Jazz Jamm

Vinoy Resort, 501 5th Ave NE, St.Pete., FL.

Meet 2 hear the beat

written by guest SK

Thanks to Rick Gee's Jazz Jamm, Friday night at the Renaissance Vinoy was a blast and the Grand Ballroom was jumpin'.

John Lamb, virtuoso bassist, brought together a stellar group of musicians to celebrate the official release of his newest CD, 'Conversations North of the Border'.

From the very first number he had the crowd rapt, at times on their feet. They began with a percussion trio of Lamb, Stephen Buckholtz on drums and Tony Castellano on keyboard and the rhythm was set. Tenor sax man Austin Vickrey played a riff on one side of the room and trumpeter Greg Nielsen responded from the other side and the musical conversation continued as they reached the stage. The talent and synergy of the group was consistently great for the entire evening. Their range was incredible. From a slow and romantic rendition of Willow Weep for Me to the upbeat jazz of New Orelans, each musician had a chance in the spotlight. Castellano out did himself channeling Louis Armstrong and Nielsen, gave it his all from the deep throat of his trombone. His right leg joined in the fun, but you had to be there for that. Throughout the night, Lamb allowed his bass to accompany his group but then at times took center stage to show his mastery. Rick Gee joined Lamb in a duet whose subtle tones gave a nice contrast to the horns. All in all, a truly great evening. We even got an encore.

Look for this great venue next month at the Vinoy or check out the JazzJamm website for future performances. More than worth the price of admission.....a mere $20.

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.

St. Petersburg Yacht Club

11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 727-822-3873

Most of you will say....why is she writing about a private club?

And, what good is that to me?

Well, here's why. First of all, it's sometimes good to know what you're missing. And no, I am not a member of this very old and prestigious institution but I have dined there several times. I've even celebrated Fourth of July on their balcony overlooking Tampa Bay. How? I've had the good fortune to have been invited by friends who are members, of which there are approx. 25oo.

Not every member sails, some just enjoy what they refer to as 'on shore activities', socializing and eating. The decor is early American with lots of memorabilia dating back to 1909. Members are treated as if they had just come into port after a long sail. In other words you are warmly welcomed.

Yesterday, after (once again) leaving the Dali museum I was invited to lunch with four friends, only one of whom was 'the member'. We sat at a generous round table in front of the French doors that overlook the Bay. The food is what you'd expect at a historical American yacht club. There are no surprises. Choices on the menu are items that Amerians recognize and love; Club sandwiches, tuna, chicken salad and of course the hot dishes include omelets, burgers, expensive cuts of beef, shrimp, and the occasional Florida invention. For example, two of my friends enjoyed the Mahi Mahi Tacos.

Now, if you've ever been a member of a club anywhere you know the meal prices are set to keep the members happy and coming back for more. After all, they're paying an annual fee so let's show a little gratitude. Lunch for $6 and you're out the door? If I were a member I don't know if I'd ever eat at home.

My advice reader? Make friends with a St. Pete Yacht Club member, have some fun and see what you're missing, then thank them profusely.

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.

Jazz Jamm at the Vinoy

Meet 2 hear the beat st. pete

written by guest SK

Even on a too cool

Wednesday night, St. Pete downtown was the “in” place to be. The new Dali museum setting for a thank you buffet for docents, volunteers, staff and invited guests was a feast for the eyes.

The building mirrors the soaring grace and imagination of Dali; a perfect home for his works. Then on to the Vinoy to see and hear Rick Gee’s newest venue located in the downstairs ballroom with great acoustics and enough seating to hold a few hundred. It was close to full.

Tonite's show on stage, 'The Duke Meets Jobim', with Violinist Rebecca Zapen and renowned bassist John Lamb with solid back ups on sax, drums and piano. They moved smoothly from the breathy rhythms of Bossa Nova to the cool sounds of the Duke; “the Girl from Ipanema” meets “Satin Doll.” John Lamb is a virtuoso performer bassist who performed with the Duke Ellington Orchestra for more than ten years. He was, as always, mellow and in the groove, and Rick even joined the group on flute for one number. We found Rebecca’s voice and take on the music a bit too country, or 50’s girl band, without the sexy off-beat of Jobim, but John and the backup group more than held their own. Entree fee was $20 with wine and beer available for purchase.

