TAMPA, Fla. — “That engagement with the water is something you’re seeing across Tampa,” said Sam Stein, Development Manager Strategic Property Partners.
The new Sparkman Wharf, N 27° 56’34.63’’ W 82°26’50.04,” is about eating, drinking and playing — all with a waterfront view.
“When a cruise is not in port, it will fold and be a waist-high fence with a drink rail to really open up the space,” said Stein speaking about the fence which will be modified.
The food, beer and live entertainment has a hyper-local feel.
A new biergarten called ‘Fermented Reality’ will pour Tampa Bay and other Florida brews from 30 taps.
Local chefs like Jeannie Pierola of Edison Food and Drink Lab will offer street food twist dishes you can’t find at her other restaurant location.
“We’re doing a pretty killer Jerk Grouper sandwich. I think we have a pretty unique jerk marinade. All our fish is going to be fresh, never frozen. Everything will be delivered to us daily,” said Chef Pierola.
The space will have plenty of lawn games like giant chess and shuffleboard, a huge LED screen and spots to lounge are set-up around a dog-friendly, astroturf lawn that’s cooled underneath with a special cooling agent for hotter days.
“Everything from Ted Talks to Tampa Bay Lightning games. Throughout December we’re going be featuring holiday movies every Wednesday night so we encourage people to come out here, bring a blanket,” said Stein.
Also, Gasparilla Music Festival plans on hosting events here but the weekends will be busy too.
“We will have bands out here Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the year,” said David Cox, Gasparilla Music Foundation.
And if you like art, count on seeing more featured at Sparkman Wharf where murals on shipping containers are a perfect backdrop for Instagram.
