Best breakfast places on SPB are across the street from one another, at the intersection of Corey and Gulf blvd: Beverly's and Frog Pond. I like Beverly's better - FP is more expensive and the portions are ridiculously huge, and they charge to share. But food is excellent at both. Chill and Steam are on the same corner - after you eat walk east on Corey and window shop a bit.

Best dinner place is Middlegrounds Grill on TI just a couple miles north - better than all the others recommended here, in my opinion. Sit at the bar, people watch, and order the fresh fish Oscar of the day - it will be topped with soft shell crab, asparagus, and hollandaise. Live music on weekends. Mmmmm...

I must warn you about the CW Aquarium. We found it awful - concrete tanks with sad looking creatures. They are planning a complete upgrade, but until then it's not worth the price of admission (and someone with us googled and found buy one get one coupon online, so we only paid $10 each - still not worth it). Unless you're a Winter The Dolphin fanatic, then it might be worthwhile...

For some reason your reply did not show up until after I posted my rec. Agree with rhnault again! Armani's would be really special, and their service is beyond wonderful.

I agree with rhnault, especially about brunch. This works well for older folks, who generally like to eat their large meal early in the day. I live on the other side of the bay, Pinellas, and we recently took our 80 yo mother-in-law for brunch to 400 Beach Seafood - great food, lots of toddlers running around, and the service was very attentive, they don't just abandon you. We sprung for a helicopter ride at the nearby Albert Whitted airport for her and one grandchild too - she loved it.
Champagne included too :)
Unless she's a steak and wine lover, I'd skip Bern's - you're looking for service here. Another great service restaurant in Tampa is Capitol Grille, but not sure about their acceptance of children...I bet they do it well though. Have fun!

" I feel those who could be on here helping with that have moved more into the blogging sphere"

I loved your post, and agree with everything except the above statement. I think you missed Facebook: some posters in my area (Tampa Bay) have formed a group on facebook that is great for reporting local finds, what you ate today, what we made at home, where can I get equipment, etc, complete with photos and a great back-and-forth. No advertising, just great discussions. The heavy handed moderation here has been quite a turnoff. (I'm shocked this thread has survived this long in fact, as it does not meet the (too) strict guidelines for the Florida message board: must be about food, not the discussion of other boards).

I agree with the TA ranking being way off. Kind of weird, the order does not reflect reality - but the verbiage in the reviews can be quite helpful.

I also think TA comes from the world of tourism - you have reviews from all over the world for a particular area, whereas Chowhound message board format is a better way - tourists pose the questions and mostly locals respond. A great back-and-forth that is quite helpful.

With the advent of Facebook, combined with the (in my opinion) extreme heavy-handed moderating going on here, folks cannot express themselves freely. In fact, because this thread is not about actual chow, I'm pretty sure it will be either deleted or moved to the food media page, where it will wither and die...

I have heard that Yelp charges restaurant owners to delete bad reviews and/or ads from competitors appearing on their page.

MUST go to the Floridian on Treasure Island for cuban sandwiches. Also agree with Middlegrounds, but sit at the bar, they usually have a live singer and the people watching is fun. Also the restaurant owner is into exotic cars, so check out the parking lot on the way in. Also, you might try the Pearl - they have tapas (bar only) and Moroccan food as well as the usual date night food.
I like VIP for Margaritas and their wet burrito. I have been treated rudely at Agave, but their food is delicious.

Yay O'maddy's!!! Sit outside no matter what.

Cocktails and bar food at Sea Hag's (on the bridge at the south end of Treasure Island) - they often have fantastic bands. And for a sip (no food) of gritty local yokel, hit up Katiki on Sunset Beach. You should be able to walk there - if you can't walk home, call Jimmie's Free Beach Rides for an open air tip-only ride home. Have fun!

I agree with Andy, don't know if kvilla is being sarcastic, but Bern's is not pretentious, it's the real deal. Sidebern's is $$$, true, but quality all the way. And when was the last time kvilla ate at Columbia? They have improved greatly and they also are "the real deal".

