Tampa Bay restaurateurs are sneaking in last minute treats for 2020 along with a handful of teases for what’s to come in 2021. This week we welcome a new smoothie shop to Tampa and a specialty grilled cheese joint in St. Pete. On the horizon is a taste of a vegan milkshake trailer, tropical eats, and a reimagined way to dine outdoors. If you’re looking for something to do in the meantime, you can snag last minute holiday gifts during CL’s 12 Days of Deals, or chowdown at this weekend’s chili pop-up. Just be sure to bring the antacid.
Openings
Robeks Making its debut Sat., Dec. 19, the healthy shake shop serves farm fresh juices, smoothies, acai bowls and wellness shots. The franchise location is family-owned and operated, with plans to host a grand opening celebration in January. 1211 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. robeks.com
The Lure Ono The fast-casual concept offers specialty grilled cheese sandwiches as well as a handful of other eats like beer-battered mozzarella fried cheese, battered whiskey onion rings and pork potstickers. There’s also a selection of smoothies, milkshakes, brews and wine for all occasions. 685 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. @thelureono on Facebook.
Coming soon
Knoouk Market & Provisions Alésia Restaurant is launching Knoouk Market & Provisions (stylized “KNOOUK”) early 2021. Located within the restaurant, the Knoouk display will be loaded with wines, coffees, teas, honeycomb, gift cards, T-shirts and other goods for purchase. Whether you’re swinging by to grab an item as a gift or want to do a little shopping after your meal, Knoouk will soon be ready to ring you up. alesiarestaurant.com—Alexandria Jones
Mangos Cafe and Specialty Store Shouldn’t be long before Mango’s make its debut. A spawn of Mango’s Catering Service, the forthcoming restaurant will offer Caribbean, Haitian, and soul food menu items alongside a lineup of café bites. Every fourth Sunday of the month, diners can get in on brunch service accompanied by live music. The specialty store will be stocked with Mango’s merch like shirts, sources, and aprons. 9718 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace. mangocateringservice.com/cafe
Nice Cream Shake Bar The Valentin sisters, Cait and Chelsea, are launching a vegan milkshake trailer in 2021. The Nice Cream Shake Bar has plans to attend food truck rallies and markets as well as cater private parties like baby showers and weddings. The decadent shakes are topped with doughnuts, cookies and whatever vegan-friendly, imaginative bites come to mind. nicecreambar.com
Two Graces Next month, Two Graces is switching up the Tampa Bay dining game by offering covered outdoor pergola seating within the former Reading Room space. Equipped with misters and heaters, these babies are prime for dining all year round. The full-service restaurant also has indoor and lounge seating. Expect pastas and wood fire pies on the menu alongside a selection of brews, wine and cocktails. 6001 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. gracestpete.com
VIP Mexican American Restaurant The second location of the casual full-service restaurant is making its debut March 2021 on Indian Rocks Beach. Taking over the former Aqua Prime Seafood & Steaks Restaurant space, expect the menu to mirror the OG Treasure Island location with items like burritos, tacos, tamales and chimichangas. 213 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach. viplounge-fla.com
ICYMI
Creative Loafing’s 12 Days of Deals The CL event features half-off certificates to Tampa Bay restaurants. A new Deal exclusive to CL Deals will be featured on cldeals.com each weekday through Dec. 24. A portion of proceeds benefit The Laundry Project by Current Initiatives. cldeals.com
Buddy’s Pizza delivers Buddy’s original Detroit-style pizza is now available for delivery. The creators of the beloved Detroit pie have launched a new partnership with online marketplace Goldbelly that will ship anywhere in the U.S. You can order Buddy’s frozen classic eight-square pizzas in three- or six-packs. goldbelly.com/buddys-pizza—Biba Adams
Cincinatti-ish Chili Pop-Up Former Steelbach chef Nathan Hardin linked up with Pickford Counter’s Benjamin Pomales and Adrianna Siller for the chili-focused pop-up. The pop-up will offer nearly extinct Skyline Chili-style eats including coneys, all the ways, nachos, burgers and oyster crackers. Expect lots of cheese and well as vegan versions of each menu item. 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Sun., Dec. 20. Pickford’s Counter 2606 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. INFO
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This article appears in Dec 17-23, 2020.
