Next year, experienced Tampa chef Suzanne Lara is planning to launch a unique new bar-meets-market concept here in Tampa Bay. The chef took to Instagram earlier this week to announce LARA, called after the chef’s new married name, which she says will open in early 2024.
“’Lara,’ my newly-married name, is defined as ‘protector, citadel, bright light’,” writes the chef. “A beautiful and inspiring name reflecting the ethos of both my personal and professional lives.”
With a beverage program Chef Lara says is “wildly influenced by Pharmakeia,” the bar will “deliver an apothecary drinking experience.” Its market will feature a wide variety of local foods, specialty goods, beverages including beer and wine, and culinary tools and supplies. There will also be a supporting kitchen offering foods prepared with items currently available in the market.
“The kitchen will be a supporting cast member reflecting what’s available in the market. There will be a lot of small plates,” the chef told What Now in a Thursday afternoon phone call.
And the bar? What Now asked. What can you tell us about this “apothecary drinking experience”?
“The idea is that you can still have the experience of being at a bar, whether or not you want to drink,” Chef Lara said. “There will be a wide range of beverages, and it will include zero-proof cocktails, coffee and tea, revivers, tincture—a lot of things.”
The chef says LARA is still in search of a location but is looking to start with a space that would seat about 60 guests. For the moment these are all the details we’ll be getting, so keep your eyes peeled (and follow @lara.tampa and @chef_suz_lara on Instagram) for more news.
“This has been a dream in the making for a few years now,” Chef Lara told What Now. “And finally, it’s coming to fruition.”
