Replacing the Green Room and creating more than 130 jobs, New York City-based Chef Marc Murphy’s new Mediterranean-inspired, 250-seat restaurant, Grey Salt, recently opened at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Florida.
Grey said, “I grew up throughout Europe – predominantly in Southern France and Italy where grey salt is a staple. When I was thinking about the menu for this restaurant, I decided to incorporate the finishing salt into some of my dishes to serve as a reflection of my childhood and when it came to think of a name, I realized that the words, Grey Salt, felt very in tune with my concept to open something that is tranquil, soothing and calm.”
Grey Salt will emphasize locally sourced fresh seafood with artisanal flatbreads, handmade pastas and rotisserized and grilled meats. The diverse menu will be complemented with local craft beers, barrel and bottled aged cocktails and an international selection of wines focusing on the Mediterranean region.
Designed by the award-winning TBD Architecture + Design Studio, Grey Salt’s interior will reflect Mediterranean seaside villages, with a sun-bleached boardwalk, round zinc bar, white textured walls and sand-colored floor. Rosemary planters, preserved lemons, spice jars, olive oil, wine and firewood will create a sense of seaside dining.
Seminole Hard Rock Tampa President John Fontana said, “We’re ecstatic to partner with a globally renowned chef like Marc Murphy. We fully anticipate that Grey Salt will exceed Tampa Bay’s expectations and be another winning restaurant on the property.”
Added Murphy, “Tampa is a great location for my Mediterranean inspired grill because of the close proximity to the Gulf and its amazing seafood. The climate is also very similar to the climate in the Mediterranean where I grew up spending time in Italy and France. I am looking forward to creating an oasis within the hotel for people to enjoy.”
