Foodies are sure to be drawn to the Epicurean, a 137-room boutique hotel devoted to extraordinary culinary experiences.
Tampa-based Mainsail Lodging & Development planned a target opening date of November 2013 after breaking ground in October in the trendy Hyde Park historic district of South Tampa.
The hotel will feature a state-of-the-art culinary classroom, high-end bistro, wine shop, rooftop lounge, full-service spa, retail and production bakery and pastry shop.
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The Epicurean, a 137-room boutique hotel devoted to extraordinary culinary experiences, is expected to open in November 2013 in the trendy Hyde Park historic district of South Tampa.
The Epicurean is being developed in collaboration with Bern's Steak House, and will is the first newly constructed property to join the prestigious Autograph Collection of Marriott International.
"The Epicurean is a perfect addition to Marriott's Autograph Collection, which is known for delivering unique travel experiences," said Joe Collier, Mainsail Lodging & Development president.
"Ten years ago when I thought about what could be the next generation of Bern's and my father's legacy, the Epicurean was a dream," said Bern's Steak House owner David Laxer. " Now that dream is going to be shared with the world."
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Editor's Note: The Gasparilla Magazine Joy Rides are designed to spotlight attractions within driving distance of Gasparilla Island. This month's subject is the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa just 75 miles from Boca Grande.
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Mainsail Lodging and Development Group: A Tampa-based hospitality company that develops and operates lodging products in the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean. Properties include a private island resort in the British Virgin Islands called Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, a boutique beachfront hotel and marina on Anna Maria Island, the Mainsail Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Tampa and Mainsail South, a 328-unit apartment and corporate housing complex in South Tampa. The company also operates ExecuStay, a corporate housing provider in Florida, Georgia and The Carolinas.
Bern's Steak House: Known for its the 6,500-label wine collection, aged steaks and dessert room, Bern's Steak House offers a world-class dining experience. When Bern Laxer opened in 1956, he envisioned Bern's as Art in Steaks. Today, son David Laxer and Chef de Cuisine Habteab Hamde continue Bern's gastronomic adventure, which includes prime dry-aged steaks cut-to-order, 21 choices of caviar, seafood and organic vegetables grown on Bern's farm. Weekly specials page includes suggested wine pairings.
The Epicurean will include wine lockers for guests, evening wine samplings, organic bath products and luxury linens and pillows.
The Epicurean will be home to the annual Bern's WineFest and put on cooking demonstrations and classes from renowned chefs as well as wine exhibitions from sommeliers from around the world.
Urban Studio Architects of Tampa is overseeing project design with interior design handled by Chicago-based Gettys Hospitality Design & Development. Financing is provided by Synovus Bank and Lindell Capital.
