01. KOYA
Tampa’s first omakase-only restaurant opened in mid-July at Noble Rice’s previous location, 807 W. Platt St. in Hyde Park. Omakase, which translates to “leave it to you, chef” in Japanese, allows the chef to curate a preselected dinner menu each night for their customers. All of Koya’s omakase menu comprises fresh, in-season ingredients. Diners can pair premium wines, sakes and Japanese craft beers with any of the omakase dishes and desserts. Currently, Koya is open for dinner only and can accommodate just eight people a night
02. MIDTOWN TAMPA
Bromley Companies, the developer behind the $500 million Midtown Tampa project, announced that it has designed a COVID-conscious office building that will open later this year. The Loft at Midtown was already slated to focus on the health and wellness of its occupants and will now include features like touch-free access to doors and elevators via smartphone apps, UV light-conditioned air and improved circulation, antimicrobial paint, and outdoor meeting spaces. The Loft is slated to open to tenants in December.
In mid-July, Felix “Bubba” Flores, owner of the popular Wicked Oak Barbeque food truck, announced that the restaurant would open a brick-and-mortar location in Seminole Heights. Wicked Oak is planning its soft opening for mid-to-late August. The new location will be at 6607 N. Florida Ave., directly next door to King of the Coop. Once open, the barbecue joint will feature its classics like loaded mac and cheese, pulled chicken and pork sandwiches, and house-made sauces.
04. TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART’S “HERSTORY”
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement, the Tampa Museum of Art opened “HerStory: Stories of Ancient Heroines and Everyday Women” on July 10. The exhibit, on display through January 9, 2022, depicts the story of women from centuries ago through everyday objects, statues and vessels. Aphrodite and Amazon warriors are among the idols and icons on display. TMA reopened to the public on June 1, implementing several new safety protocols including mask requirements and social distancing.
05. ROME + FIG
After months of planning, the restaurant Rome + Fig had its soft opening on July 29 in North Hyde Park. Rome + Fig describes its cuisine as “globally inspired,” and it features an open-kitchen concept and a community table. Made from vintage doors from Schiller’s Salvage, the table is meant to encourage conversation between diners (and will be put to use post pandemic). During its launch, Rome + Fig will serve a rotating four-course prix fixe menu. The menu will continue to rotate until the full menu becomes available. The restaurant plans to offer dinner Wednesday through Sunday and eventually expand its hours to offer brunch on the weekends.