See Rick Gee's Jazz Jamm website for more details including next month's venue, John Lamb’s CD 'Conversations North of the Border' release party on February 18, 2011.

Savannah's Cafe

1113 Central Avenue. St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 727-388-4371

After an exciting dinner at the Dali Museum's Grand Opening last night my buddy Dune and I had a taste for something sweet. We put our heads together while still inside the museum (it was freezing outside) and decided on Savannah's Cafe. I'm ashamed to admit that this was my first visit to such a popular local restaurant. What a warm environment (and they had the heat up too). It was just past 8pm when we arrived and our maitre 'd

and server were both friendly and helpful. Sometimes you can get one nicety without the other.

This southern cafe boasts the usual Fried Green Tomatoes, Jambalaya, Fried Catish and so on. But Fried chicken stuffed with Goat cheese? Sounds more southern Greece to me.

Desserts are not printed in the menu which suggests a revolving selection. Last night the choices were Key Lime Pie; a small square of very creamy filling a thick layer of crust. No hesitation on my part, I had to have it. Mama D's Bread Pudding and Pineapple upside down cake also sounded very enticing. Dune ordered the last but hardly least, chocolate bomb cake. The exact name escapes me at the moment, but I do recall the liqueur the waiter insisted on serving with it.....Chocbloc. Very tasty....and strong.

The price of 2 outstanding desserts and 2 brewed coffees, $20.

To read more about Savannah's scroll down the right side of this page to Blog Archives, November 2010.

Dali Museum

One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Tel: 727-823-3767

 It's been party, party, party for Dali afficienados from all over the world this week and Java and Dune were part of the action. We were lucky enough to attend the ribbon cutting yesterday afternoon and a lovely dinner in the stunning new facility last night. Didn't get to try the Cafe Gala, the on site restaurant that I'm told will serve some Spanish hertiage dishes, but will mostly stick to soups, salads and sandwiches. We feasted on chicken paella, roasted potatoes, salad, and rustic olive bread. A bevy of appetizers was available too and the cava (a rosey champagne) flowed freely. The collection has never looked so good. If you've been to the old museum lately, you know this architectural endeavor was sorely needed. There are a myriad of Daliesque touches to discover throughout the interior space and outside in the surrounding landscape. The museum store is one of the best I've seen for artsy merchandise, books not so much. This is just one more development that puts our humble burg on the map as a worthwhile destination.

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.

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.

Salvador Dali Museum outing

One Dali Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 727-823-3767

On January 11, 2011 the new Salvador Dali Museum will open to the public. I was able to tour the museum's beautiful and exciting new home during it's construction and again just before the paintings were transferred. The entire experience reflects both Dali's life and career and is, therefore, a fascinating place to visit. It's very different from the original site.

The cement and glass exterior is sure to be a St. Petersburg icon. The structure, its landscaped exterior and surrealist interior were all carefully designed to reflect the man and his art. As for the art work, it is still the most comprehensive collection of Dali's work in the world.

At the moment, it's best to go to the Dali website to see the list of events planned for the opening celebrations. Tickets for individuals and groups are currently on sale online.

If you plan to visit often it's a good idea to become a member for the unlimited free admission and other discounts available.

BTW can now dine at the museum either indoors or out. It you're feeling more adventurous we do offer alternatives....

Dining Out

After enjoying the Dali you'll be ready for either lunch or dinner so here are a couple of suggestions. The first is Cerviche's a tapas bar and restaurant located at 95 Central Ave. where you can continue the Catalan experience. The food and sangria have both won awards in the Tampa Bay area. The second is The Hangar located at tiny Albert Whitted Airport within walking distance of the museum. You'll be able to eat either indoors or out while watching the planes come and go. A fun place for the kids too. The food is good and you can read a past review on this blog, just look up The Hangar.

