News Summary
Shiso Crispy, a popular Asian-fusion food truck, is opening a new restaurant in St. Petersburg this June. Led by award-winning chef Ronicca Whaley, the venue will feature handmade dumplings, rice bowls, and a full liquor bar, enhancing the local dining scene. With a commitment to innovative Asian-fusion dishes, the new location promises to attract food enthusiasts in downtown St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg – Shiso Crispy, a highly acclaimed Asian-fusion food truck, is set to expand its culinary presence by opening a new restaurant in June. This new establishment will be located at 226 1st Avenue North on the Jannus Block in downtown St. Petersburg, marking a significant step in the brand’s growth.
The restaurant will be spearheaded by Ronicca Whaley, an award-winning chef who has made a name for herself as a six-time contestant on the popular cooking competition, Guy’s Grocery Games. Shiso Crispy’s reputation is built on its delicious handmade dumplings and flavorful Asian-fusion bowls, which have garnered positive attention since the food truck’s inception.
Previously, the space occupied by the new restaurant was home to T’s and Tacos, as well as Cap’s Steamer Bar & Grille and MacDinton’s Irish Pub. Following its first launch in late 2019, the original Shiso Crispy food truck has gained a loyal following and earned the Tampa Bay Times’ “Best of the Best” award in both 2020 and 2021. Currently, a storefront for Shiso Crispy exists at 1431 Central Avenue in the EDGE District, catering to patrons who crave its distinctive culinary offerings.
In addition to the new Jannus Block restaurant, another Shiso Crispy location is in the pipeline at the Tyrone Gardens shopping center, sited at the intersection of 9th Avenue and 58th Street North.
Menu Highlights
The upcoming restaurant promises an enticing menu that will prominently feature dumplings, including:
- Soup dumplings
- Siu mai (open-faced steamed dumplings)
- Handmade gyozas with various fillings such as shiitake mushrooms, pork, bacon, wagyu beef, garlic, and a mix of spices.
Alongside dumplings, guests can explore a selection of dirty rice bowls topped with choices like:
- Bang-bang chicken
- Ahi tuna
- Eight-hour braised short rib
- Vegan options
In response to its loyal customer base, Shiso Crispy intends to reintroduce popular dishes, including the beer-battered snapper. Furthermore, a weekend dim sum brunch special may also make its debut following the restaurant’s opening.
Beverage Offerings
Shiso Crispy will feature a full liquor bar with a unique cocktail menu. Some highlights include:
- A cocktail combining pistachio liqueur, limoncello, and vanilla vodka.
- A refreshing drink crafted with melon liqueur and sparkling Moscato.
Prices for cocktails will average around $12. The food truck will also explore the return of the Shiso Sour, a special raspberry passion fruit sour beer brewed in collaboration with Magnanimous Brewing Co. Additionally, a new THC-infused beverage called Shiso High will be made available through Anheuser-Busch.
Additional Services
The new Shiso Crispy restaurant will also operate a Japanese-style tiki hut located within Jannus Live, offering a limited menu for concertgoers. This adds an exciting element to the dining experience, providing convenience for patrons attending events at Jannus Live.
Customer Engagement
For those eager to learn more about the grand opening and upcoming menu offerings, Shiso Crispy encourages customers to follow its social media channels for continuous updates. This proactive approach will keep the community informed and engaged as the new restaurant prepares to welcome its first guests in June.
As Shiso Crispy prepares to embark on this ambitious new venture, food enthusiasts in St. Petersburg can look forward to an expanded menu filled with innovative Asian-fusion delights, making it a must-visit destination in the vibrant downtown area.
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- St. Pete Catalyst: Rethinking Urban Development
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- St. Pete Rising: Hurricane Recovery Funds
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- I Love the Burg: Waterfront Master Plan
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- St. Pete Catalyst: Planning Guru Goodbye
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- St. Pete Rising: Affordable Housing Development
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- St. Pete Catalyst: Innovation Districts
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