Just Hatched: Summer 2019 Openings Around The State
Debuts to Peruse: brand new restaurants, galleries, shops, resorts and more
NORTH
GLASS BOTTLE SOCIETY
Jacksonville
Located in Jacksonville’s Five Points area among historically preserved buildings, the Glass Bottle Society now provides premium products for cocktail enthusiasts. Owner Jina Paolillo has more than 20 years of experience in the service industry. While tending bar, she realized that there wasn’t a one-stop shop for quality bar products, so she set out to change that. Shelves overflowing with bitters, simple syrups, cocktail infusions, ceramic drink ware, recipe books and an eclectic collection of cocktail shakers wrap around the entirety of this brick-and-mortar shop. theglassbottlesociety.com
POGO’S KITCHEN
Amelia Island
The origin of the restaurant’s name came from the comic strip Walt Kelly started in 1948, “Pogo,” about a possum and other fictional swamp creatures such as alligators, owls and porcupines living in the Okefenokee. Although the eatery gives a nod to its history, Pogo’s Kitchen is far from cartoonish, with its upscale design and five-star dishes. located off A1A on Amelia Island, Pogo’s Kitchen serves up handmade Southern cuisine, like braised sweet potatoes and pan-seared duck, by executive chef Alan Heckman. pogoskitchen.com
NORTH BEACH TORTILLA CO.
South Walton
North Beach Tortilla Co. celebrates its founder’s love of Mexican food from a scenic spot at the foot of the Clyde B. Wells bridge, the landmark welcoming visitors and natives to South Walton. Chef Jim Shirley, a culinary legend known for his iconic restaurants throughout Pensacola and Seaside, grew up on the Gulf Coast eating surf tacos and developing a taste for Latin-inspired food. When it opens this summer, North Beach Tortilla Co. will be built with pylons off an old drawbridge and feature a beach bar overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay. The menu will feature Gulf-to-table dishes and more than 100 craft and artisan tequilas. chefjimshirley.com
PROPER THE BREWPUB
Tallahassee
When Proof Brewing Co. expanded its facility to take up an entire city block earlier this year, Proper The Brewpub was born. Only a six-minute walk from Cascades Park, the brewery is known for its award-winning ales like Creatures in the Dark, a stout; Eightfive-O, an American pale ale; and La La Land, an IPA. The contemporary gastropub houses a beer garden, tasting room and event space. Brad Buckenheimer, owner of Canopy Road Cafe and Merv’s, created Proper out of his love for Proof Brewing and belief that great food and exceptional beer belong together. The brunch menu features items like brioche French toast and a sunrise burger. Upscale bar bites like the rib-eye cheesesteak and bratwurst dumplings called bratstickers are also available. 1320southmonroe.com
CENTRAL
PROPER & WILD
Winter Park
Husband and wife duo Chelsie and Jamie Savage set out in 2018 to make “real damn good food.” The outcome was Proper & Wild, their second-of-three restaurants in three years in the Orlando area. The kitchen menu features plant-based meals like avocado caprese salad and makhani curry made with organic seasonal produce sourced from Florida growers such as Sugar Top Farms, Dakin Dairy Farms and Lake Meadow Naturals. Coffee from Golden Hills Coffee Roasters is poured only days after it’s been locally roasted. With open shelves exposing sleek glassware and plants draping the walls, the ambience conveys a sense of sophistication, laced with a hint of nature. properandwildwp.com
THE LIBRARY
St. Petersburg
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, communal-style seating and black-and-white checkered floors are just a few of the details that create the cozy atmosphere of this already-buzzed-about restaurant and bar with executive chef, and James Beard semifinalist, Rachel Bennett at the helm. Owners and siblings Allison Casper Adams and Blake Casper made a name for themselves with their retail space Oxford Exchange. They took inspiration for The Library from the legacy of philanthropist George Peabody, who believed in the power of education. Located within the John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital medical complex, The Library provides a safe haven for doctors, nurses and guests to enjoy banana pancakes or a latte, with conversation and community at its core. thelibrarystpete.com
OAK & OLA
Tampa
Euro-American eatery Oak & Ola was started by five friends who merged their expertise with a passion for excellent food. The restaurant is located inside the historic Armature Works warehouse in the heart of the Tampa Heights waterfront community. Award-winning executive chef Anne Kearney turns out entrees with her Americanized take on classically styled French Provençal cuisine, while always staying focused on her motto, “food of love.” Kearney describes Oak & Ola’s culinary ethos as “classics revisited,” featuring dishes such as Spanish-style fire-roasted octopus and blue crab spaghetti. oakandola.com
SOUTH
THE CITADEL
Miami
Located in the historic neighborhood of Little River, The Citadel is South Florida’s largest food hall, encompassing three stories and 62,000 square feet of warehouse space. The building was built in 1951 as a bank and later redesigned to preserve its original MiMo architectural style. The long communal tables are surrounded by dozens of local and artisanal food vendors such as Ash! Pizza Parlor, Society BBQ and Manjay. Walk-up food stalls are scattered throughout, serving an array of food such as Mediterranean octopus, Caribbean gyro and Korean fried chicken. In addition to the food, The Citadel also houses an open-air market, The Finery, showcasing both up-and-coming and established brands like French 75 Vintage and Baiser Beauty and a glitzy rooftop bar and lounge. thecitadelmiami.com
THE EMERY
Hallandale Beach
The Emery is a 4,000-square-foot members-only co-working space and social club with a mission to set up South Florida women for personal and professional success. Located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, The Emery, with its growing membership, has become a central hub for South Florida females to build their network by meeting and collaborating with potential clients and other like-minded entrepreneurs. The Emery also offers events and educational workshops on challenges women collectively face, such as how to stay successful without sacrificing personal relationships and maintaining emotional wellness. Aileen Lavin, founder and CEO, believes that, alone, women can be successful, but together, women can change the world. the-emery.com
LEMON TREE KITCHEN
Sarasota
Lemon Tree Kitchen marks the fifth Florida installment for the Tableside Restaurant Group. Committed to clean eating at a reasonable price, Lemon Tree Kitchen serves fresh and local fare that even vegan and gluten-free foodies can enjoy, says Joe Seidensticker, chief executive officer of Tableside Restaurant Group. The large storefront windows and walls covered with plant life create an organic, airy and relaxed vibe. Plates such as wood-oven pizzas, veggie noodle ramen and tofu deviled eggs made with wholesome ingredients, offer a healthy version of American favorites. tableseide.com
ISLA BELLA BEACH RESORT
Marathon
Surrounded by 360-degree views of the ocean and the Seven-Mile Bridge, this luxury resort is in a prime location for sailing, fishing, snorkeling and diving. Isla Bella is the first resort in The Keys to go up after Hurricane Irma devastated the area in 2017 and is nestled just a few miles from Bahia Honda State Park halfway between Key West and Key Largo. Each room features a large private outdoor living area, steps away from the crystal blue water. With 24 acres of beachfront, this oasis features a spa, five swimming pools and multiple places to dine, as well as activities like sunrise bike rides and pier fishing. islabellabeachresort.com
