NOW OPEN
Pal Campo Restaurant
Not long after the arrival of WEPA! Cocina de Puerto Rico in St. Petersburg, a modern-meets-traditional Puerto Rican spot has expanded to the Big Guava. Promising a taste of "grandma's cooking," Pal Camp Restaurant, which started with its flagship location in Orlando, slings dishes such as arroz mamposteao (rice mix with beans), mofongo and chuletas can can (fried pork). 9218 Anderson Road, Tampa. (813) 252-8271. palcamporestaurant.com.
Crafty Crab
Launched back in February where family eatery Ben's experienced a short-lived revival, Crafty Crab wants you to get crackin' in nautical-style digs. Everything from seafood boils you can eat with your hands to baskets of fried delights are featured at the growing Florida chain, which also operates in Orange Park, West Melbourne, Lauderhill and Jacksonville. More Crafty Crabs are headed to other parts of the state and Maryland, South Carolina and Pennsylvania, but this is the first for Tampa Bay. 704 E Brandon Blvd., Brandon. (813) 278-5111. craftycrabrestaurant.com.
SoHo Juice Co.
The latest addition to Tampa Heights recently replaced Swami Juice, one of the original Heights Public Market stalls at Armature Works. Sandwiched between Ichicoro Imoto and Empamamas, SoHo Juice Co. specializes in cold-pressed juices, cleanses, smoothies and health-conscious bites like acai bowls, many of which are vegan-friendly. Heights Public Market marks SoHo Juice Co.'s fifth outpost. Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa. sohojuiceco.com.
The Local Draught House
This fourth location for the neighborhood bar and all-around hangout took over the previous home of a Brass Tap in March. Unsurprisingly, craft beer hailing from and cocktails inspired by Florida drive the Local Draught House offerings. Where's the bar off to next? Downtown Orlando, according to its website. 4011-8 Tampa Road, Oldsmar. (813) 510-4231. thelocaldh.com.
CLOSED
Ray's Vegan Soul
Last week, chef and owner Ray Milton told the Times via phone that Ray's Vegan Soul has closed at 169 Dr. Martin Luther King St. N, adding that he is in the process of finding a new location. His popular restaurant, which opened more than a year ago, was known for plant-based comfort food dishes, among them the signature mac and "cheese" made with cashews. Milton hopes to secure the larger location within the next month or so and open no later than Oct. 1. It would be near his friends at Plant+Love Ice Cream in the EDGE District. raysvegansoul.com.
Das Brauhaus and Cafe
Times correspondent Justin Grant reported earlier this month that the German-themed restaurant formerly known as New England's Ale House Grille was off to a strong start. However, Palm Harbor has since said goodbye to Das Brauhaus and Cafe, which celebrated its final day of business at 3419 Alt. U.S. 19 on Mother's Day. Owner Tara Cook, who announced the closure in a May 6 video posted to the restaurant's Facebook page, said the move will allow her to focus on being a mom to two young kids.
COMING SOON
More grub at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport has awarded a 10-year contract to SSP-Hudson PIE Concessions, LLC, the national airport retail concessionaire bringing a multimillion-dollar food, beverage and retail renovation to the airport. You can expect a combination of familiar, new and local flavor starting June 1. Dunkin' Donuts will serve presecurity and Gates 2 through 6, while another presecurity joint, District Pub, is set to open on the second floor. After security, Mazzaro's Italian Market will provide a taste of St. Petersburg for Gates 7 through 11, as will 3 Daughters Brewing at Gates 2 through 6. 14700 Terminal Blvd., No. 221, Clearwater. fly2pie.com.