Chef Felicia Lacalle, a celebrated culinary talent in the Tampa Bay area, is set to bring her innovative vision and expertise to Teak St. Pete, located on the iconic St. Pete Pier. Known for her previous successful ventures, including Hemingway’s at Armature Works and Kuba Cocina on St. Pete Beach, Chef Lacalle is poised to redefine the dining experience at Teak St. Pete as its new executive chef. Starting next month, diners can anticipate a revamped menu that reflects Lacalle’s passion for bold flavors and fresh, scratch-made cuisine.
Teak St. Pete, situated on the fourth floor of the pierhead building, offers an unparalleled 360-degree view of the waterfront, creating a stunning backdrop for a memorable meal. For Chef Lacalle, joining Teak represents a fresh chapter in her career, following the closure of her St. Pete Beach restaurant at the end of 2022 and a period of reflection. Her journey in the Tampa culinary scene began in renowned kitchens like Bern’s Steak House, before she launched Hemingway’s in 2018, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the local food landscape.
Upon arriving at Teak St. Pete in March 2023, Chef Lacalle identified opportunities to enhance the restaurant’s culinary offerings and kitchen operations. In her conversation with the Catalyst, Lacalle openly discussed the demanding nature of running her previous restaurant, citing burnout from handling everything from accounting to kitchen duties without adequate financial support. This experience fueled her desire for a new environment where she could focus on her culinary passion and team development. Teak, part of Chuck Prather’s dining group which also includes The Birchwood, presented the perfect opportunity for Lacalle to revitalize an already established restaurant with her unique touch. Since Teak St. Pete opened with the pier in July 2020, Lacalle’s arrival marks a significant step towards a new culinary direction.
Lacalle’s initial focus was on refining the rooftop menu at Pier Teaki, another of Prather’s concepts. Now, she is turning her attention to crafting a brand-new dinner menu for Teak St. Pete. “Just from me walking in, we’ve gone from things being purchased prepared to now everything is made from scratch, it is a true scratch kitchen,” Lacalle emphasized. The new menu at Teak St. Pete will move away from casual “handhelds” and embrace more sophisticated and “elevated dining options.” Lacalle describes her culinary vision as “modern Floribbean flair with lots of flavor,” promising a vibrant and exciting dining experience.
Seafood lovers will be delighted to know that Chef Lacalle’s menu will feature a daily fresh catch option, highlighting the best of local and seasonal seafood. Additionally, in a nod to her Cuban culinary heritage and past accolades, her award-winning Cuban sandwich will also be a featured item. Lacalle’s primary goal is to attract more St. Pete residents and Tampa Bay locals to Teak St. Pete, making it a go-to destination for both special occasions and regular dining. She believes that by emphasizing high-quality ingredients, creating innovative and flavorful dishes, and ensuring consistent execution, Teak St. Pete can become a culinary gem on the pier, complementing its already breathtaking views.
Beyond the menu, Chef Lacalle is also invested in nurturing a positive and passionate kitchen culture. “My cooks in there needed love,” she explained. “They needed to show what true passion and true love in the kitchen was; to have respect for the food, to slow things down and be patient. They’re learning and getting educated with new ingredients.” For Lacalle, this role at Teak St. Pete represents a return to her fine dining roots, a “full circle” moment in her distinguished culinary career. With her dedication to quality, flavor, and team development, Chef Felicia Lacalle is set to make Teak St. Pete a must-visit dining destination on the St. Pete Pier.
