The fast-casual, chef-inspired burger-and-shake concept Burger 21, now open in Westchase, will open a second branch this fall — a 3,500-sq.-ft., 98-seat eatery in Carrollwood (at 11777 N. Dale Mabry Hwy). Run by Front Burner Brands (the same folks behind The Melting Pot Restaurants and GrillSmith), the chain will likely keep growing, with three more outlets being considered for the Tampa Bay area. The original Burger 21 is located at 9664 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, 813-475-5921, burger21.com.
After seven years in West Tampa and saying goodbye to Chef Jessica Raia-Long, The NoHo Bistro has packed up, moved and changed its name. Now dubbed Bistro Blue, the new location has recently opened in Palma Ceia offering lunch and dinner in two intimate dining rooms and serving the New American favorites seen at the former location. What has changed are the wine and craft beer lists, along with a brand new drink list as they’re now serving liquor. I don’t know about you, but the Chocolate Bacon Cajun Martini sounds divine. 2402 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-514-0691, bistrobleutampa.com.
Peter Taylor plans to bring his wood-fired pies to Downtown St. Pete in the coming months. Pete’s Wood Fired Pizza will share a deck with soon-to-be neighbor World of Beer (yep, another one) at the Fourth Street S. and First Avenue S. location that was formerly home to Paddy Burke's Irish Pub. Patrons will be able to get gourmet pizzas and enjoy over 40 craft brews on draft — at the same time! But don’t worry, Tampa. Taylor’s original
This article appears in Jun 9-15, 2011.