The only way to reach the Champagne Cellar is with a reservation. | Photo by TBAYtoday
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 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 space itself is relatively small, the interiors still achieve the transporting, modern Art Deco feel Bingham wanted, bringing a big city flair to 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 fryer 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 Riviera, a classic daiquiri made with a rich banana liquor that’s reminiscent of vacation.
The bar + restaurant has a soft opening Monday at 4 p.m. To start, Bouzy will be open for dinner from 4 p.m.- 12 a.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Make reservations online.
Elle Cosimano | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $5-$26.99 | Find out what’s next for Finlay Donovan from her creator, author Elle Cosimano.
“Crimes of the Heart” | Thursday, Feb. 2-Sunday, Feb. 5 | 7-9 p.m. | American Stage Theatre Company at Raymond James Theater, 163 Third St. N., St. Petersburg | $35 | The Pulitzer prize-winning play follows Mississippi sisters through good and bad times.
After Jackie (2022) | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 7 p.m. | Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa | Free | This film celebrates the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s integration into Major League Baseball.
The Elephant Man | Thursday, Feb. 2-Sunday, Feb. 19 | Times vary | HCC Ybor Studio Theatre, 1411 E. 11th Ave., Ybor City | $11-$55 | This play tells the story of Londoner John Merrick’s transformation.
Friday, Feb. 3
Friday Art Market | Friday, Feb. 3 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Creative Clay, 1846 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg | Free | Enjoy a vocal performance, art pieces, and a British food truck.
Saturday, Feb. 4
Best Damn Race 5K, 10K & Half Marathon | Saturday, Feb. 4-Sunday, Feb. 5 | 6 a.m.-12 p.m. | Water Front Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Ln., Safety Harbor | $0-$155 | Register to run or bring a sign to cheer on your sweaty brethren.
TikTok Cardio Dance Class | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa | $15 | Cosmic Riot breakdowns down popular dances for you.
Gasparilla Rum’s 5 Year Anniversary Party | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 6-9 p.m. | Gasparilla Rum, 2102 E. 4th Ave., Tampa | $32.25 | Enjoy an open rum and cocktail bar, beers, hard seltzer, apps, and live music.
Stevie Nicks Experience Tribute Band | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 8 p.m. | The Attic at Rock Brothers Brewing, 1510 E. 8th Ave., Tampa | $20-$25 | If you missed Stevie last fall, now’s your chance to rock out to the songstress’ hits.
Sunday, Feb. 5
Sip & Shop at Wolford | Sunday, Feb. 5 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Hyde Park Village, 1602 W. Swann Ave., Tampa | Free | Pop in after perusing the fresh market for free bubbly, apps, and a contest.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
The Bank of Central Florida Executive Team and Leadership Team is focused on three priorities for their Vision 2025 plan: Growth, the Client Journey, and Our People. | Photo provided by Bank of Central Florida, Member FDIC
Tampanians who bank with Bank of Central Florida are looking at a shorter commute thanks to the recently expanded 1 North Dale Mabry Hwy location. The new space includes a full service first-floor lobby + offices.
Managed by 813 local and Tampa Bay Market Executive Lauren Fernandez, the new office is part of Bank of Central Florida’s growth plan,Vision 2025, which includes further expansion along the I-4 corridor.*
Holy smokes. Forecasters say 2022 was Florida’s fifth hottest yearon record + the state’s 12th consecutive year with higher than average temps. ☀️ (WUSF News)
Sunrise + Sunset
Rise: 7:16 a.m.
Set: 6:10 p.m.
Tides Old Tampa Bay
Low: 7:51 a.m.
Clearwater Beach
High: 11:58 a.m. + 9:16 p.m.
Low: 4:14 a.m. + 3:14 p.m.
Sports
Tampa Bay may not have a direct stake in the big game next week, but we still kinda do. Two faces on the Chiefs may look familiar. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Austin Reiter are former Bulls who are now in the hunt for the Lombardi Trophy. 🤘 (WTSP)
Closing
Speaking of Hyde Park, Wine Exchange Bistro & Wine Bar, one of the village’s longtime eateries, will close its doors at the end of March. Owners say they plan to search for a new location. 🍷 (Tampa Bay Times)
Opening
Welcome to Central Avenue. The Glass Noodlestarted serving patrons last week and is now fully open. Stop by the 681 Central Ave. storefront for eight noodle dishes, saké, rice dishes, and noodle soups. (I Love the Burg)
Ready for a new morning brew?Illinois-based Biggby Coffeejust opened its first Tampa Bay location in Clearwater(4000 Ulmerton Rd.). The beanery serves up lattes, freezes, “Cocoa Carmellas” (hot chocolate), bagel breakfast sandwiches, and more breakfast eats. ☕ (St. Pete Rising)
Drink
Have you heard of the Pink Tax? Female-owned 7venth Sun Brewery has named two brews after the tax, which is added to female hygiene and other products. Women will be able to purchase the “Blue and Pink Tax” beers for a cheaper rate than men to help highlight the issue. The beers debut Feb. 10 and benefit the Pink Boots Society. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Arts
Ready to see your art whiz by on a city bus? Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority is now acceptingJuneteenth artwork submissions through Feb. 28. To enter, visit the Authority’s website, draw your design onto their downloadable template, and email the piece + artist statement in. The winner will have their artwork featured this June, plus collect $1,000. 🎨 (St. Pete Catalyst)
Traffic
What we’re buying for our cars:Dash cams. The REDTIGER Dual Dash Camera captures both the front and rear of your car and can be a lifesaver when it comes to contesting traffic violations and recording evidence of collisions. Plus, it connects to your mobile device. 🚦*
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The legendary quarterback says he’s played his last season. | Screenshot from Tom Brady’s Twitter
It’s Groundhog Day, but it appears we won’t be reliving this moment over and over.
Tom Brady announced his retirement yesterday in a video posted to Twitter. The seven-time Super Bowl champ kept his goodbye brief, unlike his first farewell after the 2021 season, noting, “You only get one super emotional retirement essay and I used mine up last year.”
The Bucs QB appeared to be holding back tears as he offered a heartfelt thank you.
“Really thank you guys so much,” he said. “To every single one of you for supporting me: my family, my friends, teammates, my competitors. I could go on forever, there’s too many. Thank you guys for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn’t change a thing I love you all.”
We would like to thank Punxsutawney Phil for this surprise.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Bailey.
Editor’s pick: In my ever-pressing quest to maintain my (self-proclaimed) title of Bailey with the good hair, I am looking for salon recs. Send em my way.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We’ll help you put some 2023 events on the calendar, here.
Connect with us.
Editorial:Brad Haft, Bailey LeFever, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Emily Shea, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith, Josh Kranzberg | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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