A counter seat at Counter Culture makes a delicious brunch

I have to admit that the thought of going somewhere to sit at a counter doesn’t usually excite me. I’m more of a stand girl. The more plush, the better.

Yes, but: Changed my mind after a visit to Chef Jeannie Pierola’s Counter Culture in Tampa.

• On a busy Sunday, a friend and I were able to sit in the outdoor counter area with our backs to Bayshore Blvd. On a pleasant spring day, it was lovely.

• And the food and drink delivered the promised “elevated” brunch experience.

I had the wood roasted porchetta with parmesan fried eggs, stone ground oatmeal with lemon balsamic brown butter and fennel salad. And wow.

• TBH, I didn’t know what porchetta was and guessed it might be a way to cook eggs, not a piece of meat. I’m usually disappointed when I accidentally order a cut of meat because it usually ends up being dry and disappointing. But as a flexitarian, I was pleasantly surprised – it was wonderfully flavorful and chewy.

The Blueberry Manilow cocktail with EG Vodka, St. Germain, lemon, blueberry-rosemary shrub, hibiscus water and orchid was super refreshing.

More: Look at my friend Nate’s huge plate of smoked salmon!

Go further: Discover more brunch suggestions in our spring guide.