The holiday season was a mad rush of community fun. With so much going on you might have missed a few fantastic openings in the Burg. Here are 5 new spots you need to know about.

Tom + Chee St. Pete

Need a cookies and cream or hot cocoa doughnut fix? How about a ham and pepper jack cheese melt with hot sauce and parmesan chips? Or maybe just a cup of cheeseburger soup? The point is, Tom+Chee — a franchise that just recently made its move to the Burg — is serving up something special to the community.

Specializing in artisanal comfort food, Tom+Chee is clutch on the cooler winter days in St. Pete when you’re looking for something to warm you up. Adding to their culinary versatility, they also provide gluten-free and vegetarian options. All of their soups and salads can be made gluten-free. They also offer an option of gluten-free bread for the sandwich of your choice.

Tom+Chee, 6802 22nd Avenue North.

Freshii

Freshii hosted their official ribbon cutting ceremony on January 6. The new health food restaurant proudly boasts a transparent menu that utilizes all-natural, organic ingredients.

Owned by local resident Chitra Naidu, Freshii offers convenient and affordable food that diners can feel good about. Naidu has lived in the Burg for 19 years. She taught the Science of Nutrition at SPC and holds Master Degrees in Public Health and Children’s Health.

Naidu started in the health food market by preparing meals for neighbors. The lack of options years ago furthered her commitment to provide those around her with nutritious food that didn’t sacrifice flavor.

Freshii offers bowls like the Pangoa (brown rice, avocado, black beans, aged cheddar, corn, grape tomatoes, cilantro, lime wedge, hot sauce) and Mediterranean (half quinoa and half salad greens, kalamata olives, red onions, feta cheese, cucumbers, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, almonds, red pepper sauce). All bowls come with the option of tofu, chicken, steak, falafel or turkey.

Freshii is located at 10328 Roosevelt Boulevard North in the Ibis Walk Shopping Center.

Vom Fass 

Specialty cooking oils, high-end and rare spirits, carefully crafted food, these are the three pillars of Vom Fass. The store has locations all over the world and just recently opened its doors in the Burg.

Vom Fass allows you to sample the oils and liquors of your choosing before buying. It’s an immersive tasting experience designed to expand your palate.

You can sample some mythic Absinthe, discover your bourbon preference, pair any of their top-shelf wines with a raspberry gorgonzola salad or just browse their shelves which act like mantles for glass art.

Since opening, the St. Pete location has received 13 straight 5-star reviews. Experience it for yourself. Vom Fass is located at 300 Beach Drive Northeast, #105 (at the corner of 1st Street North and 3rd Avenue Northeast).

Punky’s Bar and Grill

The spot formerly occupied by Jimbo’s Joint is now Punky’s Bar and Grill. The restaurant hosts live entertainment, charity bingo, live piano and more. They’ve also put a particular emphasis on their outstanding burger menu.

Punky’s Patty Melt (grilled onions, swiss cheese, 1,000 island dressing and marble rye) is bar food in all its marvelous glory. The Southerner (fried green tomatoes, coleslaw, applewood smoked bacon and Sriracha aioli) is a spicy sensation. As is the Sweet and Spicy burger (mango habanero sauce, sweet grilled pineapple, pepper jack cheese, Sriracha aioli).

Owned by Brian Longstreth, Lynn Deibert and John Burt, with food leadership provided by Chef Frank Costelli, Jr., Punky’s is a welcoming restaurant and a fantastic addition to our locally sourced foodie scene.

Punky’s Bar and Grill, 3063 Central Avenue.

The St. Pete Store

The St. Pete Chamber of Commerce has opened a shop that holds all things celebrating our wonderful city, the St. Pete Store. Purchase spices from Kalamazoo, jewelry and prints from Strands of Sunshine, the popular “World Tour” tee by Chad Mize and even an I Love The Burg shirt all in one place.

The St. Pete Store also sells tote bags by Spring Green Handbags, locally made soy candles and the latest designs from St. Pete Threads. The Chamber’s goal is to help support and illuminate the local makers and artists in the city.

Artists receive 60% of the proceeds from each item sold. So get out soon and support local! The St. Pete store is located at 100 2nd Avenue North, Suite 150.