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Chef Lee Wolen’s New Restaurant Launches in St. Petersburg

Elliott Aster at The Vinoy Resort offers a sophisticated dining experience

News Summary

Chef Lee Wolen, a celebrated culinary figure from Chicago, is set to open his new restaurant, Elliott Aster, at The Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, FL. Nominated for the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Chef Award, Wolen aims to elevate the local dining scene with an exceptional menu featuring dishes like 45-day dry-aged prime ribeye and King Crab Tagliatelle. St. Petersburg anticipates an exciting culinary future as it prepares for the first Michelin Guide recognition in 2025. Elliott Aster promises to be a must-visit dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

Exciting Times in St. Petersburg: Chef Lee Wolen Makes Waves with New Restaurant and James Beard Nomination!

Hey there, food lovers of St. Petersburg! Have you heard the buzz? Chef Lee Wolen, a culinary star from Chicago, has been named a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Chef Award. This prestigious award is so coveted, and it’s a super big deal in the cooking world! The final nominees will be announced on April 2, 2025, with the winners taking the spotlight in June. Wolen’s nomination is a toast to his remarkable talent and a nod to everything he has brought to the bustling Chicago culinary scene.

Coming Soon: Elliott Aster at The Vinoy Resort

But that’s not all—Chef Wolen is gearing up to launch a brand-new restaurant called Elliott Aster right here at The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club! Nestled in gorgeous St. Petersburg, Florida, this establishment is a collaboration between Chef Wolen and the Michelin-starred Boka Restaurant Group. How cool is that? You can find Elliott Aster at 501 5th Ave NE, which means it’ll be among some stunning waterfront views!

Wolen can’t help but share his excitement about opening the restaurant. He recalls wonderful memories of staying at The Vinoy with his family. Now, he’s coming full circle, bringing a taste of his family-oriented dining experiences to locals and visitors alike. Elliott Aster aims to enhance St. Petersburg’s culinary landscape, bringing a touch of sophistication and refinement.

A Taste of Elegance: The Menu at Elliott Aster

Now let’s talk about what you’re really here for—the food! The menu at Elliott Aster promises to be nothing short of spectacular. It features mouthwatering dishes like:

45-day dry-aged prime bone-in ribeye
King Crab Tagliatelle pasta
Whole roasted blue prawns “Fra Diavolo”
Tenderloin beef carpaccio
Endive salad with baby beets, Florida citrus, and lemon poppyseed vinaigrette

And don’t miss out on the antipasti bar—perfect for those looking to enjoy a selection of Italian meats, whipped ricotta, marinated peppers, and more! Who doesn’t love a good charcuterie spread? Add in an elegant dining room and a picturesque waterfront patio for aperitivos and cocktails, and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable dining experience!

A New Era for Culinary Adventures in Pinellas County

Michelin Guide is set to recognize restaurants in Pinellas County for the first time in 2025. This means local dining establishments will have the chance to earn coveted Michelin stars, elevating the culinary scene here like never before! The partnership for inclusion involves a two-year contract worth $90,000 a year, fully funded through the tourist development tax. The locals are buzzing with excitement over what this means for their restaurant landscape.

Local chefs see the Michelin Guide’s arrival as a major stamp of approval for the area’s rising culinary talent. With Elliott Aster on the horizon and the Michelin stars potentially up for grabs, it looks like St. Petersburg is ready to attract food-focused travelers from all over, eager to indulge in all the delicious offerings that our city has to boast.

So, get ready, St. Pete!

Whether you’re local or just visiting, make sure to put Elliott Aster at The Vinoy on your culinary bucket list. With Chef Lee Wolen at the helm, there’s no doubt it’s going to be a feast fit for food lovers! Cheers to great food, breathtaking views, and the exciting times ahead in St. Petersburg!