Tampa's Epicurean Hotel

Every year, my wife, son and I visit Tampa, Florida, to see family during the winter holidays. This year, just before we hit the road, Tampa's new The Epicurean Hotel had started making the news. The Epicurean aims to be a complete foodie-themed hotel with food events, a teaching theater, restaurants, bars, a patisserie, spa, wine and spirit store, the rooms are decorated with food themes and even have personal pantries with wine and gourmet snacks. The Epicurean is across the street from and is co-owned by Berns Steak House, known as one of the best resturants and wine cellars around.

Whenever we leave home, we're in search of local cusine and new culinary experiences. That's how we roll, even our 14 year old son knows and enjoys the routine. So, of course we had to drop in for a visit and see what this place is all about. 

We found a super friendly and excited staff – everyone from the valet, resturant staff, check in desk seemed to really be into it. We were very welcome to take a look around. Much was still under construction but we did check out the bar, resturant and food theater. All the rooms are not yet ready but there were people checking in.

This is a place to keep an eye on, this chef is espesically curious about upcoming events. Any hotel lobby with shelves of cook books is a place I want to stay. I can already imagine sitting in the lobby sipping a perfect cocktail and cracking open some of those books. That's what I call a great vacation.

 Photos are the teaching theater.