Beef O'Brady's

34th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 727-

Okay, it's a chain, I'm getting desperate, but all I wanted was a local take-out. I didn't feel like cooking the usual chicken or fish so I beat it over to the neighborhood Beef O'Brady's. Somehow I can't seem to break that fish and chips in a basket habit, but honestly I hadn't been there in so long that I was shocked at the price increase.... $8. Now that's not right.

Yes we've all eaten there. Come on, 'fess up. The food is good, ordinary, but fast, flat screen TVs are everywhere, the staff is friendly enough and if you arrive before 6pm there are always tables or even a cozy booth available.

People, let's think SuperBowl..there must be some male readers out there too...I hope.

This could be embarrassing but if you haven't been invited to a Super Bowl Party think O'Brady's. I'm sure lots of fans will be enjoying those flat screens. Better yet, throw a party of your own and choose take out or let them cater it for you; Award Winning Wings top the menu, Steak Burgers, baskets of shrimp or chicken tenders. and lots more. You could just go

wild and your friends will love you for it. There are 4 locations in our

area alone.

Relax, it doesn't always have to be 'cuisine'. Think change.

Lee's Crab Trap I

5611 US Highway 19, Palmetto, Fl. Tel. 941-722-6255

First, no this is not in St. Pete., but just over the Skyway bridge. Call before you go or use Mapquest for directions. It's really quite easy to get there, a very popular place for St. Petersburg residents with an good reputation. It also has an excellent location on Rt. 19 with no competition in sight.

I'd been there years ago and then dined there again last night with 3 friends. It's a very warm comfortable environment and much cleaner than I remembered. The decor is dated, with dark wood paneling and booths of the same color. No padding on those benches so just be prepared. To make up for that, a young waitress provided excellent service. The menu is extensive. Plastic covered pages in a binder once again give you that out-of-date feeling. This is one of those old fashioned fish houses where shellfish is a priority. Whether you're in the mood for just an appetizer, an entree that comes with a host of sides or a sandwich and salad, you can find it served with your favorite shellfish. My friends ordered their usual Crab cake served with baked potato and coleslaw. I was surprised to learn that the cost was a few dollars more than my Tilapia fish platter for $10.95. They both agreed that the cake was smaller than usual. In general, however, the pricing is very reasonable and there are daily dinner specials on the last page (why not the front page?) that are less expensive. I was satisfied with my platter but really preferred the sides of coleslaw and sweet potato to the fish.....not tasty at all. Next time I'll choose another dish. Yes, I would go again if I'm passing by, but wouldn't go out of my way.