Banyan Coffee & Tea Co

689 9th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33701
Tel: 727-896-7100

I had the opportunity to visit the Banyan Coffee & Tea Co again, this time for lunch. I went with the family and everyone got somehting different. I had the Grilled Goat Cheese which I loved. The cheese isn't a solo act in this concoction, allowing some tasty accompaniments with, scallion, dates, bacon and a delicious balsamic drizzle. The classic BLT is served with a wasabi mayo that my 10 year old loved, plain is availalble. The pork sandwich my husband tried was flavorful and tendor. Definitely a filling meal with a bowl of soup. Banyan's soups are inventive and excellent comfort food. The day we were there, a ginger carrot soup was served that had everyone complimenting it. Our meals were served with a side of old fashioned macaroni and cheese. This is a great spot for breakfast or lunch and a nice crowd of friends is always in attendance. Between $8 and $9 for a sandwich. Soup and Sandwich combos available. You owe it to yourself to pop into this place, it will put a smile on your face.

400 Beach Drive Seafood and Tap House

400 Beach Drive, St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 727-896-2400

400 Beach Drive is a luxurious condominium that rises far above the corner of Beach Dr. and 4th Ave. No. The restaurant of the same name is one of the sleeker restaurants in St. Pete. The entrance is at street level, next to the towering pink sculpture in front of the Chihuly Museum.

This tap house and beautiful bar boasts 24 beers on tap and despite the elegance of this restaurant with it's wood, steel and glass motif still maintains a casual feel with ketchup and condiments on each table. Private parties are held in a private room. In warmer weather outdoor seating is a pleasure with Tampa Bay, Straub Park and the Vinoy on view.

The menu is extensive with seafood as the main attraction. Sixteen appetizers ranging from Beachside Clam Chowder at $5.95 to the Iced Seafood Platter for $15.95. Entrees run from $15 for Fish and Chips to $37 for Grilled King Crab. Cheddar Biscuits are a house specialty served with most meals. The Vegetable Stir Fry is one of the cheaper dishes and delicious the first time I tried it, but alas, not very good the second time. Hopefully, the preparation of other meals might be more consistent. Sunday Brunch Buffet is held from 10AM to 3PM and just in time for New Year's Eve Dinner at $60.

Take advantage of the free valet parking, an attractive feature in a city where nighttime parking is quickly becoming a nightmare.

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.

Emilio's Bistro, Bakery and Bar

437 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 727-258-4891

Always on the lookout for a new dining experience, my partner and I were cruising down Central Avenue this afternoon when we heard live jazz and thought....that's odd for a Sunday. The music turned out to be a very talented one man band who, like the pied piper, led us straight to Emilio's for Sunday brunch. What a find! Within the hour many stools were occupied at the long bar, while other music lovers were dining outside under the yellow umbrellas closer to the music

The decor is very artsy, huge colorful oil paintings hang on rust colored walls, lots of wood and stainless steel throughout. Everything is immaculate. We were seated at a table along the wall opposite the waitress's pickup station. She breezed by us first with a dish of the banana, caramel french toast made from challah bread, next a beautiful prawn and strawberry salad, a variety of croissant sandwiches and for the big guy we had a quick glance at the Chipotle meatloaf baguette. I just can't tell you how good this food looked. It was beautiful. We had already ordered the goat cheese and roasted red pepper panini which was very good, the bread was light and the side salad and dressing delicious, but next time I have to try the french toast. They'll also make your omelet to order outside.

The dessert menu changes daily. Today the baked goods, on display as you enter, included pumpkin cheesecake, a chocolate bomb cake, key lime pie, fancy cupcakes, scones and more. Someone ordered the berry parfait made with greek yogurt served in a sundae glass. Yes, we saw all of these delicacies and if you don't eat anywhere else this week, get to Emilio's. This is one talented chef.

Red Mesa Cantina

128 3rd St. So., St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 727-896-6372

The English translation for Cantina is 'bar'. So....how important is the food?

Not very. This place is all about ambience. The entrance is in a lovely courtyard hidden behind a brick wall on the corner of 3rd St. and 1st Ave., downtown St. Pete. It's not too hard to find, just listen for the sound of the happy hour crowd. Yes, it's 2 for 1 from the bar located even further inside where there are alot more tables and happy people. The menu consists of the usual Mexican fare; tacos, cerviche, tortas, ensalada and more and it's not bad. I had the chicken tacos, which arrived open faced so they were not hot and could have used a little more seasoning but my friends were happy with their choices. One had the mahi mahi torta and the other consumed an entire El Gordo, a very 'fat' burrito. Everything we had was under $10. The chardonnay, 2 glasses for $6 was surprisingly delicious. I will definitely return.

