Foodie

Experience the Flavors of Spain, Italy and Cuba

Flor Fina | By Ronda M. Parag

Ahidden 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

NATASHA: Top - Alice & Olivia Puff Sleeve Ruffle Neck Sweater - $375, Bangles - Jackie Zstack ‘The Natalie’ - $125 - Jackie Z Style Co; Skirt - Ruffle Sequin Skirt - $69 – Zaa Dress Up Studio; Boots - Gianni Bini Rydelle Black strappy boot - $140; Earrings - Tri-tone teardrop multi earring - $24 –

Dillard’s at International Plaza.

RACHEL: Top - Frame long sleeve top Noir - $290; Shorts - Alice & Olivia vegan leather shorts in black - $250 - Jackie Z Style Co.; Boots - Karl Lagefeld Paris, Brayden Leather Pearl Embellished Booties - $179; Earrings - Multi-feather earring - $20 – Dillard’s at International Plaza.

BELLA: Dress - Ashley slip dress - $140; Necklace - Antique gold-plated brass and pewter base metal enamel pendant necklace with Swarovski crystals - $365 – Zaa Dress Up Studio; Jacket - DKNY leather moto jacket - $450; Shoes - Schutz Cendi Clear Animal Print Pumps - $118 –

Dillard’s at International Plaza.

Top 10

Fall Fashion Trends 2021

By Valerie Romas

Looking forward to cooler temps and a reason to dress up? So are we! From unexpected pops of color, to luxurious monochromatic looks, we’re showing the best trends to transition you into fall and have you party ready this coming season.

Back to Black

(vintage vibes, sequins & animal print)

This isn’t your average LBD ladies! Let’s mix it up and wear black in a less structured format, like 2-piece dressing. Sweaters and flirty skirts, buttoned-down silk tops (with sleeve detail, of course) and faux leather shorts are a way to keep your look edgy, yet very feminine. Still craving the dress? Pair a simple slip dress back with a cropped moto jacket and animal print pumps; you are definitely turning heads.

Winter White Wonderland

(monochrome, metallics, chunky knits & cut-outs)

Whether it’s a silky satin dress or a fab sequined pair of shorts, going ‘head to toe’, all one color is pure sophistication. Boots are back in a big way; suede or leather, short or tall - you can’t go wrong. Creative cut-outs featured in tops and dresses will keep you cool, comfortable and very cosmopolitan.

Perfect Pantone

(matching sets, red & pops of color)

Thinking pink, red and orange is just for spring goes out the window this season; and we are thrilled! This combination never disappoints, especially when throwing a splash of citron into the mix. Frilly tops, matching striped sets, bold burgundy? Yes, yes and yes. It’s all about proportions and saturated color, so if you think you can’t pull off these looks, you can. Making sure your outfit is fitted, will keep it fresh and fun.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Brian James, Brian James Gallery, @brianjamesphoto - 727.744.2254 | WARDROBE STYLIST: Valerie Romas, @valerieromas - 813.335.9974 | MAKEUP & HAIR: Monique McLaughlin, @moemakeup – Moemakeup.com; Nacari Kearney, @cari.k2u91 – 941.405.5357; Julie Edwards, @makeupbyjulieedwards – 727.458.7744 | MODELS: Rachel Pienias, @rachelpienias; Bella Carosello, @modern-muse.com; Natasha Peitersen, CGM Caroline Gleason Management

RACHEL: Dress - Asymmetrical Cut-Out Maxi $105; Stacked Bangles - TOVA pewter, brass & gold plated featuring Swarovski crystals - $46-$106 – Zaa Dress Up Studio; Earrings - Natasha drop earring with stone - $24 – Dillard’s at

International Plaza.

NATASHA: Dress - Luciana dress - $74; Necklace and earring set - Matte silver Y Chain with pearl drop necklace and earring set - $66 – Zaa Dress Up Studio; Bangles - Jackie Zstack ‘Helen’ bracelet - $95 - Jackie Z Style Co.; Boot - Vince Camuto Pentila Leather Booties - $100 – Dillard’s at

International Plaza.

NATASHA: Top - Pink Stripe Andy Shirt - $122; Pant - Pink Stripe Freya Trouser - $122; Clutch - Camo Crossbody/Clutch - $88 – Zaa Dress Up Studio; Earring- Anna & Ava olive drop earring -$15; Shoes - Vince Camuto Savilla Patent Leather Pointed Toe Pump - $80 – Dillard’s at International Plaza.

RACHEL: Top - Milly Rozanna Satin Top in Wine - $265; Bottom - Milly Rylan Hammered Satin Joggers in Wine - $325 - Jackie Z Style Co.; Earrings- Natasha gold/black earring - $28; Shoes- Steve Madden Vala Newspaper Print Stiletto Pumps - $92 – Dillard’s at International Plaza.

BELLA: Sweater - French Connection Mira flossy knit sweater in Dove Grey - $148 – Jackie Z Style Co; Shorts - bytogether sequin mini shorts - $79 – Zaa Dress Up Studio; Boots - Vince Camuto Suede Shelrica Woven Knee High Peep Toe Boots - $229 –

Dillard’s at International

Plaza; Earring - Natasha multi-sunburst earring - $24 –

Dillard’s at International

Plaza.