Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, is a vibrant hub known for its stunning waterfront, arts scene, and burgeoning culinary landscape. At the heart of it all, nestled within the historic Birchwood hotel, lies Birch & Vine, a restaurant that promises a unique dining experience. We had the pleasure of speaking with Executive Chef Lee Aquino, the culinary force behind Birch & Vine, to get an inside look at what makes this St. Pete gem tick. Chef Aquino, originally hailing from Amelia Island, brings a fresh perspective to the downtown St. Pete food scene, perfectly aligning with the vision of restaurant and hotel owner Chuck Prather, who is also expanding his culinary footprint to the new St. Pete Pier.
Executive Chef Lee Aquino of Birch & Vine at The Birchwood in St. Pete, Florida.
A Fresh Take on French Rustic Cuisine
Q: What exciting changes are happening on the menu at Birch & Vine?
A: “Birch & Vine is undergoing a revitalization of our entire menu. We’re refreshing both the ambiance and our scratch kitchen to offer food that’s not only fun and impressive but also accessible. Our culinary approach can be described as French rustic with a distinctive American twist.”
Chef Aquino highlights the diverse clientele Birch & Vine attracts, from hotel guests and casual passersby to dedicated food enthusiasts drawn in by the enticing menu displayed at the hotel’s entrance. He also touched upon The Canopy, the rooftop lounge atop The Birchwood, noting its different vibe. “Upstairs at The Canopy, the atmosphere is more relaxed. We cater to a mix of seasoned locals and younger crowds. We’re currently refining our menu and tableware to create a lighter, fresher experience, emphasizing easy-to-enjoy food. Think sophisticated yet approachable – definitely no caviar.”
Embracing 2020 Food Trends
Q: What emerging food trends do you anticipate for 2020?
A: “Towers are making a comeback. Think of those elegant tiered displays you’d see at traditional tea parties.”
Aquino elaborates on the trend towards smaller portions, emphasizing variety and choice. “Diners are increasingly seeking a wider array of flavors and experiences. We’re seeing a demand for multiple appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, offered at diverse price points, allowing guests to sample more and customize their dining journey.”
Plant-Based Meat and Conscious Sourcing
Q: Will plant-based meat options be featured on the Birch & Vine menu in 2020?
A: “Currently, we’re not incorporating plant-based meat at Birch & Vine. My primary concern revolves around potential cross-contamination issues, a challenge that has surfaced with some larger food service operations adopting these products.”
Chef Aquino underscores Birch & Vine’s commitment to sustainability and mindful practices. “We strive to be as environmentally conscious as possible in our operations. Seasonality plays a significant role, even in Florida. Despite the perception of year-round growth, the reality is that ingredient availability fluctuates. Sourcing high-quality ingredients, like figs for our fig salad, can become challenging when farms experience shortages. We prioritize transparency and honesty with our guests, ensuring we never overpromise on ingredients or availability.”
Chef Aquino’s Culinary Journey and St. Pete Connection
Q: Could you share a bit about your culinary background?
A: “I’ve proudly served as Executive Chef at Birch & Vine for the past two years. Prior to this, I spent six years as Executive Sous Chef at the Tampa Yacht & Country Club. My move to Birch & Vine was driven by my personal connection to St. Pete. I purchased a home in Downtown St. Pete and truly made it my home, which naturally led me to this opportunity.”
Exploring St. Pete’s Dining Scene
Q: Where do you enjoy dining on your days off?
A: “I always seek out somewhere new. I love to be inspired and explore the diverse flavors St. Pete has to offer. I don’t have specific favorites; it’s all about discovering new culinary experiences (laughs).”
Visit Birch & Vine at The Birchwood
Located at 340 Beach Drive Northeast in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg, The Birchwood hotel is a landmark in itself. This beautifully restored Spanish Mission-style building, originally built in 1922 and listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, underwent meticulous renovations in 2013. Beyond Birch & Vine, The Birchwood offers an 18-room boutique hotel, the Grand Ballroom event space, and the stunning rooftop lounge, The Canopy.
For a taste of French rustic cuisine with an American twist in a sophisticated yet welcoming setting, visit Birch & Vine.
Birch & Vine. 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. (727) 896-1080. thebirchwood.com
