A new restaurant is coming to South Tampa!

Some of you may have already heard the news, but just in case you haven't, Lisa Gilmore Design is designing  an exciting new restaurant coming to South Tampa, specifically in Hyde Park Village.

So, let me introduce to you Piquant!

Here is a sneak peek of the new look as well:

There is a lot in store for this new place! Check out a bit here, they were featured in the Tampa Bay Times. So in the next few weeks, when you are shopping at Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn & Williams Sonoma, make sure you stop in on the corner and see what they have to offer. 

Hope to see you there!

xo}L

Day 13 of 31 Days of LOCAL Holiday Shopping: Cheese Please!

Got a wine and cheese-obsessed friend or family member on your holiday gift shopping list? If so, then a trip to Cheese Please! at 4213 South Manhattan Avenue in Tampa is a must! Not only can you browse an incredible array of wines and cheeses, if you come on the right day you can even have a taste yourself as you listen to the fabulous owners give you the 411 on the pairings. (I recently went for an event with Working Women of Tampa Bay and had the BEST time! The owners are great!) They did a great job with the place, it's friendly and inviting and I feel like I could sit and laugh with my friends for hours.

photo via: Cheese Please!

 Cheese Please! also has some really great décor, servingware and glassware – including some fantastic high heel wine glasses. (See mine below that I snagged!) You really don’t want to miss this little-known South Tampa gem; there’s no doubt you’ll be a return customer! Check out their website for the tasting and events calendar.

Photo via: Lisa Gilmore

Local Business Spotlight: The Living Room on Main (Dunedin, FL)

Alrighty, ladies and gents, this is a super cool joint. I just got home and few hours ago, and couldn't wait to blog about it. First, let me start out by saying I have never been to Dunedin, FL before, and honestly didn't really know what to expect. A handful of people have told me that I would love it and that it's a totally artsy small town area. But, boy oh boy, was I not let down!! This little town is full of charm and I loved every little square inch of it! I honestly didn't get to explore that much, I was meeting a friend at The Living Room on Main for a charity event for Healing Heroes (if you haven't heard of Healing Heroes, go check it out, it's a great organization that I was happy to support!)  But I plan on visiting the great little town of Dunedin very soon!

So this lovely little place, The Living Room on Main, is a quaint space, full of character and of course, delicious wine and other treats. I ate and drank light, but enjoyed every second of my experience of The Living Room. (the crab cakes were scrumptious!) Being an interior designer and recently relocating back from the great city of Chicago, I am always on the prowl for great little locally owned places that I can enjoy with friends, The Living Room has worked it's way to one of the top slots on my list. It really does feel like your are enjoying a glass of wine in someones living room. A few things that caught my attention that I must point out, they have a great use of art and accessories throughout, I love the plum walls, oh and ladies... here is a big plus... the bathroom stalls are FULL closing doors, not scrawny little bathroom stalls, actual doors! I personally thought that was a nice detail that they added. I am sure every time I visit I will find something else that I love, as will you.

Sadly, my camera battery died and I was unable to get photos of the beautiful space, so I relied on trusty ol' Facebook for photos... so enjoy the ambiance through these photos, but make sure you make it a point to visit this place yourself. You will not be let down! And as always, support local business, they are the brick and mortar of our country!! :)

All photos via: The Living Room on Main, Facebook Page

Cheers!