I guess it doesn't matter anyway since the OP visited three months ago....

Here's a great discussion, pretty current info: Have fun!

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/875265

I have not eaten at the Palms, but dined twice at the Capital Grille, and it seems similar. The food was excellent, but the service was a combination of dreamy and impeccable - they even choose napkin color based on what the lady is wearing, so no lint. Now who woulda thought of that?

Have you eaten there and how do they compare? Just curious (budget no longer allows for $$$$, but maybe someday again!).

Since you mentioned a long drive to Frenchy's, for stone crabs, be sure to call first. Stone crabs are very hard to get right now, and they may be out.

Gotta laugh at your screen name!

Your photos are beautiful, and they make me hungry!
My paleo daughter will love this. Am curious to know how you liked the products...and if you felt it was a good value. Thanks for posting.

I enjoyed your report, and thanks for reporting back on your finds. Although I live on the other side of the bay, so did not contribute to the suggestions, I smiled because you're right, Mis En Place has a weird entrance. It's actually on the back side of the building, but you'd never know that, especially if you go after the office is closed, as you probably did.

So next time, go around the block and check it out, because it's a don't miss.

Gotta get to Pach's, sounds delicious.

I agree with all of Rib Dog's recs, and especially Cassis (my favorite). Also, check out BellaBrava. What you could do is just walk the sidewalk (Beach Drive north of theMahaffey) and check out the outdoor scene at Cassis, Bella Brava, Parkshore, and even go as far as 400 Beach Seafood. All have outdoor seating and ya can't go wrong!

Hi floridaeater - I can see why, without the tomato relish, you'd be underwhelmed - especially with the bread situation. I'm sure you're right about that. As for Original, I haven't had their pizza in years so I cannot say. Next door is VIP - if you like Mexican they have a great "Chicago Wet Burrito" and their gold margaritas...well don't plan on driving after one of those! By the way, since you'll be in TI, you could also check out the cuban sandwiches at the Floridian (on 107th on the right on the way towards the beach). My favorite Cuban around, and be sure to get the black beans and rice cup to go with. Have fun!

I have to strongly disagree with your opinion of Williams Subs. I love their spicy tomato relish, and the bread is fresh fresh. It ain't Amoroso's, but what is? That reminds me, next time you're nearby, there is a vegetable stand in the parking lot of the Walmart adjacent to Williams Subs. They have a section of Greek foods, and occasionally they have these wonderful loaves of Italian bread for $1.99. Do yourself a favor and pick one to take home.
I live on Treasure Island, and there is an Original Pizza, located across the street from the Bilmar. Their subs are very good (I get the cheesesteak usually but hubby gets the Italian - loves it!). You may want to check them out also.

Wow, I checked out the photo gallery on their website. Never been, but this place looks like the real deal. I was looking for seafood pics but couldn't find any, but that meat case and homemade goodie cases looked enticing! Also, one of the pics shows "dry aged beef" available. Let us know how you like it, floridaeater.

Two places come to mind:
The Maritana Grill, inside the Don Cesar resort on St. Pete Beach, very classy and they know how to treat their guests. I'd give them a call and tell them what you have in mind, I bet they'll accommodate your great idea.
Also, although it's in Tampa - not at the beach, on the top floor of the Grand Hyatt (near the Tampa airport) is Armani's. Years ago my hubby took me here for our anniversary, and it was extremely romantic - rose petals on the table, a suggestion by our waitress to take our time and check out the view from the outside patio during our dinner (now what restaurant wants you to wander away from your table during dinner?), even a signed card from the staff. And the food was wonderful (although the chef has changed since) - I still remember the antipasta case - a round showcase where you just pointed and they put it all together and brought it to your table.

Good luck, you are very romantic, I'm sure she'll say YES!

I noticed that too...wondering how she can do a popup and a grand opening of a permanent restaurant at the same time? She must be a true "genie"!

