The pairing featured British Madras curry with a hazy IPA.
Photo by Morgan Wujkowski
On Nov. 10, Grand Central Brewhouse transformed their outdoor patio in downtown St. Petersburg into a pop-up British pub. The event was a teaser for The Moon Under Water‘s new menu before officially opening its doors in Gulfport.
Co-owners Mike Crippin (also the Executive Chef) and his wife Alison, along with business partners Kevin and Jeanne Milkey (owners of Grand Central Brewhouse) teamed up to host the exclusive pop-up pub.Â
Tickets to the event were free but limited, and given away via online contest. The Moon posted about it over the past two weeks on social media, creating loads of hype for the coveted pairing.
Participants entered the contest by signing up for the Moon’s newsletter and winners were randomly selected.
The Moon Under Water
The Moon Under Water’s return to the dining scene has been long anticipated by foodies in the Tampa Bay area since the original locale closed in 2021.
The team currently prepares to take over the space formerly occupied by Drunken Taco in Gulfport, and they are revamping their British and American menu with modernized, fresh updates.
Customers can expect opening day in early 2026, according to Crippin.Â
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On Nov. 10, Grand Central Brewhouse transformed their outdoor patio in downtown St. Petersburg into a pop-up with The Moon Under Water.
Photo by Morgan WujkowskiMadras CurryÂ
The menu featured the Moon’s signature Madras Curry paired with GCB’s The Pearl Hazy IPA. Aromas of cumin, coriander, and fenugreek filled the air as Crippin served both chicken and vegetable/vegan curries to guests.
When he owned Studio Public House on Central Avenue, Crippin was known for his spicy curries with British flare. Now, once again with The Moon Under Water, he brings tasteful flavors and bold seasonings to South Pinellas.Â
Passed appetizers also included Madras Curry Nachos with a curry queso sauce, served over warm tortilla chips. The tomato-based curry was warm and inviting, and the curried queso added just enough depth and heat without overpowering the dish’s composition. But the star of the show really was Crippin’s Madras curry.Â
The Pearl Hazy IPA
The Pearl is Grand Central Brewhouse’s Hazy IPA. It is made entirely with Riverbend Malt, El Dorado, Nelson Sauvin & HBC 630 hops. It’s a collaboration project with Tampa Bay Watch, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of Tampa Bay.
The beer itself has hints of pineapple, peach, citrus, and white grape, dominated by El Dorado and Nelson hops. It paired perfectly with the Madras Currry, harmonizing with the aromatic flavors. Because the hazy IPA is not as bitter as a West Coast IPA, the hops actually help tame the heat. Even the most delicate of palates would find the pairing to be warm, not spicy.Â
The Moon Under Water’s curry and beer pairing at Grand Central Brewhouse was one that felt both nostalgic and new, with a taste of what’s to come. With their signature mix of British comfort and local flavor, Gulfport can look forward to a new chapter where pub fare and Florida craft beer meet perfectly at the table.
Looking for more things to do in St. Petersburg, Gulfport, and the beaches? Check out The Gabber Newspaper’s full calendar of events.
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