Join the Club! The Tampa Club

There’s something different about visiting downtown Tampa nowadays. After a long nap, our once sleepy city centre is awake. There are several big projects under construction (e.g., Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa Museum of Art, etc.), a blossoming retail district and people filling the sidewalks during the day and night. (Yes, people are going downtown after 5pm!)

The area is finally coming into its own as a bustling urban neighborhood, which you have to see to believe. And one of the best ways I’ve found to see it, is from a 42-story high vantage point as I dine window-side at the famous Tampa Club.

If you’re like me, although I’ve known about The Tampa Club for years, I never even tried to go there. That’s because I thought it was strictly for the city’s elite – the influential people with lots of resources.

“That’s a common misconception,” says Barry Shields, the Club’s general manager. “In actuality, The Tampa Club has always been about diversity and inclusion. And, of course, terrific food at reasonable prices.”

From its establishment in 1982, the member-owned dining club has always welcomed males and females of various incomes and occupations. And becoming a Club member is as easy as a phone call (see Side Bar for info).

First Course
Membership has its benefits, but perhaps the greatest one is the value you receive by dining at the Club. Nowhere else can you receive the elegance of white tablecloth service and gourmet cuisine, with the affordability of a neighborhood bar and grill. But unlike bar and grills, the Club’s kitchen is run by renowned Executive Chef, Joseph Van Bemmel, who has a well-earned reputation for his new flavor sensations and a special zeal for reinventing the classics with perfect presentation.

Van Bemmel’s menus are a la carte and change regularly, but among his many current lunch offerings include the meaty Western Crown Burger ($8), comforting Open Faced Chicken Pot Pie ($11.50) and succulent Macadamia Crusted Cold Water Scallops ($14). Dinner items are just as impressive and include Escargot Bourguignon ($7), Chilean Sea Bass with Saffron Risotto ($32) and the tableside-prepared Steak Diane ($30). A Hot Breakfast ($3) – featuring the traditional egg and bacon favorites – is also served daily.

“I like to give our members the opportunity to enjoy flavors from around the world,” says Chef Van Bemmel. “To help do this, I regularly invite ‘guest chefs’ to share my kitchen and their specialties.”

The Club’s next guest chef will be New Orleans’ Leon Galatoire – of Bourbon Street’s Galatoire’s Restaurant. His original French Creole recipes will be featured for dinner on June 6 and at a New Orleans Jazz Brunch on June 7.

Of Course
But The Tampa Club isn’t just about gourmet food and panoramic views of the city – it also has an excellent variety of reasonably priced wines. Stored in a picturesque, mahogany-lined Wine Room – and at a constant 56 degrees Fahrenheit – the Club’s wine selection is comprised of handpicked bottles from vineyards across the globe, including those in New Zealand (White Haven Sauvignon Blanc - $34), Argentina (Lo Tengo Torrontes - $18) and Napa Valley (Groth Cabernet Sauvignon - $68).

“For our wine enthusiasts – connoisseurs or otherwise – we also have a Vintner’s Club,” says Barry. “Members of it enjoy discounts on our selections, as well as wine/food pairings, education and camaraderie with others who share their passion for the grape.”

Set Course
The scenery, food and wine (not to mention its “Super Happy Hour,” free parking and special events) are just a few of the many reasons to experience The Tampa Club for yourself. And The Tampa Club is one very big reason for those who haven’t been downtown in a while, to visit the neighborhood to see how far it’s come … and how far it may go. And as you gaze at its changes from your 42-story high perspective, I hope that you’ll realize that when it comes to just how much better our urban core has become and will be … the sky is the limit.

Keep reading UC Tampa to stay informed about downtown (as well as its surrounding neighborhoods) and visit www.TheTampaClub.com for more information about The Tampa Club.

See below for a special invitation to try out The Tampa Club!

YOU ARE INVITED
As a special thank you to our UC Tampa readers, we have arranged an exclusive opportunity for you to experience The Tampa Club without being an official member of it. The Club’s general manager, Barry Shields, is expecting your call and will be happy to personally arrange all the details for your special “Member for the Day” guest pass. Call today, (813) 229-6028, ext. 305.


The Tampa Club
Bank of America Building
101 E. Kennedy Blvd., 42nd Floor
(813) 229-6028
www.thetampaclub.com

Full Bar
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Free Parking Available

Grille: Mon-Fri 7am-9:30am; 11:30am-2pm
Dining Room: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm; Wed-Sat 6pm – close
Happy Hour: Tue-Thurs 4:30pm-7pm
Open Sunday’s for special events.