Hi Miss E!
You are going to have a wonderful weekend. I live on Treasure Island so here are my favorite local recs:
Walk to the beach bar at the BonAire for cheeseburgers. Can be hard to find a place to sit, and the service ain't all that, but the burgers are worth it.
Breakfast at Beverly's. Across the street is the Frog Pond, which also has a great rep, but the quantity there is way too huge, and the Benedicts and croissants at Beverly's beat out FP in my opinion.
Best seafood and fine dining is at Middlegrounds on Treasure Island. They have a good wine selection, and get their fish of the day, no matter what it is you cannot go wrong. Also, sit in the bar instead of the restaurant, for great people watching and live music.

Some of my other go to places:
Cuban sandwiches at the Floridian on TI.
Italian at Verducci's, pizza at Vito & Michael's. These two are next door to each other on Blind Pass Road, on the northern end of SPB.
Bar hopping at the bridge between TI & SPB: Salty Rim and Sea Hags. Both have good food and live music.
If you're in the mood, take in a movie on Corey Ave (down the street from Beverly's) at the old time movie theatre. Bonus: they sell beer and wine!

Other folks here like the Pearl, Mad Fish, Snappers. I haven't been in a long time to these, so you're on your own. But remember Mem Day will be busy busy so make reservations first if you can.

P.S. Any of the dining at the Don will be great. We don't do brunch anymore, too much food,(but of course if you could go upstairs and collapse afterwards that might be the way to go!) but we've had memorable dinners at both the Maritana (up up upscale) and the Sea Porch (their poolside resto).

Have a great weekend!

Jeff, excellent choices - so glad you digested all the ideas and acted on them!

As for the cocktails, there are two basic types of licenses in Florida: a beer and wine, which is cheap, easy to get, easy to insure. Full liquor, which is difficult and extremely expensive to get (several hundred thousand dollars vs under $1K for the beer and wine), and also expensive to maintain. So that is why you see the fake cocktails.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2...

The only place I know of is the Crab Shack, on Gandy Blvd on the St. Pete side of the bay.
http://www.crabshack.com/

Hi Jeff! Another TI resident here. Yes, stone crabs are in season til May 15th, and widely available. I agree with most of the recs above, too, especially the Floridian for Cuban Sandwiches, VIP for margaritas and Tex Mex (order the top shelf margarita and plan on walking home - or you can take the "free" (meaning tip only) Jimmie's beach taxi), and Middle Grounds Grill for fancy (sit at the bar for people watching and live music). However, for pizza I'd skip Gigi's and go to Original Pizza instead. Have fun!

Agree 100% with debbed. Only thought I 'd add would be that you could also barhop on Treasure Island, a mile or so north. First you could hit Sea Hags and Salty Rim, both at the foot of the bridge between SPB and TI. Then a bit further north, at the intersection of 107th Ave and Gulf Blvd (the "heart" of TI), there's at least four bars worth stopping at: Ricky T's, the VIP (beware the killer Margaritas), Sloppy Joe's and Tiki Woo Woo behind the Bilmar and the Thunderbird, Duke's etc. All have decent food and lots of good people watching.

Have fun and enjoy the beach!
P.S. There are several "tip only" open air taxi services in the area, that specialize in taking folks from bar to bar from St. Pete beach thru Treasure Island. Google "free beach taxi treasure island" and you will find a couple. Although I have not personally used them, friends have...just not on a Saturday night. Better off with Bats Taxi service on high volume times...

Re smoked fish: probably not the same. A quick google of Russ and Daughters website shows what is commonly called "cold smoked" fish, usually salmon, which has a texture close to that of raw fish. Ted Peters sells "hot smoked" fish which has a delicious smoky flavor and the flaky texture of cooked fish. However, I just noticed that R&D also sells "kippered" fish, which is the same as the hot smoked...hope this is not too confusing!

