TAMPA (BLOOM) – Last week, my girlfriend and I were fortunate enough to attend the soft opening of the Arts Club, located on the second floor of the Tampa Edition hotel . The evening promised to be an unforgettable experience, and it certainly delivered. From the moment we stepped into the venue, we were captivated by the sophisticated ambiance, the tantalizing culinary offerings, and the exceptional cocktails.
Upon entering the Arts Club, we were greeted by the General Manager, Chris Southwick, who shared the vision behind this luxurious new venue during a toast. “As we reimagined the Arts Club, our goal was to create a space where culture, creativity, cuisine, and community come together in Tampa Bay,” Chris explained. The club, envisioned by Hotelier Ian Schrager, is all about constantly redefining luxury and the lifestyle experience for guests.
One of the standout features of the evening was the Martini Cart, a unique offering that truly sets the Arts Club apart. We were introduced to Tural Hasanov, the Director of Beverage, who took us through the exciting process of crafting our own martinis. The experience begins with selecting your base liquor—vodka, gin, or vermouth—followed by choosing a garnish, such as lemon peel, blue cheese olives, or pickled onion.
Finally, you decide on the method of preparation: shaken, stirred, or thrown. Hasanov ask us if we wanted to try throwing our own drink. As someone new to the art of mixology, I was eager to learn, and my g.
