Saturday, October 22, 2016

St Petersburg Revisited

Unexpectedly, we had to return to St. Pete's for family matters; and promptly, took advantage of exploring some new restaurants while revisiting others not mentioned in my previous recommendations in the St. Petersburg Roadtrip blog post on August 28th, 2016.

St Petersburg Revisited

1. Trip's Diner  
10555 Park Blvd, Seminole, Florida & 2339 Dr Martin Luther King Jr St N, St Petersburg, FL


After a long walk on the St Petersburg Beach one morning, we headed out to Seminole to visit the infamous Trip's Diner--the original diner is located downtown St Petersburg, but reportedly, always has a long line. Despite the drive, this place will satisfy every breakfast, brunch, and diner-need as well as your wallet!


 
We tried the Eggs Benedict, Big Breakfast with Thick-cut Applewood Bacon and Plain Grits, and a side of the seasonal special 'Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon Sugar & Whipped Cream'...holy S#*!! Perfect grits, bacon, and to-die-for Pumpkin Pancakes!

Total Price: $20 (not including tip)

2. Toby's Original Little Italy Pizza 
3523 49th St N, St Petersburg, Florida

 
This has been one of our favorite pizza places of all time when we visit St Pete--thin-crust, crisp, but chewy to perfection--if you did not know this place existed, you might pass right by it in the strip mall located near a Publix and other miscellaneous shops.



This narrow little restaurant expands to the back with seating and decor to reflect a New York vibe with murals and graffiti along the subway walls. Pretty much whatever flavor combo you like is going to be perfect. We had this 'Mushroom & Onion' version with no regrets this time around!


Total Price for a Large Pizza, 2 salads, and Iced Tea: $25 (not including Tip)

3. Edison Eat & Drink Lab (in Tampa, FL)
912 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, Florida


For an upscale experience with incredible options in drink, cocktails, and food, head up to Tampa--right across from the University of Tampa entrance--to be amazed with how incredible food can taste, especially when it comes to appetizers and salads. I could have just feasted on those few items.


 We sampled the 'Prosciutto-Wrapped Zeppole with Parmesan Dust' (like powdered donuts with melon, prosciutto, and a twist), 'Burrata with Heirlooms, Charred JalapeƱos, Pistachio Pesto and Chili-Lime Sorbet' (the vinaigrette just makes this whole combo sing in your mouth), and finally, the 'Apple-Cheddar-Walnut Salad with a Whole-grain Mustard Vinaigrette' (just incredible). 


The main fares will certainly surprise you like the 'Korean Fried Chicken on Kimchi Waffles', but note...the menu will change on a regular basis..have fun and be surprised! 

Desserts need some work--just didn't quite have the level of flavor or sophistication of the rest of our meal, but we will definitely be back! Excited to see what's next!

Total Price: approx. $120 with 3 appetizers, 2 cocktails, 2 main dishes, and 2 desserts.

4. Stillwaters Tavern
224 Beach Dr. NE, St Petersburg, Florida


 Nestled along the water-front in downtown St. Petersburg, this little find has great outdoor seating with a cool interior, bar and great menu to go with it. 


 Again, the cocktails, appetizers, and salads stole the show with 'Pretzel Rolls with Cheese Fondue' and 'Cesar Salad with Harissa Dressing & Parmesan'. A perfect location for afternoon break after shopping downtown or walking the waterfront! 


Main dishes were a little too bulky, but that said, the fish was cooked perfectly and delicious without needing a lot of the extras added. To finish off our meal, the 'Dark Chocolate & Cherry Bread Pudding with Bourbon Ice Cream' hit the spot--wow--but be prepared to take some home or share it!

Notable Mentions:

5. Red Mesa Restaurant
4912 4th St N, St Petersburg, Florida & 128 3rd St S, St Petersburg, Florida



Craving incredibly crispy, fresh-made 'Chips & Salsa' and straight-forward Mexican fare? This restaurant delivers with a wide variety to choose from--something for everyone! Perfect way to end a day at the beach. 

We tried the 'Guacamole' which was freshly made, but was missing salt--good nonetheless--just could have been even better! The 'Chips & Salsa' rocked the house--simply perfect chips, still warm coming out to the table, and the salsa...let's just say that I wanted to pour it on everything, literally.

Our main dish favorite was the 'Chicken Suizas'!

6. St Pete Bakery 
1961 4th St N, St Petersburg, Florida


We discovered St Pete Bakery incidentally during a visit to 'The Paladium' for the final performance of 'Il Travatore', a Giuseppe Verdi opera. We had sampled the 'Coconut Macaroons' and 'Chocolate Brownies' during intersession which prompted us to head over to the actual bakery the following day on 4th Street.

After sampling a few other items, we stand by the macaroons and brownies.  

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Fajita Burrito Bowl

One of the biggest challenges in college is not just having limited cooking skills and cooking equipment, but having the time to plan and prepare delicious food day in and day out without resorting to "convenience" and "fast food dining! This post, a fantastic idea from the popular Tasty website, is a one stop solution to all of the above--one sheet pan, roasting, assembly, your done--with at least two, maybe three, meals for leftovers.



Fajita Burrito Bowl

Equipment:
Large Baking Sheet with rim
Aluminum Foil (you will have virtually no clean up either)
PAM Spray

Ingredients:
2 large chicken breasts
Taco Seasoning
1/4 cup Salsa or Taco Sauce per chicken breast
2-3 Bell Peppers--red, green, orange or yellow, sliced in vertical strips
Yellow Onions or Red Onions, sliced 
1 (15 oz) whole kernel corn
1 (15 oz) black beans, drained and washed
Cherry Tomatoes

White or Brown Rice, pre-made or Minute White or Brown Rice

Instructions:
1. Wash hands.
2. Preheat oven 400F degrees.
3. Line baking sheet with foil and spray with PAM.
4. Place chicken breasts in center of sheet pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper.


5. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and cover breasts with 1/4 cup of taco sauce or salsa.
6. Surround chicken breasts with tomatoes, peppers, onions.
7. Sprinkle vegetables with salt and pepper and olive oil.
8. Roast at 400F degrees for 20-25 minutes until chicken is tender.


9. Start assembly: Rice--veggies--corn--beans--tomatoes (roasted or fresh)--peppers--cheese--green onions--cilantro--condiments--lime


 10. Set aside leftovers ready to go!!!