Hooker Tea

300 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 727-894-4832

This was my second visit to Hooker Tea and I was suprised to learn that there is a second shop on Howard Ave. in Tampa. Hooker claims that tea is the new coffee and that you will get 'hooked'. I beg to differ, but the experience was a truly relaxing one. The one employee there on a Sunday afternoon was very friendly, helpful and really couldn't do enough for us. The menu is divided into different varieties of teas blended with fruits and spices. All with enticing names so it's not easy to make a choice. Oddly enough the little cafe doesn't smell that rich. However, the pomegranate blend, Pom Panda, that we both chose turned out of be very enjoyable. Served in generous tall paper cups and very HOT it tasty good and felt wonderful going down. I asked for a little honey and that made it even better. There were a couple of pastry choices so we split a scone, which tasted very fresh, but light. More cakey than sconey, if you know what I mean.

The decor is warm with lots of dark wood shelving and recessed lighting with orange paper chandeliers that hang from the ceiling. The walls lined with colorful boxes of teas, mugs and teapots for purchase are more interesting than the furniture which is, in a word, sad. Uncomfortable tiny chairs and tables and not enough of them. There's seating out on Beach Drive which I'm sure is used in the summer, but for the winter months it's a little too chilly even with a hot cup of tea. There's also a stack of board games to play because, unlike with coffee, when you're sitting down for tea you've got plenty of time.

If you are a coffee drinker who pays for coffee on the go you'll find these prices comparable. Here, however, it's the different levels of teas that will determine the price per cup.

Hidden between Paciugo's gelato shop and the Nola Cafe you could miss Hooker's so look for the horse and carriages that stroll around Straub Park. Their resting spot is just in front of Hooker's.

Gatsby's of St. Petersburg

At Grayl's Hotel
340 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL
Tel: 727-896-1080

You may have felt the same curiosity I did as you walked or drove by this quaint spot on Beach Drive. Certainly it's within a stone's throw of the Museum of Fine Arts and the new Chilhuily Gallery, but I often overlook it as a place to stop. I always seem to have something else on my agenda when I'm in that area, until that is, I made it a point to meet Java there recently. Gatsby's is part of the Historic Grayl Hotel which is reminiscent of the boutique hotels I stayed in during my travels in Europe. It was built in 1922 and a quick trip inside (we chose to sit outside on this lovely afternoon) takes you on a little time travel excursion. The bar looks like a great place to hang, advertising several trendy drinks I want to try. The lunch menu is comprised of sandwiches, salads, soups and pizza. I labored over the menu, which is plain site of anyone driving by, ending up with the pulled pork wrap (wet.) This good and plenty sandwich was stuffed with well seasoned meat and slaw, peppered with caribbean flavors and kidney beans. I enjoyed the macaroni salad, but not the potato salad that accompanied it. There was plenty of food for a noon meal. The prices were normal for this stretch of Beach Drive, appetizers start at $5.95 and entrees from $7.95. Dinner offers steaks and seafood, as well as pastas and classic American dishes, such as meatloaf, with a new twist. Dinner prices range from $8.95 to $29.95. The wait staff is among the friendliest in downtown and is one of the reasons I wanted to stop in. Someone always greets me as I walk by the hostess station. Make no mistake about it, the owners of this unique restaurant want you there and expect you to stay a while.

Marketplace Express

284 Beach Dr NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701
Tel:727-894-3330

The Marketplace Express is all about location. It's situated across the street from the St. Petersburg Fine Arts Museum and snuggled into a multi-million dollar condo facing the harbor. If you are strolling on Beach Drive or going to the museum or the Chihuily gallery, this is a nice place to stop for a coffee. Take a load off and enjoy your beverage and/or snack inside or outside the shop. They serve a variety of sandwiches and pastries in the under $10 range.  Coffee is $1.59 for a small, with refills costing $0.98. It's proximity to so many downtown features, events, and attractions make this a popular spot. Outdoor seating allows for people watching and such. Inside are high top tables to sit with friends or on your own. Classical music is piped in creating a very nice ambience. The movie theater at Baywalk is just a stone's throw from this location, making it a wonderful meeting place before or after the show.

Museum of Fine Arts -- MFA Cafe

255 Beach Drive NE., St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 822-1032

On recently becoming a member of the MFA I planned to take full advantage of everything it had to offer. The museum is very good at promoting their exhibits and gallery talks through both website and newsletter. Quite often though, there's the urge to explore first hand, take a closer look, and so I discovered the Cafe. Actually, I can't take any credit, it would be hard to miss. When the new Hazel Hough wing was built a cafe was placed in the very large atrium beneath a wall of windows that look out onto the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay. Ingenious! Who could resist wanting to dine on stark white tablecloths in such a setting. It oozes sophistication. I've found the lunches and dinners to be light and flavorful and am always pleasantly surprised by their presentation. Salads and seasonal soups are fresh and healthy, but a heartier meal can be had. Dine al fresco on the terrace beneath the palms even tour the museum when you're done. It's all worth the visit and you might even become a member! Prices are reasonable and there's no entrance fee to dine in the cafe or to visit the museum store.

The Moon Under Water

332 Beach Dr. St. Petersburg, FL Tel. 727-896-6160

Almost everyone, resident, snowbird, tourist, has been to The Moon Under Water and probably more than a few times. And why? Because you’re never disappointed. The food and drink are consistently good. Service, no matter how crowded, is always good. Prices are more than fair. So why am I writing about a place you already know about? To make sure that you’re not missing one of the best things about The Moon and that’s the Curry. Oh yes their fish and chips are enjoyed by many, their salads served in that taco shell are had by all. But the Curry, that takes some courage. They offer mild, and you can certainly begin with that, but don’t be afraid, next time move on to the hotter version. You’ll be glad you did. It’s a PUB, don’t forget, and those Brits love their Curry. Find out why. Enjoy it with the nain bread and a COLD draft beer. Okay, we don’t have to like everything the Brits like, do we?

Cassis American Brasserie

170 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL. 33701

The beautiful Cassis opened this summer at a terrific location, the corner of Beach Drive and 2nd Ave. NE. You can't miss the huge modern metal sculpture in the middle of a very large outside area with it’s typically French café chairs and huge umbrellas. You'll want to just sit and chat while watching the people go by, and you can because it’s still a sidewalk! (just like in Paris). The interior is just as lovely, stark white tablecloths contrast with the dark tables and seating. The large white globe ceiling lights give a feeling of yesterday. But the sophisticated decor is just the beginning because the service and the food are fantastic. Five of us were seated in a u-shaped booth. Made to order, it seated the five of us perfectly. Service is just right and not too fast, if you know what I mean. We had our drinks, time to decide on dishes from a terrific menu, and then just enough time to enjoy each other’s company before we were served, by more than one waiter I might add. Our meals, all hot, actually arrived at the same time. I had the grilled salmon on a bed of udon noodles that were crispy on one side encircled by three al dente baby bok choys all covered with a deliciously light ginger sauce. It’s the best meal I’ve had in at least 12 months, one of which was spent in Europe. What was I thinking! Everyone was very satisfied with their order. Best of call ahead. Reserve a table outside along the Beach Drive while the weather is still warm, there will be plenty of time later to eat inside. Almost forgot, take advantage of the valet service….why not! You are in for a wonderful evening.