Openings

After numerous delays, the Table restaurant and Mesa Lounge opened Thursday in the historic Alexander Building at 535 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg. The space once was O Pescador. The original Table is in Sarasota, south of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and similar to its parent location, this one purveys Atlantic Rim cuisine, with dishes influenced by the Caribbean, South America and Spain. To accompany that, Mesa offers a range of mojitos. Call (727) 510-1921.

Speaking of Sarasota, that's where Big Sugar Restaurant & Rum Bar opens tomorrow at 1900 Hillview Street, between Tamiami Trail and Osprey Ave. Sounds like a field trip to me. For more information, call (941) 388-7679.

Another newcomer right downtown in St. Petersburg threw open its doors a week ago. Kahwa Coffee Roasting has had a roastery for the past year and a half, but its coffee bar at 475 2nd St. N. is brand new. Opened by two couples, Raphael and Sarah Perrier and Jean and Catherine Thibault, the cafe offers coffee drinks, juices and croissants imported from France. For more info, call (727) 823-4700.

Closures

Mangia (338 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach) and Novo (5062 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg) have closed their doors recently. No word on what will become of either space.