TAMPA - Longtime customer Jim Ganther claims the distinction of being the very first patron to purchase a pint of Guinness at the newest Four Green Fields Irish pub in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
"I was happening by and was delighted to find it was officially open. The pint was expertly poured, perfect temperature and fresh,'' he said, speaking Tuesday.
He also had a dozen oysters, pronouncing them "spectacular.''
The night before, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, former Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi were among the dignitaries gathered at a private party to celebrate the opening of the restaurant, a smaller version of the original pub on Platt Street, in business for a quarter of a century. (The company also has a branch at Tampa International Airport and a concession at Amalie Arena.)
It was announced last summer that Four Green Fields had won the spot in the park out of seven bidders, which included Columbia Food Services and the company that owns Hula Bay Club Waterfront Bar-&-Grille.
"The city received seven enticing proposals but the Four Green Fields concept with a raw bar is exactly what downtown Tampa is craving,'' Buckhorn said at the time.
It took about five months and close to $1 million to complete the work on the new pub, said Arthur Paula, director of operations. He said the company was eager to open in time for Saturday's Gasparilla festivities and the crowd here for Sunday's National Hockey League All-Star Game at Amalie.
"It's going to be a great spot,'' Paula said. "We're really excited that we were able to win the bid and be part of the downtown scene now.''
Contact Philip Morgan at pmorgan@tampabay.com.