Queens Head Restaurant and Eurobar

 2501 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Tel: 727-498-8584


Pumpkin Risotto




Shepherd's Pie

  People streamed into the Queens Head Restaurant and Eurobar Saturday as we sat, anxiously awaiting our gourmet pub food. Every conversation buzzed about a recent article in the St. Petersburg Times that touted the Fish and Chips they serve here as the best in the area. Many plates full of the infamous dish breezed through the black drape kitchen door. Since we were there to try it ourselves, we ordered the fish, the shepherds pie and the pumpkin risotta. After being told the shepherd's pie was freshly baked, not microwaved and to expect a 15 minute wait, we said, fine with us and ordered some devils on horseback to keep our stomachs from growling.  The devils are a stuffed prune wrapped in bacon and were a nice prelude to the meal, the size not encroaching on the dinner to come. The entrees tasted very good, but they are served in euro portions. What's that you say? Not exactly filling, but flavorful. If you are hungry, order soup to nuts to ensure satisfaction. And be prepared to pay over $30 per person. For that you get a top notch dining experience. Nice touches abound, from crispy greens atop traditional entrees to the haphazard sprinkling of feta cheese cubes on the risotto and pickled pumpkin on the shepherd's pie. The decor is playful and a tongue in cheek representation of British culture. The owners are the real deal, so they know from whence they came. The bar area and the outdoor seating area is a great gathering spot for friends. On the rather cold evening we were there, everyone opted to eat inside.

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.