What a great post! Although I just had breakfast, my mouth was watering while I smiled through the lovely story of the Chipotle burger. Bill, no self-respecting chowhound would EVER roll their eyes upon seeing love sauce anywhere on your person. It's part of the job description!

Assuming by the word "Beach" you mean Beach Drive, and not just the beach area in general (ten miles west of Beach Drive), then you basically are asking about the downtown waterfront. A few months ago, my family had a birthday brunch buffet party at 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House. The food was excellent, and the service was good - especially for a buffet. They readily agreed to use our centerpies for the table dec, and servers were attentive to plate clearing and those clamoring for more Mimosas. They also honored a discount coupon we printed off the internet - for all 18 of our guests!

There are a number of restaurants I'd recomment in that area: Cassis, Bella Brava, Parkshore Grill, 400 Beach, and Marchand's inside the Vinoy. If you have the $$$, I'd splurge on Marchand's - the hotel is beautifully decorated for the holidays and it would be very festive IMO.

Of course, you must call all these restaurants if you plan on eating out Dec 25th, as some independents definitely will be closed that day.

Enjoy!

If you google, there's a Lotsa Lobster in Sarasota.

I know you must have paid alot for a two pound lobster, and you have my sympathy. But I personally think that's just the chance you take with a very large lobster. It is very difficult to gauge the difference between done and over-done. I am assuming you had the market boil it for you as opposed to doing it yourself. Waiting for the water to re-boil after throwing the lobster in complicates the timing. But I know, I know, they should be experienced at this, right?

Before you write them off, have you ever bought other seafood there, any other experiences? Did you tell them about the tough lobster? They have several great reviews on Yahoo.

I have driven by Waltz at least ten times on my bike and it has been open only one of those times, and they were in the process of closing (it was still light out, early evening). Even during the Johns Pass Seafood festival in October, they were closed. The atmosphere is very cute, picnic tables, across the street from the dock. But as laboheme says, call first.

I am with you, floridaeater, Salt Rock Grill has always been our go-to place. But it is more expensive than Woody's for sure, but that's like comparing a Cadillac to a Pinto! If you wanna go "downscale" then try Sea Hag's - much better food than Woody's, and they do have a small section outside with a view of the marina.

Unfortunately, the best seafood is "near" the water but no views: Middle Grounds. You can't go wrong there, but you are facing Gulf Blvd...maybe you could eat there and take a walk across the street on the beachfront sidewalk after dinner.

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Salt Rock Grill
19325 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL 33785

You're welcome, Warren. I did give two breakfast recs (Beverly's and Frog Pond) in the other thread, but for true Southern style, you will have to cab it to St. Pete and go to Skyway Jack's, the ultimate southern breakfast spot. By the way, there is a great inexpensive trolley system up and down the beaches so you won't have to worry about rental car or taxi on Gulf Blvd. But to get to someplace in St. Pete requires either a bus connection, which can be time consuming, or a taxi.

P.S. When you leave on your cruise, try to time it so you and your family are standing on the highest deck you can find when you go beneath the Sunshine Skyway bridge. Quite a sensation, as it feels like you can almost reach up and touch the bridge. I'll be waving at you from three miles north on Treasure Island :)

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Frog Pond
16909 Gulf Blvd, North Redington Beach, FL 33708

Skyway Jack's Restaurant
2795 34th St S, Saint Petersburg, FL 33711

Warren, have you done a search of the boards? I recently responded to a St. Pete Beach question, almost the same as yours, here is the thread:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/810645
(I am feeling lazy today and did not want to retype).
Meanwhile, do a search for Tampa, and review the threads, and maybe come back with specific ideas?

Have a great trip!

P.S. Back when I had more $$$, I loved eating at the Sea Porch (the Don's midpriced restaurant), the food was very good. Also went to the Maritana Grille for a very special occasion (their high end resto) and that was wonderful, especially the service. So you can't go wrong right inside the hotel itself for the Don.

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Sea Porch Cafe
Don CeSar Beach Resort Spa, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706