News Summary
St. Petersburg’s culinary scene is abuzz with Chef Lee Wolen’s upcoming restaurant, Elliot Aster. Joining forces with the Boka Restaurant Group and The Vinoy Resort, Wolen’s new venture aims to offer a unique dining experience, celebrating local flavors in a stunning waterfront setting. The restaurant is set to open in early 2025 and showcases an enticing menu with dishes like 45-day dry-aged prime ribeye and King Crab Tagliatelle, all complemented by breathtaking views of downtown St. Pete.
St. Petersburg Buzzes with Excitement Over Chef Lee Wolen’s New Restaurant Adventure!
St. Petersburg is heating up this culinary season with some super exciting news that has locals buzzing! The James Beard Award Foundation recently shared its list of semi-finalists for the prestigious Outstanding Chef Award, and guess who made the cut? That’s right, Chef Lee Wolen, a well-known name in the Chicago food scene, is getting recognized for his amazing skills and creativity.
Mark your calendars! The final nominees for this coveted award will be announced on April 2, with the winners set to be revealed this June. It’s definitely a moment to cheer for Chef Wolen as he garners this fantastic acknowledgment right before launching something new and thrilling!
Introducing Elliot Aster: A Culinary Gem in St. Pete
Chef Wolen isn’t stopping there. He’s got plans to partner with the Boka Restaurant Group and The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club to unveil a new dining hotspot, Elliot Aster. This soon-to-be culinary gem will be situated at 501 5th Ave NE in the historic and charming Vinoy Hotel, which adds even more allure to this exciting venture.
Chef Wolen is absolutely thrilled about the opportunity to plant his roots in St. Petersburg, a city known for its vibrant culture and idyllic landscapes. He aims to create a dining experience that not only showcases delicious food but also captures the essence and character of this beautiful locale.
A Sneak Peek at the Menu
Food lovers, get ready for an unforgettable sensory experience at Elliot Aster! The restaurant promises to be a dynamic new addition to St. Pete’s thriving culinary scene, offering guests a multitude of refined dining options that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine indulging in dishes such as:
- 45-day dry-aged prime bone-in ribeye
- King Crab Tagliatelle
- Whole roasted blue prawns “Fra Diavolo”
- Prime tenderloin beef carpaccio
- Endive salad with baby beets, Florida citrus, and lemon poppyseed vinaigrette
But wait, there’s more! To kick off your meal, you can dive into an antipasti bar featuring freshly prepared Italian meats, whipped ricotta, marinated peppers, and other delicious nibbles that are sure to please.
Expect Splendid Views and Ambiance
Set to replace the now-closed Marchand’s Bar & Grill, Elliot Aster will take the dining experience to new heights, boasting a whopping 10,000 square feet of indoor space along with a gorgeous 4,000 square foot outdoor terrace. Imagine dining alongside views of the stunning downtown St. Pete waterfront — it just doesn’t get better than that!
The name *Elliot Aster* isn’t just a catchy title; it pays homage to a lavender wildflower native to Florida and a nod to Gene Elliot, who originally named The Vinoy after Aymer Vinoy Laughner. Every detail counts, illustrating the thoughtfulness behind the restaurant’s conception.
A New Chapter for The Vinoy Resort
General Manager of The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, Vanessa Williams, has expressed that Elliot Aster will bring an extraordinary dining experience for both locals and visitors alike. It marks the final phase of The Vinoy’s extensive renovation project, showcasing the establishment’s commitment to enhancing its charm and offering something fresh for the community.
While Chef Wolen prepares for the grand opening of Elliot Aster in early 2025, food enthusiasts can feel the anticipation building. With a wonderful blend of taste, ambience, and history, this new eatery is sure to capture the hearts (and stomachs) of everyone in St. Petersburg. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready for a culinary experience like no other!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- I Love the Burg: Chef Lee Wolen and James Beard Award
- St. Pete Rising: Michelin-Starred Chef at The Vinoy
- Patch: Michelin-Starred Chef Opening Restaurant at Vinoy
- Chicago Business: Boka Restaurant Group and Elliott Aster
- Wikipedia: James Beard Award
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
