Restaurant week is in full swing and we have already hit the tables at some of the areas participating venues. One that particularly intrigued us is a new location in Downtown Tampa called Anise Global Gastrobar. The name alone is interesting and if you know more about its roots, you will be even more incited.
The wait staff explained to us that the owners operated a local food truck prior to opening the doors to this hip establishment. The food truck was called Stinky Bunz and served their very successful take on traditional Asian sticky buns. Don’t worry though, just because their truck is no longer, you can still indulge in one of their, “dangerously addictive steamed bunz,” on their new menu. Even better, you can choose a couple to test out on the Dine Tampa Bay Prix Fix Menu. Choose from… beer battered shrimp w/papaya slaw, braised pork belly w/kimchi, red curried crispy chicken w/cucumber, fried zucchini w/crispy garlic and Chinese BBQ pork w/pickled radish.
The cuisine is not the only thing you will enjoy. Being from New York I am always on the look out for new hot spots that provide that “city” feel. No, I can’t say this is just like being in a restaurant in NYC. Its too spacious and has sprawling ceilings, but also because on Friday night their were seats open. It did feel rather warm in the space, but I think that is because the air conditioner needed to be turned up and not because of the crowds body heat. Either way, this place reminded me of a high end bar with very interesting decor that I look for when bar hopping in NYC.
I will leave it up to you to head in and check out the scene for yourself. I think you will enjoy the creative wall paper inlays and the bathroom decor as well as the inspiring portraits that hang above the main bar.
And if you don’t plan on staying for a full meal, head to the bar and order some Jap Chae Noodle Stirfry (my fav!) and wash it down with a hand crafted drink such as the Hibiscus Margarita.
Dine Tampa Bay Restaurant Week is happening right now so don’t miss your chance to try the (only) $35 Prix Fix Menu before its too late. “Delight in two weeks of exclusive prix fixe menus defined by delicious appetizers, enticing entrees and divine desserts at Tampa Bay’s own restaurant week, August 16-30.” Visit the Dine Tampa Bay Website for more details and other restaurants.
Eat on,
Ryan
NHIE Guys 