A Tale of “Two Graces” Set To Open by Year’s End in St Petersburg

Two Graces - Heirloom Tomato Panzanella with fried pistachios and orange blossom water

Every ounce of good news is certainly welcome this year, wouldn't you say? We caught wind of the possible opening of a second Grace Restaurant possibly near downtown St Pete, so we caught up with the dynamic husband and wife team, Chef Marlin Kaplan and Lisa Masterson, co-owners of Grace, for some answers. And the…

Chef David Benstock and Team to Offer Chef-Inspired Meats and More at St. Pete Meat & Provisions Via Press Release - ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- One of the most well-respected chefs in the Tampa Bay area, Chef David Benstock, has shifted his concepts to adapt to the times, and he’s not done yet. Benstock announced…

The iconic Cafe Ponte, opened by Chef Chris Ponte in 2002, has closed its doors for good. When they shut down "for the foreseeable future" on March 17, 2020 due to COVID-19, they did not know they would never reopen, however Chef Chris has since made that very tough decision. This news will be a…

In the wake of COVID-19, Louie Spetrini, Managing Partner, and Rocco Rinaldi, Partner of Nueva Cantina have launched Louie's Italian Eatery. It is a virtual restaurant, which is a restaurant inside of another restaurant exclusively for delivery with online ordering only. (There are also "ghost kitchens”, which have no retail presence and essentially serve as…

St. Petersburg’s rich food and beverage culture just gained a new bourbon courtesy of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Buffalo Trace Bourbon is aged and bottled at the most award-winning distillery in the world and is only made with the finest corn, rye and barley malt. Buffalo Trace was also named Whisky Magazine’s 2020 Distiller Of The…

Speaking with Chef and Co-Owner of Grace Restaurant, Marlin Kaplin, by phone yesterday, we learned of their new endeavor, Gracie Pasta & Provisions. Right next to their current location, coming in May 2020, they will have an Italian market where they make fresh pasta every day. There will be pasta-making classes as well. You will…

This is Pacific Counter's way of saying Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas in Hawaiian) to one lucky winner. Fill out the form below for a chance to win free Dole Whip for a year. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. DUPLICATE NAMES OR EMAILS WILL HAVE ALL ENTRIES FROM THAT PERSON REMOVED FROM QUALIFYING. Contest is closed. The…

Grand Central Brewhouse, St. Petersburg FL

While the original plans for Grand Central Brewhouse & Restaurant were reported back in April 2019 for the former Taco Bus site, permitting has finally got it moving and they are breaking ground today. We have a complete update on the forthcoming plans and the new projected opening for this summer. (more…)

Local restaurateur and chef, David Benstock, announced Monday, November 18th, that he will join Eric Asimov, chief wine critic of The New York Times, and Arthur Schwartz, award-winning cookbook author, food editor, and restaurant critic, as a host on an immersive food and wine cruise in Southern Italy next fall. (more…)

This past Sunday, November 10, 2019 was the 6th Annual Chowder Challenge, presented by The Pass-A-Grille Woman's Club. It's a fundraising event for and by the Pass-a-Grille Woman’s Club and other local charities. The event was held at Horan Park right on the St. Pete Beach Intracoastal. Not only is Horan Park a beautiful location,…

I have been Facebook friends of Brian and Lindsay Rosegger for sometime now. They have also been active members of our Facebook group, St Petersburg Foodies Restaurant Reviews. I initially saw Lindsay's post about finally receiving approval for their two acre lease from the state in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve on February 26th, 2019.…

Toss Salads and Wraps is a fast-serve eatery with fresh ingredients right in the heart of Downtown St. Pete at 600 1st Ave N. St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Co-owner Christina Battafarano says the mission behind Toss is, "We’re providing a casual, healthy dining experience for the average person always on the go with fresh ingredients,…

Attention all wine enthusiasts: Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria is coming soon to Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete. Think, 200 bottles of the most delightful wines, temperature-controlled wine lockers, a full-service kitchen with homemade pasta, mac & cheese, charcuterie boards, desserts and more, themed parties & events, and much more. [caption id="attachment_17470" align="alignnone"…

Previously promoted as Clearwater Beach Uncorked for the past seven years, this premier event enters its eighth year as SAVOR ST. PETE, bringing its signature two-day food, wine and craft beer festival to the idyllic waterfront setting of North Straub Park in downtown St. Petersburg. The festival will run November 2nd and 3rd and tickets…