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.

Panera Bread

Two Locations in the Burg
1908 4th St N or 2420 66th St N, St Petersburg, FL

This blog actually started because of Carrabbas and Panera. These were two of my crutch restaurants that I relied on for familiar and consistent service. One of my son's friend recently asked me why I hadn't reviewed Panera for the blog. He loves their macaroni and cheese (as does my son and the rest of our family) made with Vermont white cheddar cheese. A zingy, but fattening treat for the boys. My standby meal at Panera is breakfast and more often than not, coffee. I know its upscale fast food, but the price and quality keep bringing in the customers, as does the free wireless (in limited doses during lunch 11:30-1:30) and the cozy feel of the place. The acoustic perfume (piped in classical music) is almost as good as the smell of baked goods. Although to be honest I don't know how much is baked on the premises. Breakfast sandwiches start at $2.95 and go up to $3.95. A piping hot souffle will set you back $3.95 and coffee starts at $1.59. The best deal of all is to bring your own travel cup for a "coffee refill" for a buck. This economic choice reduces paper cup waste too. Their hazelnut coffee, when executed properly, is the best and the other varieties are satisfying with half and half in ample supply. I stopped in McDonalds the other day since getting out at Panera meant getting rained on. A coffee (which that day wasn't up to par) and an Egg McMuffin cost me the same as a breakfast sandwich and coffee at Panera. I have to say, if given the choice again, I might forsake my hairdo.

Paciugo

3rd Avenue and Beach Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Tel: 727-209-0298

When asked about a place to have coffee in downtown St. Petersburg this week, Paciugo's Gelato came to mind. As I write this on one of Florida's cold days, I wonder why I'm thinking of gelato? The cafe is perched on Beach Drive overlooking the park and the waterfront. Seating is available both inside and out, so folks with their dogs can enjoy the great flavors too. First the gelato. Served at just the right temperature to ensure the smooth texture and flavor delivery, the choices are many. Taste tests are encouraged by the friendly staff the minute you walk in the door. My favorite is the Caramel Sea Salt, a perfect balance of sweet and salty. The Hazelnut is the best I've ever tasted outside Italy. Fruit flavors are available too from the pedestrian to the unique and these choices are sans dairy. There are also soy products and no sugar added for those with diet restrictions. The coffee is rich and flavorful, produced by various growers in Africa and East Asia and they are Fair Trade. Interestingly, the founder of Paciugo spent many years on a coffee plantation and really knows his cup o' Joe. Prices range from $4 and up depending on the treat you partake in. This cafe is located near the museum and next to some great restaurants so it bustles with activity most times of the day. Locals know it as the "Gelato Place" and it always comes highly recommended. You'll find Paciugo's at the Downtown Saturday Market too.

The Chattaway

358 22nd Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Tel: 727-823-1594

Small and medium sized groups can take advantage of the picnic style seating in the garden area of the Chattaway Restaurant. I felt like I was walking back in time, through my grandmother's back yard when I rounded the corner from the parking lot. Of course, her house was only about 30 blocks north of here and probably built about the same time. The decor is more like that of a dotty aunt though, with whimsical signs and garden statues here and there. Tropical foliage planted in old footed tubs and a fish pond with a bridge make for a fun atmosphere and one that is mostly kid friendly. Smokers are allowed to do their thing out in the garden area so beware or be happy whichever your stance. The inside seating is a little clausterphobic, restrooms are on the side of the house. The food is good, fast and fresh. The staff is super friendly which is not always the case in these classic joints. The burger is a must try since it's been named "best of" in a few contests. For those who don't partake in beef, there are veggie burgers, salads, soups and sandwiches. The Chattaway should undoubtedly be on your visiting friends and family list. They're open for breakfast and lunch. The prices are reasonable for what you get and for the most part remain under $10. Remember though, it's cash only.

The Cupcake Spot

405 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL
Tel: 727-825-0572

The Cupcake Spot will tell you they didn't invent cupcakes, they just make them in a special way. I would agree after sampling some of their many varieties on a recent visit. These baked gems can be purchased for a special event or enjoyed as a decadent snack right there on the spot. The storefront has a fun, retro vibe.  Tempting choices include, "The Chocolate Elvis" (yes, it's a banana cupcake with peanut butter cream and a dollop of chocolate) and "Paint the Town Red Velvet" (the baby sister of the classic southern cake.) Cupcake Spot's Signature "Better Than..." cupcake has won local awards (Best Small Dessert of Tampa Bay 2009) with it's chocolate chip foundation and cream cheese frosting. A single is $3.00 and goes up from there depending on quantity. Luckily, the prices go down with volume purchases, so you can try 'em all.

