Heights,” La Segunda’s Facebook reads. It’s unsure exactly when the transition officially takes place, so follow La Segunda and Faedo Family Bakery on Facebook at @LaSegundaBakery and @FaedosBakery for the latest updates. 5105 N Florida Ave., Tampa. facebook.com/FaedosBakery
ICYMI
Bolts Brew Fest Tampa Bay’s beloved hockey team brings its annual party back to the Amalie Arena this summer—and there will probably be more beer than you can drink (but don't take that as a challenge.) Let's just hope the Stanley Cup is there for us to drink out of, too. The 5th annual Bolts Brew Fest—happening on Friday, August 5 at 8 p.m.—will give guests a chance to sample beers from both local, Tampa Bay breweries and national brands. Besides drinking, other activities at this summer’s Bolts Brew Fest include live music, various photo opportunities, oversized games, and socializing with the man of the hour—the official Lightning mascot Thunderbug. 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa. boltsbrewfest.com
Epicurean Hotel undergoes a $21 million expansion Located in Tampa’s popular Hyde Park district, The Epicurean Hotel is in the process of adding 51 new rooms—alongside suites, a private lobby, meeting space, and a rooftop terrace. Epicurean Hotel is known for its Elevage SOHO Kitchen and Bar, Edge Rooftop Cocktail Lounge, and the newly-opened Chill Bros. Scoop Shop on its ground floor. Orlando-based L2 Studios, Inc. is the architect and interior designer for the project, while additional partners include Tampa-based Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson Architects, Inc. for the exterior concept design, and Nelson Construction, the general contractor. The expansion is set to be completed sometime next year; for more information visit epicureanhotel.com.
