After a delayed soft opening, then grand opening, in December, The Raven has launched in Largo.
A fusion of craft brewery and restaurant, The Raven, which is the brainchild of Barley Mow Brewing Company owners Jay and Colleen Dingman and Out of the Pot catering chefs Ashley and Allan Fernandez, opened its doors to the public at 2535 E. Bay Drive on Jan. 5.
The full liquor bar features specialty cocktails, wine and Mow brews on tap, while seasonal, beer-infused grub is showcased from the "upscale craft kitchen." With at least nine vegan or vegetarian offerings, The Raven's food menu lists plates like beer and lime roasted cauliflower grilled cheese, IPA-battered mini hot dogs, short ribs braised with stout and onions, and beer-a-misu, a pub spin on the beloved Italian dessert.
In addition to one-off, chef-inspired beers, the extensive cocktail selection — house and classic creations priced between $7 and $14 — includes Planter's Punch (Kraken Spiced Rum, citrus and pineapple juices, grenadine, bitters) and, awesomely, The Tell Tale Heart (Fish Hawk Absinthia Rubra, Drambuie, Glenfiddich 12 Year). Many of the spotlighted spirits are also made in Florida.
The Raven operates 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
This article appears in Jan 12-19, 2017.