A new luxury hotel planned for Westshore is set to feature at least four food and drink concepts, one of them being the first U.S. restaurant for a renowned Tuscan chef.
With chef Silvia Baracchi — who reached international acclaim at Tuscany's Michelin-starred Il Falconiere restaurant and retreat — at the helm, the Tampa eatery will open at the latest Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants property at the intersection of Laurel and O'Brien streets. (The Kimpton crew is also behind Hotel Zamora in St. Pete Beach, P.S.)
"We are thrilled at the opportunity to bring this caliber of heartfelt hospitality and dining to Tampa, especially since it allows us to continue growing along Florida’s gulf coast," said Kimpton CEO Mike DeFrino in a statement.
The intimate dinner-only restaurant, part of the hotel's contemporary Italian piazza-inspired concept, will feature a menu that reflects Baracchi's sophisticated, stylish interpretation of the Tuscan countryside's culinary traditions.
Though a name for the high-end dining spot hasn't been announced, other details have.
A new hydroponic farm, called Red Barn Farm, will supply the restaurant with produce. Since the almost 8-acre plot is located off-site, its growing techniques will be highlighted through a showpiece vertical garden, harkening back to the olive grove and vineyard views of the chef's home.
Baracchi, who crafts homemade pasta and uses organic veggies at Il Falconiere, also aims to host cooking classes locally — an added bonus for anyone into fine dining.
Meant to be a gathering place for the Westshore neighborhood, the boutique hotel will house an additional restaurant with casual fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, a rooftop bar and a bakery serving coffee, snacks and café eats. Each food concept promises live music and performance art.
The five-story Kimpton property is slated to open in early 2018.
This article appears in Jun 9-16, 2016.