Verducci's Pizzeria Trattoria

7736 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach, FL. Tel. 727-363-790

The old Fortunato's was recently renovated to become the new Verducci's on St. Pete Beach and it's a definite improvement. The bigggest change is a very creative and appetizing new menu, thanks to it's Neapolitan owners. A welcome addition to the beaches. Listed under each category on the menu; appetizers, entrees, salads, pizzas, subs, strombolis and calzones is a large selection.

Of course, there's still work to be done. What's the saying....Rome wasn't built in a day? The servers, though pleasant, are obviously in training. One of our inquiries that needed confirmation from the boss was...Do you serve Pellegrino or Perrier? The answer was no, but after a minute or two the answer was.. Yes, we do! A definite desire to serve, but still learning.

Our three entrees, Gnocci, Shrimp, Eggplant Parmesan were consumed without hesitation. The salad was large so that went with us. The wine list is a good one and our choices were excellent. We spent a little more, but you could probably get a nice meal for under $20.

One thing the owners must think about improving is the entrance. A large take out counter with lots of paper cups and supplies greet you at the door occupying most of the first room, but you'll be asked immediately where you'd like to sit, so don't be put off. Stay and choose the second room and you'll be fine. A restaurant in St. Petersburg recently closed because it had an obvious take out counter at the door concealing the wonderful ambiance and delicious dining further inside. Very sad.

Oh, and try the pizza. I've been told that it is authentic.

I like their slogan too... Cuciniamo con amore. I think it's true.

Portofino

5035 34th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 727-864-2800

Portofino claims to be an Italian Ristorante! And serves a wide range of italian dishes. The menu is extensive so it's been divided into Antipasti, Zupppe, Pizza, Pollo, Vitello, Steak, Casseroles, Pasta, Fettucini. And that's just the dinner menu. Lunches are more of the brick oven variety: stromboli, calzone, subs. and different forms of parmigiana. I think you get the idea.

The decor is old world charm. No, not many restaurants in Italy look like this anymore.

I had dined at Portofino many years ago and never returned. Now I'm here to say, I think they've gotten their act together.

A close friend told me to give it another try but I didn't. However, last week I was feeling a little under the weather and this same friend was ordering Portofino take out and telephoned to ask what I wanted. What a sweetheart! I politely resisted at first but then let her order for me and the meal was so good. Delicious Homemade Vegetable Soup, definitely homemade with a delicious broth. The entree was Chicken Piccata, with a sauce of butter, lemon and white wine. It seemed a little light on the white wine, but because my stomach wasn't feeling that great it felt just right. A small, very fresh tossed salad and I was happy.

Portofino is a small neighborhood restaurant, with a lunch menu that is very reasonable. One can have a delicious lunch for less than $20. Not so for dinner. That's going to cost you at least $30.

I'm indebted to my friend. I've been lucky with friends lately.

Cafe Alma

260 1st Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 727-502-5002

Cafe Alma is a very classy restaurant with a mediteranean theme and it's NOT located on Beach Drive. Imagine that! A winding staircase takes you down to a quaint brick courtyard. The ambience inside is charming and warm. A long bar, low ceilings wonderful lighting, crisp tablecloths and lots of art.

The staff would like you to begin your evening with a Tapa and there are almost 30 to choose from with each sounding better than the last. Maybe order a few and share. Prices range from $8 to $10 each.

Your first visit could be for a less expensive meal or Early Fixe, as they call it, from 4:30 to 6:00 and costs only $15. This includes salad, entree, dessert and soft drink. After 6:00 you can still get a Prix Fixe menu but it will cost $25. Considering the average entree is $20 this is a deal. Wines, and the selection is a good one, are not included.

I've never been disappointed at Cafe Alma, but last weekend I joined 2 friends there for dinner after visiting A Taste for Wine (stay tuned for their own review at a later date). Anyway, that night I had my best meal ever at Cafe Alma....the risotto of the day. Yes, that's its title. This particular day the risotto was the richest I've ever tasted, with red peppers, sausage, and a blend of veggies that I can't remember. I split my meal with my friend who ordered the Baked Chilean Sea Bass that came with roasted red potatoes, cubed parsnips and feta with a balsamic reduction. Delicious. The three of us shared a bottle of wine. A wonderful meal. Very fine dining.