The Epicurean Hotel erected in a field that was once known as Bern’s overflow parking lot. This small pie–shaped spot sandwiched between SoHo and the Selmon Crosstown Expressway now houses a luxury hotel complete with 137 rooms.

But it’s more than a hotel. The Epicurean is an experience. Complete with a stadium seating Theatre, a Bern’s Fine Wine and Spirits wine shope, the Chocolate Pi pastry shop, the Élevage Restaurant, two bars (Élevage  and The EDGE) and Spa Evangeline, the Epicurean elevates Tampa to a whole new level of food, wine, art culture.

Simply put, it is a foodie’s wine and dine fantasy. Bern’s vision comes to fruition beyond exquisite food and décor. Upon walking into the lobby, guests feel as though they’ve entered a sophisticated escape of food and wine elegance.

One step in the Epicurean and it will excite all your senses with marvelous smells and fun sights to behold. Every inch of the hotel has been carefully planned from the reclaimed wine crate paneling to the corks and herbs mounted  on the walls in the spa.

 After spending a few short hours at the Epicurean Hotel Open House, I highly recommend stopping by for a bite to eat the Élevage Restaurant, having a drink at The EDGE or to even perusing Chocolate Pi for a salted caramel and a homemade soda. You will be blown away by the hub of activity happening in such a small space.

I finished off the evening with some friends on The Edge’s rooftop bar and a gorgeous sunset over the Tampa skyline as our backdrop. It was the icing on the cake which turned this foodie’s fantasy into a heavenly experience.

The Epicurean Hotel invited me to its open house experience. The reviews shared are my own.  For more information on the Epicurean experience or to make reservations for any of its food, wine, art or cultural events, visit epicureanhotel.com.