The Table (535 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, 727-823-6372), which closed rather quickly the day they won our Reader's Poll award for Best New Restaurant, has re-opened. Former manager Joe Moledo teamed with the building's owners and Michael Stewart of 717 South in Tampa to re-open the doors with food from former Table co-owner and chef Pedro Flores. I gave Flores a nod as Best Chef in Sarasota this year, so the food should be at least as good as before — maybe better, since Flores spent most of his time at the Sarasota location after the St. Pete spot opened. According to Moledo, prices are a little lower, but the same Atlantic-rim cuisine will be represented on the new menu. No lunch, but The Table opens at 3 p.m. for happy hour.
Elements Global Cuisine in Gulfport has closed, but the doors are still open thanks to new tenant Le Moulin Jaune (3121 Beach Blvd., Gulfport, 727-343-9894). That makes two French joints in this thriving bay-side dining district. Owner Alex Hambert also got the keys to the space next door just today, and plans to have a full bakery open there within two months. For now, the restaurant is open for continental breakfast, and lunch and dinner. When the bakery opens, the main space will be closed during breakfast.
Bella Brava has re-opened for lunch, and Roy's opened for lunch for the first time starting last week (take a sneak peek at Bella Brava's lunche menu after the break).
Abol Bunna (3644 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-964-6889), a new Ethiopian/Italian restaurant, opened a few weeks ago in South Tampa, just a few blocks away from Queen of Sheba. Hopefully, that'll drum up extra business for both places.
In case you missed it, the new Z Grille is open. Just found out that it's only open for dinner, but they plan on adding lunch, then breakfast, hopefully by the beginning of the year. All-day dining, seven days a week? Nice.
India Grill, in downtown St. Petersburg, has lost its lease. May re-open elsewhere. May not.
Merino's Deli in Seminole Heights has closed due to the economy.
Bella Brava lunch menu after this break: