I'm an Ohio Native and resided in the Buckeye State for the first 27 years of my life. In June of 2017, my boyfriend, Mike, and I moved to beautiful downtown St. Petersburg (job relocation for him- I didn't take much convincing) and we have reveled in every incredible moment of our journey here. I have a genuine passion for cooking and a love affair with food- I'm deeply infatuated with the art, experimentation and theatrics of it all. On weekends (and when I'm not in the kitchen), Mike and I try to cross a restaurant, brewery, cocktail bar, and local event (or two) off of our ever-growing list of places to experience in our fabulous city.
Poké (pronounced as poh-kay), which is said to have been originated in Hawaii, has gained a copious amount of popularity all across the world in recent years. Poké is a traditional dish that is typically comprised of, in its most basic state, raw tuna and shoyu, where the tuna is cut crosswise, and then cubed.…
Oysters, my favorite of the bivalve family, are not exactly few and far between in St. Petersburg, especially those from the Gulf. Quality oysters, however, take some research to uncover. Lucky for you, we've done the leg work, and consumed dozens upon dozens of oysters in order to assemble a list with the best places for…
While the Fall and Winter months here in Florida aren't quite as cold as other states, the majority of us still crave a comforting homemade serving of soup (it's good for the soul). Bone broth is one of my go-to remedies when this craving strikes, mostly because of its versatility and health benefits. It's idyllic…
Ah, happy hour, the time of day that most look forward to Monday through Friday. When the clock strikes 5:00PM, folks all over scramble to the nearest watering hole to belly-up to the bar with a libation, or two, after a long work day. If you weren't already aware, St. Pete's dining scene is chock…
One of my favorite parts about living in Florida is celebrating and enjoying everything that the seasons, like Fall, bring, without having to endure the chillier weather. Mainly, the seasonal food and ingredients, of course. To me, Fall screams comfort food- soups, stews, roasts, pies, etc., and I love to incorporate seasonal ingredients into…
What's not to love about a meticulously arranged board loaded with fine cheeses, gourmet charcuterie and luxurious accoutrements? Personally, it's one of my favorite meal genres (to eat and create), best enjoyed slowly with the best of company and a divine bottle of wine. It's the type of culinary dining experience that brings folks together,…
In our home, Bacon is basically a food group. I know better than to return home from a grocery run without some. Of all of the meats out there, in my opinion, it's the most versatile. Additionally, Mexican food seems to happen with some frequency in our kitchen, as well. In fact, I think Mike…
There's a time and place for fine dining with white table cloths, ambient lighting, a beautiful bottle of red and some Foie Gras. But sometimes, only a big ol' beer, juicy burger and a laid-back environment will do. In fact, more often than not, that paramount lineup is a recipe for the best kind of…
Step aside, Avocado Toast, there's a new and improved Toast in town! While there is absolutely nothing wrong with Avocado Toast, whatsoever (spoken by a true Avocado Toast enthusiast), why not step outside of the box a bit and give some other ingredients some time to shine during your weekend Brunch? Cue, Peach and Tomato…
The St. Petersburg food scene is constantly blossoming with new concepts and restaurants that are eager to feed the hungry masses. To achieve success, new restaurants have to possess an "it factor" in order to separate themselves from the competition: like a fresh concept, signature dish, killer happy hour, prime location, etc. Many, many fabulous…
Juicy burger patties straight from the grill piled high on toasted Brioche Buns with all of the fixings and a cold, cold beer- it screams summer. My mouth is watering with the thought of it, alone. However, that meal isn't exactly swimsuit season friendly when consumed regularly- unwanted attributes that often accompany it are bloat…
The number of fast casual restaurants gracing the streets of St. Petersburg appears to be on the rise. These days, the term fast casual encompasses far more than what you may think. Oh no, we aren't talking McDonald's or Taco Bell folks - think organic, fresh, and locally sourced. In today's world, fast-casual restaurants are…
When it comes to cooking during these blazing-hot days and balmy evenings, we often want something cool and refreshing that doesn't require standing over a hot stove. During this time of year, a no-cook meal is the best kind of meal- cue, Ceviche. As the definition states, Ceviche is a South American dish that is…
From Ramen and Charcuterie, to elevated pub fare and BBQ, in our city, noteworthy casual restaurants are quite abundant. What deems an eating establishment as casual? In my humble opinion, casual restaurants possess a welcoming, non-intimidating vibe, and are suitable for most any occasion. The restaurants on this particular list have the above qualities, and then…
Tacos are, in essence, a way of life for most. Whether for Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner, Tacos are always acceptable. These days, Taco combinations are practically endless, and people are topping them with everything from Jackfruit, to Camel meat. Not only are Tacos extremely versatile, but, they also make whipping up a weeknight dinner a…
