Dining debuts

Despite a pervasive sense of economic doom and gloom, doors are opening all over the Tampa Bay area.

Remember a while ago when I ranted about Chateau Soho in Tampa, which was formerly Chateau France and 42nd Street? Well, it closed up and in its place Manny's Bistro has opened up shop. Haven't been yet so I can't say much about it, except reader Nick Vega says, "the new owner (formerly of Tampa Club) has remodeled it into a cozy, but elegant bistro. His New Orleans trained chef, Tony Savage, prepares exquisite meals with unique presentations. I, along with many of my friends and associates, have dined there frequently. We attend their generous happy hour with complimentary appetizers every Friday and Saturday. This establishment is truly one of SoHo's best kept secrets." Secret's out.

Many months in the making, Hammerhead's Island Grill is finally doing business at the site of the defunct Julian's at the Heritage (256 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg). The concept is seafood-heavy with a big raw bar. Hours are 4-10 p.m. Tues. to Thurs., 4-11 p.m. Fri., noon-11 p.m. Sat. and noon to 10 p.m. Sun. For more information, call (727) 823-1848.

Another Tampa SoHo oldtimer, Mangroves, has opened a second location. Mangroves Northdale
(3805 Northdale Blvd., Tampa, 813/968-3300) serves a similar array of sophisticated New American cuisine in a glamorous new space with a swanky lounge. Northdale increasingly boasts some of South Tampa's restaurant bounty since the arrival of Mariposa Mexican Grill and Grille One Sixteen. Let's hope Mangroves is yet another Northdale knockout.

Up in Crystal River, Vintage on 5th is making waves. Owned by Rodney and Jennifer Carr, who also own the much-lauded Crystal River Wine & Cheese Company, this new effort was launched in January in a rehabbed 1940s church. The culinary focus is loosely Southern, with shrimp and grits their hottest seller. As the name suggests, wine is also taken seriously, with a rotating list of 55 offered by the bottle and 22 by the glass. Vintage on 5th is open for dinner Monday to Saturday, and is located at 114 NE 5th St., Crystal River, 352/794-0004.

ts.

Comments

[Gwyn]

Laura, what about the Toasted Pheasant?
I know Peter, he is a great Chef! I am glad he has found another place, I miss him @ Le Bouchon.