Cru Cellars’ bougie little sister, Bouzy opens next week.
The new champagne bar and restaurant is the latest addition to Hyde Park Village, tucked in next to the Clean Juice and right across from Forbici. Owner Jenn Bingham says the idea for Bouzy grew over the past several years as customers became interested in sparkling wine and champagne + more wineries began making new varieties.
Hyde Park was the right cool location, Bingham said. While the actual space itself is relatively small, the interiors still achieve the transporting, modern Art Deco feel Bingham wanted. Big city flair in Tampa.
Walk-in guests will be seated in Bouzy’s light, glitzy front dining room at the champagne and bubbles bar or one of the cafe tables. But those who make reservations will be led into the elegant “Champagne Cellar,” an intimate, speakeasy-esque space perfect for conversation and enviable Instagram shots.
Bingham envisions the space as a place to “celebrate the every day” — whether it’s a quick post-work drink with a friend or a celebratory full meal.
The menu is, of course, Bingham says, dishes that go well with bubbles. Think oysters, shrimp, salads. Chef Eric Bach, former Bern’s chef, crafted the entire menu — all of which are made without the use of a frier or hood (no small feat).
The full menu drops tomorrow. In the meantime, here’s a few highlights we got to sample:
- Blanc a Rose (the bar’s version of a Gin and tonic)
- Oysters with an herby mignonette
- Fat Beet Farms Green Salad
- Cocktail shrimp with a kimchi dipping sauce
We’re also eager to try Bingham’s fave cocktail at the bar: the Riveria, a classic daiquiri made with a rich banana liquor that’s reminiscent of vacation.
The bar + restaurant’s soft opens Monday at 4 p.m. For the first month, Bouzy will be open for dinner from 4-11 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, and 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursday through Sunday. Make reservations online.
