The fast casual food concept Bare Naked Kitchen is now open at 3915 Henderson Blvd. The concept is a collaboration between Bob Basham, co-founder of Outback, and Chris Ponte, restaurateur and chef extraordinaire, and brings healthy internationally inspired recipes to chef-driven dishes. It opened in the former Lauro Ristorante, an A frame building that closed in 2014, but was a Tampa favorite.

*Bare Naked Kitchen front area with swings hanging from ceiling*

In the front sitting area a couple of inviting swings hang from the ceiling, evidence of the uniqueness of the bright and modern interior. A considerable crowd waits to order when we walk in as is often the case with a new place, but the line goes relatively quickly. There’s plenty of seating to wait for the table-delivered food. Up front there is a grab and go refrigerated area containing spreads, dips, and nibbles, for those who are in a hurry.

*Bare Naked Kitchen Porkfection bowl- Korean BBQ pork, jasmine rice blend, crispy shitake, broccoli, Asian vinaigrette*

The trendy menu has variations on a theme from other restaurants including chef-created bowls, different toppings for lavash (flatbread), and pizzas including those with a cauliflower crust.

*Roll in a Bowl- Tuna Poke, jasmine rice blend, bok choy, golden beets, wasabi cream, Asian vinaigrette*

One trend that they thankfully avoided is the requirement that patrons pick the several layers of what goes in their dish such as a base, protein, gravy, toppings, bowl size, etc. Prices are south Tampa moderate, most trending between $13 and $15 per entrée, with large portion sizes. Service is fast and friendly.

Bare Naked Kitchen

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