Spice Routes Global Soul Food

460 46th Av N, St. Petersburg, FL 33703
727-422-7283

I first discovered Spice Routes at the Saturday Morning Market in downtown St. Petersburg. The booth was centrally located and their fresh, colorful dishes caught my eye immediately. When I was told they had a cafe at the Unity Church, I knew I had to give it a try. It turned out to be a wonderful place to meet, centrally located in St. Petersburg and just barely off the beaten path. No GPS needed to find the route to these exotic flavors. I had the Butternut Squash Salad which was comprised of fresh greens, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberry, walnuts, feta and onion. This healthful combination was dusted with paprika, so it not only tasted like Fall, it looked like it too. My friend had the Vegetarian Black Bean Soup and grilled cheese sandwich. The soup had a flavor reminiscent of chili, just the right smokiness and a little bit of tang. We shared a slice of Gooey Butter Cake which was light as air but rich in flavor. The iced African red tea was a refreshing compliment to the meal. Service was fast and very friendly. Prices for lunch start at $6.50. Takeout and delivery available.

La Petite France Mobile Creperie

Saturday Morning Market
Downtown St. Petersburg
Al Lang Stadium/Progress Energy Park

1st Street & 1st Avenue South
Every Saturday, October - May

One of the best booths at the Saturday Morning Market in downtown St. Petersburg is La Petite France Mobile Creperie. Not only do they offer delicious breakfast and lunch treats, but the vendor has decorated the mobile creperie to look as if it's parked on the coast of France. Watching the owner/operator create these tasty treats is definitely part of the experience. When he handed me a beautiful crepe and said "Merci," I felt transported to France. Well maybe, just for a second. Java and I shared La Crepe Tatin, a heavenly mix of cooked apples, caramel, pecans, and whipped cream artfully assembled on top of a well executed crepe. Choices range from the simple cinammon and sugar to a more complex mix of eggs, cheese and herbs. Quiche topped with fig preserves rounds out the menu. Prices range from $4 to $6. The brevity of the market and plethora of food offerings makes it difficult to choose an entree. I'm going back next week to sample some more. Quel dommage!

Saturday Morning Market

Al Lang Stadium parking lot 1st Ave. & 1st St. , St. Petersburg, FL.

Yes, another visit to the Market and it's just before 9am so we head straight for Paciugo's Gelato Cafe. No delicious gelato this time, just their great Kenyan coffee. A generous cup for $2 that certainly rivals our locally roasted Kahwa. Now to find that quick breakfast, well, actually we know what we're looking for. Last week the line was too long for Uhuru's morning wrap filled with eggs, sausage and herb seasoned potatoes, all blended with a spicy tomato sauce. Next time though, we'll ask for more sauce. Splitting that big wrap we still had room for dessert. Leaving our comfortable chairs we headed for the Parisian booth for a tasty Crepe Tatin topped with whipped cream. Huge for just $6.00. Totally satiated we got down to business, checked out the musicians, this week it was Kevin Wilder on keyboard making you want to dance over towards the produce, which we did and purchased a bag full of veggies for a song, literally. haha. Next time promise to tell you about the craft section which seems to be growing.

St. Petersburg Octoberfest 2010

Central Avenue and 21st Street, St. Petersburg, FL

This was the first annual Grand Central Octoberfest, highlighting an eclectic St. Petersburg business area and celebrating craft brew. There was a good sized crowd of several hundred people waiting patiently for the beer tastings. My husband is a imported and craft beer afficionado so he was able to point out the special brands to me. All those beer guides as Christmas gifts finally paid off. A few food vendors showed up including a tasty taco hut manned by Tijuana Flats. Theme appropriate brats and sausages sizzled on temporary grills. The scent wafted along on a cool Fall breeze and a variety of live music gave the evening a festive feel. The best part was walking along Central and feeling safe. Having grown up in this area, sometimes I take my town for granted. I love the architecture of the buildings and appreciate the people who have come along in the last few years to adopt and take care of them. The Grand Central business district has a lot to be proud of and I'm reminded by this event that these stalwart folks deserve my patronage.

