Experience the Flavors of Spain, Italy and Cuba
Flor Fina | By Ronda M. Parag
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hidden gem inside Tampa’s newest boutique hotel, Hotel Haya, is the chic restaurant, Flor Fina, inspired by Ybor City’s exuberant and diverse mix of Spanish, Italian and Cuban cultures. Virtually everything is made in-house from the pastas to pickled vegetables and meats like bacon and ham to custom bread. The menu offers coastal cuisine inspired by Latin America, the Mediterranean, and Florida’s Gulf Coast featuring fresh, local ingredients, shareable plates, and large format entrees on the custom-made oak-wood grill. Flor Fina’s cocktails celebrates Ybor’s diverse cultural fabric and local ingredients including a house specialty, the Painkiller, served in a colorful ceramic peacock mug made with several rums,
coconut, pineapple, orange and lime. Be careful, they are so tasty, but are named Painkiller for a reason. The bar features an extensive rum collection with over 40 varieties from 17 countries including Venezuela, Guyana, Jamaica and Martinique. Cocktails are inspired by Cuban and pan-Latin ingredients such as green chilies, habanero peppers, cane juice, freshly juiced fruits and coconut water. Several delicious items from the Tapas section were the Oxtail Croquettes atop roasted bone marrow and the Octopus Tostada with charred avocado, black beans topped with charred salsa. The three tostada’s are perfect for a light meal or sharing. The Brussells Sprouts with walnut cream and
pomegranate were crispy and delicious. For a main entree, try the Grouper A Lo Macho with fiery seafood sauce with mussels and calamari. The sauce was flavorful and had a nice kick of heat. The Pappardelle Pasta with goat ragù and pecorino cheese was flavorful, as was the Sorrentino Ravioli filled with smoked ham, ricotta cheese, walnuts, crushed tomatoes pomodoro. Be sure to save room for the decadent Quatro Leches Cake. A sponge cake soaked in dulce de leche topped with a bit of toffee brittle was a delightful finish to the meal. For private dining, the Roosevelt Room offers a sharing menu including the Porchetta Suckling Pig Feast — ideal for celebrating with family and friends. M
Reservations are recommended. Open for Dinner Tuesday - Saturday: 5p.m. - 10p.m. Hotel Haya, 1412 E 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605 | 813.568.1200 | www.hotelhaya.com
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Photo Credits: Top/Table Shot – Amy Pezzicara; Bar – William Zbaren; Rooster – William Zbaren; Painkiller Cocktail – Amy Pezzicara; Dining Area – William Zbaren
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