Remember our Dec. issue, when we named part of Blind Pass Road Little Italy and had a newly opened Verducci Italian Market on the cover? The market sign is now shared with “SeaFire” the newest fine dining venue in St. Pete Beach. Just north of Verducci’s very popular restaurant, the same culinary team has opened their meat and seafood specialty venue of similar quality. We thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to SeaFire. Utilizing the stainless kitchen and deli counter, with ample table seating indoors and out, and forty parking spaces within two blocks to the north of the building, the protein-heavy venue is a very welcome addition to the pasta and pizza center of Little Italy. Knowing we would be sharing our experiences with you, we ordered more than we could eat.
We started with Tuna Tartare ($14). Small chunks of tuna in a slightly spicy wasabi aoli served like a personal cake, enough to share, and too good not to finish. Soup of the Day or salad was included with entrees as is the home-baked mini-breads, served by the basket with colorful and delicious spreads, like a slice of roasted red pepper and Kalamata Hummus. The Gumbo was flavored perfectly, but in need additional hot sauce for our tastes.
Renee had a steak, served medium rare, as she prefers. I opted for the Grouper, chargrilled, juicy and delicious. Each came with choice of several sauces which made the dishes extra special. There is a short list of wines, but diners are also invited to peruse the extensive selection offered on shelves & wall brackets for bottles at market prices. A modest $5 ‘corkage’ fee is added and any remaining at the end of the meal can leave with you.
A block south across the street, just north of Winn Dixie, Mastry’s Brewing Company is converting the old Pinellas Tire Center into a bar. An old name from downtown St. Petersburg, this is, we believe their first venture on the islands. Construction at The Pit has stalled while owner Craig Monroe focuses on a more pressing challenge. Taking over Shark Tales, (formerly Sloppy Pelican) on very short notice, he moved his construction crew two blocks west to make some badly needed renovations.
Beth Morean’s new place is apparently named after us. The Roost looks ready to open, with broasted chicken and homemade sides. If you’re in the mood for a refreshment, with or without your best friend, check out Nikko Mussolini’s DOG Barrrrrrr, just south of the Blind Pass Bridge in Mulligan’s Plaza. Owned by Tony, Cody and their dictator dog Nikko, this new concept in watering holes redefines Cheers. People may not know your name, but they will remember your dog. Drink prices are reasonable and variety is amazing, from draft domestic and bottled craft beers, 30 types each of wine and Sake, coffees, and an amuzing new list of wine based “Doggedy-Dog Cocktails”. Tony reports that his fresh-baked, flown-in, preservative-free dog biscuit business is brisk, including a line of politically incorrect biscuits. “The Trump Bones sold out in a matter of hours”, said Tony. Live music on Friday & Saturday Nights. Check out the newly arrived line of t-shirts with sayings like…“I got my butt sniffed at Nikko Mussolini’s.” Caution: you will be judged by your dog’s behavior.
Restaurant Update by Peter Roos