Pass-A-Grille

900 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach, FL.33706 Tel. 727-360-8280

Make a change in your week and have coffee on the beach. Pass-a-Grille Beach in the City of St. Pete Beach has two popular coffee spots so let’s take a look. The first, and my personal favorite, is Paradise Grille which opens daily at 8am and stays open til sunset. Only outdoor seating is available here with picnic tables and umbrellas. Orders are taken at the register, get there early on the weekends or you may find a line., but all of this is worth it because you are literally ON the beach. The food is good and the Gulf view spectacular. The menu is large and the food is good yet simple. Omelettes, pancakes, french toast and that old southern staple, Biscuits and Gravy. You can even take your puppy along.
Just across the street is the Hurricane, a well known night spot, it has a breakfast window that opens at 7am. Looks like they’re trying to beat the competition by opening earlier, but one problem…..the up close and personal view of the Gulf is missing. Coffee in both restaurants is okay, but let’s face it, we’re really not here for the coffee this time. Give it a try, it’s a popular hangout.

Saturday Morning Market

Al Lang Stadium Parking Lot, 1^st Ave. & 1^st St. St. Petersburg, FL.

The Saturday Morning Market reopened for the season on October 2^nd and what a turn out. EVERYONE was there! I kept running into people I knew. So much to talk about. Let’s begin with the obvious, the food booths. Whatever your taste; French crepes, Cuban sandwiches, Italian coffee and gelato, Cajun dishes, British meat pies, Jewish blintzes, Mexican Tacos, they’re all there and more. I was most impressed by Paciugo who made their iced coffee with coffee ice cubes. Can you STAND it? How generous and delicious is THAT? Talk about going above and beyond. Of course the produce booths had long lines. My personal favorite is the fresh pineapple stand where it’s sliced for you. The aroma in the air from the pineapples just draws the non-suspecting passerby. Not even a caring glance at how long the line. Okay, I’m giving it all away (not really) see for yourself next Saturday, early at 9AM sharp!

Banyan Coffee & Tea Co.

The Banyan Coffee & Tea Co. is a true gem just waiting to be discovered in downtown St. Petersburg. Judging by the number of people I saw there on my visit, many have already discovered it. This restaurant offers a creative menu and a warm, friendly interior. Outside seating is available for those who want the benefits (smoking, dog friendly and some times a cool breeze), but I prefered the feeling inside. Taupe walls, bankette style seating, and a full pastry case reveal the attention to detail that you will experience in the food. Breakfast is served 7 days a week, opening at 7 am on weekdays, 8 am on weekends. Lunch is served on weekdays until 2 pm. AM offerings include sandwiches, burritos, omelets, and other specialty items. The sandwiches are served on cuban bread or bagel. Spinach is a nice addition to what could be considered standard fare. PM offerings include a soup and sandwich deal for $7.95. A sandwich can just be a meat and cheese combo without the addition of a tasty condiment. Banyan does offer a bit of zing with things like apricot salsa, wasabi mayo, and balsamic syrup. Guaranteed to liven up your taste buds. Greek salad, risotto du jour, and a black bean frittata round out the menu. Prices range from $6 to $8.95. Banyan's friendly staff serve Kahwa coffee with their flavorful menu and bring a lot of class to the regentrified storefront.

Kahwa Espresso Bar

475 2nd St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Tel: 727-823-4700

Kahwa coffee kept coming up in coversation as I was going about my daily business. Friends were asking, "have you tried Kahwa coffee yet?" Well, I had to admit, I hadn't. I was stuck in a name brand coffee rut and needed a change. One day I decided to break the cycle and met up with Java at the Kahwa Espresso Bar to find out what all the buzz was about. From first sip, this coffee was a strong competitor for becoming my new favorite. It has a balanced flavor that falls into a mid-range that I deem, not to strong and not too weak. The Kahwa folks know how to roast it and they know how to brew it. I chose an almond croissant to accompany the coffee and it made a tasty breakfast. The decor of this Kahwa location has an urban chic feel with lots of texture and organic touches. It feels like a place to be seen, especially if you choose an outdoor spot perched on the edge of 5th Avenue. An eclectic crowd starts gathering at 7 am on weekdays, 7:30 am on weekends, hanging out until 6:30 pm. As for the cost of this experience, this nosh in the city won't break your wallet with prices for coffee drinks ranging from $1.60 to $3.70. If you've tried it, let me know what you think.

The Buzz: Spotted the owner of Studio @ 620 chatting with friends.

Kahwa Cafe

204 2nd Ave. So., St. Pete., FL. 33701 Tel. 727-821-1942

Bright, friendly, warm, sophisticated, all at the same time! The large windows give it an open and airy feel. The coffee is that same delicious brew that you’ll find in their original shop, Kahwa Espresso. Strong, but not bitter. If you like it sweet their helpful bartender will add their homemade brown sugar syrup and their delicious pastries are made on the premises. Cookies are from Central Cafe and Organic nearby and there’s a French chef that delivers special delicacies. A light lunch can be had to eat in or takeout. Tables and umbrellas outside and free wifi add to the enjoyment.