St. Pete holds the distinction of being the place I called 'Home' the longest. Spencer's family lives in north Tampa; when we visit Florida we usually stay with them in Odessa. That means we are 45-55 minutes away from The Burg. So, this is the first time in over three years that we got to actually stay in our old town. We did some old, we did some new, we can't wait to get back again.
The New
I can always count on my friend Alicia to come through with the quality restaurant (and book!) suggestions. She did not disappoint me. The Mill in DTSP (Downtown St. Pete for the cool kids) is American Cuisine done to perfection. The menu is creative and well executed, the service was impeccable. Top it all off with crazy good craft cocktails, this place is being added to my favorite restaurants of all-time list.
The Old
I started eating at Lonni's Sandwiches in DTSP in 1999. Around those parts I was known as 'The Sandwich Gal' because that was my area of expertise. I ate at Lonni's right up until the month we moved to Atlanta. My all-time favorite is the Custom Vegetarian with Cream Cheese, Sunflower Seeds, and Honey French Dressing. Spencer has dreams about their house-made wild rice bread. This was a trip down memory lane, for sure.
The Bubbles
Flute & Dram is nestled in amongst the restaurants, bars, and shops along Beach Drive. Their main focus here is quality champagne and caviar. I love, love, love the chic decor. I am well beyond my 'club' years, this place is my kind of get-down.
The Core-Shaker
I took an art history class during my second year of college. That same year, I visited my mom in St. Pete. She took me to The Dali Museum, and my life was forever changed. When I first really fell for art, Mr. Salvador Dali was there. Walking through the old museum was the first time art really spoke to me. I was fascinated by his unique ability to convey his very obscure point of view. His talent was immense. I bought a few postcards and a t-shirt that I cherished for years. I visited the museum countless times after moving to the area; I would always see something or learn something new. My perspective on things shifted as I grew older. I still have an all-time favorite (I have stared for endless hours at The Girl with Curls) and am still discovering new favorites. I absolutely adore the new museum; I cannot imagine a more perfect building to house these works. I was happy to see the Magritte exhibit this go-around.
I could go on and on about the many fine establishments in this city that is no longer 'God's Waiting Room'. I am sure I will post again about this place that will always hold a special place in my heart.
When you visit your hometown, do you visit places that you know (and miss!) or do you try new things?
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