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Squeeze juices Hyde Park; Cigar City Outpost opens at MacDinton's, Hip Hop blooms near West Shore

 
Published June 25, 2014

HYDE PARK — Squeeze Juice Works brings its selection of organic, cold-pressed juices, cleanses and healthy foods to Hyde Park on July 1. Owner Kelly Lessem and partners Amy Losoya and Mike Indrigo chose the corner of S Boulevard and Platt Street for their second location because of its proximity to "south Tampa walkers, University of Tampa students, hospital workers and easy access to Selmon Expressway," Lessem said.

In addition to the extensive cold-press selection, there are plant-based grab-and-go foods, medicinal elixirs and personalized cleanses consisting of five 16-ounce daily servings plus one nut milk every three days. Two of the best sellers are the Mean Greens, made with a kale, spinach, cucumber, celery, parsley, ginger, lemon and a bit of red apple and One Night in Bangkok, a spicy blend of carrots, coconut water, cilantro, lemongrass, ginger, lime and cayenne. Both get a dash of sea salt.

Lessem, a Chamberlain High grad, started the business in her kitchen two years ago when she was diagnosed with an auto-immune condition. "It was a challenge to find the juices and foods I needed so I decided to start pressing for myself and everyone else around me," she said. Demand grew enough to open a store in central St. Petersburg in October 2013.

Squeeze Juice Works, 226 S Boulevard, will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Visit squeezejuiceworks.com or call (813) 402-2837.

MacDinton's teams with Cigar City

MacDinton's Irish Pub and Restaurant, partnering with Joey Redner, opened Cigar City Outpost this week, becoming "the only pub in town with a Cigar City Brewery dedicated bar, as far as I know," said Kevin Richardson, general manager.

Renovating and expanding the courtyard at the S Howard Avenue bar made room for a second cooler and beer barrel seating. "Craft beer used to be a niche, now it's a full-fledged industry . . . about 10 percent of our sales," Richardson said.

He expected the rare Hunahpu Imperial Stout to sell out immediately at the grand opening, but seven drafts are offered on tap, including a few of the most creative concoctions, such as Hornswoggled Nitro and Homemade Apple Pie cider.

"Ultimately, we plan to have a MacDinton's brew, exclusively sold here," Richardson said.

MacDinton's. 405 S Howard Ave. is open noon to 3 a.m. during the World Cup, then 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Friday; and 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. weekends. Visit macdintons.com or call (813) 251-8999.

Hip Hop Flower Shop remains in his blood

Luigi Destino, 25, really is a "flower child," having worked in the floral business since he was a kid with his late father, Louis Destino. In February, the two men opened Hip Hop Flower Shop on Kennedy Boulevard near Manhattan Avenue, in time to sell plenty of Valentine's Day designs.

"My dad passed away in April," said Luigi, a Tampa native and Gaither High graduate. Now he and his girlfriend, Brittany Macera, are continuing to offer "everything from wedding to sympathy," he said, "as well as artistic necklaces, decorative crystals and candles with sort of a New Age, hippie vibe."

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Hip Hop Flower Shop, 4331 N Kennedy Blvd., is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Visit tampasflowershopdelivery.com or call (813) 712-5900.

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