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Rome & Fig, a sprawling global bistro, opens in North Hyde Park

The food scene in Tampa is sizzling, pure and simple. Rome & Fig is the latest in a long line of tantalizing spots to make its debut in 2020. The expansive global bistro is located at 301 North Roma Avenue.

The restaurant concept is meant to honor the art of personal connection.

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A home away from home

“We’re proud to be owner and chef led, infusing more than 20 years of industry knowledge and service into every globally inspired meal,” the Rome & Fig team notes on its website.

Fixtures of the meticulously designed restaurant features coastal chic accents, an intimate view of Rome & Fig’s open-kitchen and a hand-curated vintage community table. At a time when leaving the home is a bite rare, it’s not to know a spot is striving to be something like a home away from home.

Owners Eric and Kristene Zostant have more than 35 years of culinary experience combined.

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From busboy to business owner

Eric got his start in restaurants as a busboy at the age of 17 and has since been a corporate trainer, head server, head bartender, and manager.  It has been a life-long dream to open his own restaurant.

Kristene grew up with an Italian grandmother, so food and family always went hand in hand. Kristine wants to bring that feeling of family to Rome + Fig. The Rome + Fig co-owners is regarded as one of Tampa’s finest bartenders by her peers and guests alike.

The pair will be joined by chef Rob Scott, Chef Rob is a Tampa native and has been working in local kitchens for almost 30 years. 

Rob Scott brings globally inspired cooking to Hyde Park

He describes his cooking as “globally inspired, locally sourced”.   He has been passionate about food since he got his start washing dishes in the Officer’s Club on MacDill Air Force Base.

He has worked under popular local chefs, Jason Kline (The Birchwood) and Greg Baker (The Refinery), and is now ready to introduce Tampa to his unique and delicious global cuisine.

Curious menu items include stuffed French toast made with brioche bread, moroccan spiced peanut butter, banana butter, and topped with maple syrup.

Items to try when you visit

Mains include pan seared duck breast, bone-in ribeye, lumpia, brisket poutine, octopus fritters, and crab fondue.

Keep up with Rome + Fig by following it on Facebook and Instagram, and by visiting the restaurant’s website.

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