Taking its name from the turbulent art movement of the mid-18th Century, St. Petersburg’s Rococo Steak is fashioned as a “revolt” against the traditional steakhouse.
The ground-breaking restaurant, set to open in early October, will not only feature innovative cuisine, but also a custom mural to match its unique style.
Housed in a historical 1920s brick building on 655 Second Avenue South and named after an artistic movement that is over 200-years-old, Rococo Steak is quite incomparable to anything else in St. Pete.
“When most think of steak houses, they envision something very traditional with dark wood, white linens, a certain level of pretentiousness and generally unimaginative atmosphere,” says CEO Joe Orsino. “We’re creating something much more than that in Rococo Steak — something social, fun, playful and chic.”
Rococo Steak is a modern departure from the outmoded steakhouse, which Orsino says will have a theme of “Bringing the Art of Steak to St. Petersburg.” As an urban restaurant, it will offer a beyond-the-ordinary variety of small steaks, grass-fed options, inventive appetizers and re-envisioned classics.
The atmosphere is also designed to promote intimacy and romance, as well as socializing.
Rococo is the movement known as the “late Baroque” period. The graceful, jocular style of Rococo affected much of the art world — painting, sculpture, interior design, literature, music and more. Developed in France, Rococo was considered a reaction against the opulent grandeur defining the Baroque period.
Orsino gave Derek Donnelly of Saint Paint, the local artist behind the iconic “Bill Woo” mural in the 600 block of Central Avenue, a challenge to convey artistically “Rococo’s attempt to break down barriers, play with symmetry and interrupting flow with sultry and slightly provocative forms.”
The resulting 20-foot long mural, which sits in the future Rococo Art Lounge, was inspired by Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s “The Swing,” a classic example of the Rococo style. The floor-to-ceiling piece predominately features partially-covered male and female forms, giving it a touch of the risque — or some call “NSFW.” The bar is horseshoe-shaped and can seat up to 18 people.
For more information about the very-soon-to-be-open Rococo Steak, visit rococosteak.com, www.facebook.com/rococosteak or call (727) 822-0999.
