Over the past few years, CRU Cellars on MacDill Avenue in South Tampa has become one of the city's best wine bars. Cru Cellars offers wines from all over the world by bottle or by glass, plus a selection of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines. The bar began offering charcuterie boards soon after opening in 2010 so patrons could pair their wine with delicious meats and cheeses, and later Cru Cellars developed a full food menu which gets almost as many raves as their wine selection.
Now Cru is ready to branch out to a new location, and owner Jennifer Bingham has chosen the upcoming Heights Public Market to open a second outpost. Cru will take up a stall in the Armature Works, site of the public market under construction on North Ola Avenue near downtown Tampa, where Cru says will be "a 400 square foot snap-shot of what we do in Palma Ceia."
Cru Armature Works will feature over 35 wine selections by the glass, plus 100 bottles available for retail purchase. The food menu will be streamlined from the main Cru, and focused on a bistro favorite, steak frites. Cru executive chef Brad Sobo (who would like it to be known his son is also named Bort) will offer up the traditional dish, thinly sliced with a side of French fries and a variety of sauces, or as part of a sandwich topped with arugula and signature sauce, or cheese. A gourmet chicken sandwich will also be on offer, along with the regular charcuterie meats and cheeses.
Customers will be able to take their wine by the glass around the rest of the Heights Public Market, or out to the lawn overlooking the Hillsborough River and the Tampa Riverwalk. Like at the main Cru Cellars location, wine tastings, classes, and dinners will be lined up to expand your understanding and appreciation of vino. Cru also plans to use the Show + Tell space at Heights Public Market to further everyone's wine education.
The Heights Public Market is expected to open this year. Grab a glass and get your toasts ready for Cru Cellars at Armature Works!
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Picture courtesy of PXHere.com.