Savannah's Cafe

1113 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Tel: 727-388-4371

I met my friend Crystal for a birthday treat at Savannah's Cafe this week. It's one of those places I keep hearing about, in a good way of course, so I've been wanting to try it. The interior is painted a deep golden yellow, which makes you feel welcome the minute you walk in. The staff is friendly too. There is outdoor seating if you are in the mood, perfect for people watching on Central Avenue. The vintage space was lovingly brought back from its 1930's roots.
Art work depicting scenes of the low country adorn the walls. Savannah's more that captures the flavors and hospitality typically associated with Southern cooking. We were there for Saturday brunch so we had an abbreviated menu to choose from, but I still had trouble deciding what to eat. Many of the dishes included one of those rare treats that I love, tasso ham. A peppery cajun style bit of pork that adds salty goodness to sauces and other dishes. I indulged in the Low County Omelet that combined eggs with crab, onions, goat cheese and a delectable tasso cream sauce. My friend had the build your own omelet and the brioche toast. I was coveting the toast because I was going low carb with a side of bacon. Thinking about going back for Shrimp and Grits or the Seafood Jambalaya at dinner time. Brunch and lunch prices are below $10. Dinner prices range from $10 to $20.

Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant

10 Beach Drive St. Petersburg, FL
Tel: 727-209-2299

The best place to sit at Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant is on the porch. It's a great vantage point for watching the downtown foot traffic and special event mayhem. The tapas menu has something for everyone with more than 100 diminutive works of art on a plate.  Everyone loves the Patatas Bravas, fried potatoes tossed with homemade aioli and you can't go wrong with Solomillo A La Parrilla, prime filet served in a brandy cream sauce. If you go with a group order multiples since the portions are only a few bites. The fun is trying something different each time you go. The sangria (white or red) is a great compliment. Ceviche's was the first white sangria I really liked the taste of. The accompanying fruit is crisp and fresh and makes this cocktail healthy in my book. Ceviche is a great place for Sunday brunch too, starting at 11:00 am. A scaled down version of the tapas menu is available, as are traditional breakfast favorites including French Toast, Omelets, and Eggs Benedict. This Ceviche location also has the Pincho y Pincho, a 7-day a week coffee shop and bar open for breakfast and lunch located just West of the main dining room.

Acropolis Greek Taverna

515 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL. Tel. 727- 823-1010

Choices! The menu of this mini franchise offers more variety than you'll find on a typical menu in Greece. Their newest location opened in St. Petersburg just about 4 weeks ago, where Bella Brava used to be. Outside, Greek music seems to come from above (and it does) falling over large umbrellas and tables. The food and ambience are Mediterranean with maybe a slight Florida/Latin twist. For example, Margaritas are available, two for the price of one, all day. I had a late lunch there on a Sunday and kept my choices traditional. First the Greek salad. I still don't understand the potato salad, definitely another Florida addition, but it was all very fresh with a flavorful dressing. Next came the Lamb gyro platter with tzatziki sauce on the side, fries and salad for $10.00.

On the weekends there's live entertainment including latin music, jazz and a belly dancer. These acts alternate weekends at the 4 restaurants. Oh yes, this taverna is open into the wee hours so plan to make a night of it.

Cafe Alma

260 1st Avenue South, #100 St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Tel: 727-502-5002

From their famous Bloody Mary Bar to their sumptuous omelettes, Cafe Alma is a great place to meet friends for a weekend brunch. I loved the Blackstone, a type of Eggs Benedict that starts with a baguette and is topped with applewood smoked bacon, tomatoes, poached eggs and hollandaise. "Delicious" is all I could proclaim in between bites. This meal is accompanied by fruit and sets you back $11. The salads are a refreshing change from most carb load brunches and the Hummus Platter ($9) is a great thing to share with a group. Entrees and sandwiches are available too. The setting, with its exposed brick and ductwork has an urban feel. It was one of the first downtown restaurants to pique my curiosity and my discovery of Cafe Alma enabled me to see some potential in the Burg. I've had dinner here too and found the low lit atmosphere and tucked away tables for two to be very intimate. Check the web site for some really good daily specials.

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.