Mise en Place Reopens in Ybor City, Celebrating Culinary Innovation in Historic Casa Gomez

Mise en Place swung open its doors at 1229 E. Eighth Ave. in Ybor City after shuttering the Hyde Park site last October. The French-inspired eatery hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Jan. 9, at 4:30 pm.

Founder Maryann Ferenc and Chef Marty Blitz stood beside Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Casa Ybor CEO Daryl Shaw at the ceremony. They discussed how this move breathes life into the neighborhood's economy.

The new spot occupies the Casa Gomez building, which developer Darryl Shaw owns. It's smaller than before, but the approach stays the same, and so does the menu's spirit.

The restaurant first appeared in Tampa back in 1986 and has won praise across the country since then. With a chef-driven method, it has created a gathering place for food lovers. Nearly 30% of what's on the menu shifts each quarter, while specials change every few weeks.

"With the classically trained Chef Marty Blitz, guests can enjoy innovative modern cuisine rooted in classic French cooking," Ferenc said, per That's so Tampa. "It's the growth and adventure and experimentation that keeps folks coming back."

Diners will find inventive fusion plates at the new site. Mole-crusted scallops sit atop masa and squash purée. Squash blossoms get stuffed with ricotta and spicy 'nduja. For dessert, there's warm pistachio polenta cake topped with olive oil gelato and basil blackberry jam.

The bar program shows off a wine cellar plus cocktails that draw inspiration from what's cooking. Housemade syrups, tinctures, and garnishes work alongside drinks built to match the French-inspired cooking.

Moving from Hyde Park to Ybor City marks a fresh start. Ferenc wants her team to keep serving up meals that change and shift, so guests never eat the same thing twice.