Meet Juno & the Peacock and Pluma: St. Pete’s newest culinary concepts

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (BLOOM) — St. Petersburg’s culinary scene is about to get even tastier, thanks to Chef Drew Dimitrovski, the new executive chef at Juno & the Peacock and Pluma. These two fresh dining concepts from the owners of Allelo are set to add some serious flavor to downtown St. Pete’s iconic Beach Drive.

Chef Drew Dimitrovski
Chef Drew Dimitrovski

Chef Dimitrovski has a track record that would make even the most seasoned foodies drool. With experience at Momofuku Noodle Bar and mentorship from James Beard Award-winning Chef Anne Kearney, he’s a chef who knows his way around the kitchen — and the farm. Before you ask, yes, he worked in New York City, but don’t hold that against him. He’s here to show us that you don’t need a subway pass to understand good food.

“I found myself drawn to the local charm and endless potential of Tampa Bay,” Chef Dimitrovski said. “Working in the heart of the city, I got a front-row seat to its culinary evolution and the diverse flavors it offers.” Translation: he’s bringing his big-city experience to our quaint (but getting less quaint by the day) culinary landscape.

At Juno & the Peacock, you can expect New American Coastal cuisine, which, let’s be honest, sounds like a mix of everything we love. From dry-aged steaks to seared grouper and crab cakes, the menu promises to keep you coming back for more. Plus, there’s a cocktail program that pays homage to mixology’s evolution. Yes, we’re talking espresso martinis. Who knew drinks could have such history?

Pluma, the attached cocktail lounge, is where things get a little more experimental. Inspired by South and Central American influences, it promises a drink menu that can whisk you away from Lima to Tulum without leaving your barstool. With over 1,400 wine options and light bites to keep the party going, Pluma is where you might end up if Juno’s seafood tower doesn’t quite fill you up.

Chef Dimitrovski will oversee both concepts, ensuring every dish has that local touch. The team behind Juno & the Peacock and Pluma is committed to fostering community ties and creating a dining experience that’s as enjoyable as it is delicious. You might even make a few new friends while you’re there — or at least learn what makes a Singapore Sling so, well, slinging.

I’ll be there when the doors open, ready to sample the menu and get the inside scoop for my piece on Bloom Tampa Bay. If you’re lucky, I might even share some behind-the-scenes snaps on social media. In the meantime, make sure to keep an eye out for the grand opening date, because something tells me reservations will be snapped up faster than you can say “heritage breed.”

With seating for up to 268 guests and a picturesque setting across from North Straub Park, Juno & the Peacock and Pluma are poised to become the next go-to spots for dining and drinks in St. Petersburg. So, if you’re in the mood for a memorable dining experience, these new establishments are set to bring the heat — literally and figuratively.

As for me, I’m looking forward to tasting my way through the grand opening. Because if there’s one thing I know, it’s that food this good doesn’t wait for anyone. So grab your fork, and I’ll see you there!

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