News Summary
Union New American, a dining spot in Tampa’s Westshore area, presents an exciting revamped menu led by Executive Chef Jacob Rios, known for winning Food Network’s Chopped. The new dishes are inspired by seasonal ingredients and showcase global flavors, offering fresh brunch, lunch, and dinner options. Additionally, the culinary scene in Tampa is vibrant with new venues and community initiatives to combat food security, marking a significant period for food culture in the region.
Tampa – Union New American, a contemporary dining establishment located in Tampa’s Westshore area, has refreshed its menu featuring an array of new dishes under the direction of Executive Chef Jacob Rios, who recently gained notable acclaim as the winner of Food Network’s Chopped. The menu overhaul introduces dozens of innovative dishes that draw inspiration from seasonal ingredients and showcase Chef Rios’ distinct culinary style.
Chef Rios describes the updated menu as a representation of his philosophy in cooking, which emphasizes layered flavors and a diverse array of global ingredients. The refreshed offerings encompass exciting new items across all meal periods, including brunch, lunch, and dinner, designed to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Brunch Updates
The new brunch menu includes a selection of unique and tantalizing dishes such as:
- Pork Belly Benedict accompanied by Old Bay hollandaise
- Wagyu Steak & Eggs paired with a French omelet and chimichurri
- A citrus-glazed Sticky Bun, perfect for sharing
- Smoky Shakshuka and enhanced versions of classic options like Bananas French Toast drizzled with whiskey caramel
New Lunch Offerings
For lunch, diners can enjoy an array of new dishes, including:
- Raw bar starters like Tuna Tartare, served with citrus ponzu and togarashi rice crackers
- Wagyu Carpaccio complemented by olive relish
- Main courses featuring Chicken Schnitzel, Pork Belly Cubano, and a Crispy Duck Salad
Dinner Additions
The dinner menu has also been enhanced with items such as:
- Kombu-Cured Seabass served alongside braised leeks, smoked mussels, and tarragon beurre blanc
- A continued selection of sushi and sashimi, maintaining their traditional presence on the dinner menu
Supporting Developments in Tampa’s Culinary Scene
Alongside the menu refresh at Union New American, the Tampa Marriott Water Street has launched Riverwalk Terrace, a new breakfast and brunch venue with a Mediterranean theme. This addition emphasizes the city’s expanding culinary landscape.
Furthermore, Puff ‘n Stuff Catering has been appointed as the exclusive catering partner for Clearwater Marine Aquarium, ensuring high-quality dining services for visitors and events.
The third annual Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival recently concluded, attracting over 10,000 participants and raising significant funds for youth nutrition initiatives within the community. This event highlights the growing focus on food culture in the region.
The Dalí Museum is set to debut a new culinary series this May, celebrating Spanish culture through food, featuring a lineup of distinguished local chefs. This initiative aims to connect cultural appreciation with culinary excellence.
Community Initiatives Addressing Food Security
In community news, Hillsborough County Schools will host a summer food service program, providing free meals to children under 18, with an estimated 400,000 meals expected to be distributed. The program seeks to address food security during the summer months when school meals are unavailable. Families are encouraged to participate, as children do not need to be registered for summer school to access these meals.
This initiative comes in response to the impending expiration of a pandemic-era federal program that previously offered free meals to students, impacting numerous families in need. The summer program aims to fill that gap and ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals throughout the break.
With notable menu developments at Union New American, new dining venues, and community-focused food programs, Tampa continues to showcase its vibrant culinary scene and commitment to supporting its residents, particularly during challenging times.
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HERE Resources
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Winefest Returns to Bern for Its 28th Year
Additional Resources
- Tampa Bay Business Journal: Union New Menus Chopped Win
- ABC Action News: Hillsborough County Schools Summer Food Service Program
- ABC Action News: Free Food for Kids in St. Pete
- Fox 13 News: Summer Food Service Program Overview
- Governing: Florida Won’t Pursue $248M for Summer Meals Program
- Wikipedia: Food Security
- Google Search: Summer Food Service Program
- Google Scholar: Food Security Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Culinary Scene
- Google News: Food Programs for Children
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough 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 Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
