Restaurants
I really wanted a Cuban sandwich so the first stop after getting our rental car was West Tampa Sandwich Shop. We each got the ‘regular’ size which was plenty. I got the honey (Obama version) and Eric got the standard. The bread was on point but the ratio of ham (a lot) to pork (barely any) was off for my tastes, and Eric wasn’t a fan of the default mayo and tomato. Still a good takeaway option and reasonably priced at $7 each.
After leaving our friends in downtown St. Pete, we parked back at our place and walked to the Wine House + BBQ for dinner. Their wines by the glass selection was pricey but we found a Vinho Verde and a Pinotage by the glass that looked good. Eric got the Detroit City salad which came as separate ingredients on top of a bowl of mixed greens he had to mix together. I got a bowl of the loaded potato soup which was a ton of soup, tasty though. We sat inside to avoid the live music but the patrons at the bar were, let’s say boisterous, so it was loud anyway.
Stella’s seems to be popular at all times of day and their breakfast menu looked good so we started our Sunday there. I opted for the pierogi nachos which had a nice cheese pepper sauce and Eric had the two egg breakfast with crispy hashbrowns and sausage patties. We chose to sit outside on the upper deck overlooking the street. The people watching was great and our waitress was lovely.
Pia’s Trattoria was our most disappointing meal of the trip, and also the most expensive. We had called the night before to make a reservation and were told we would be outside on the covered patio with heaters. That part was fine. I ordered a ripasso (red wine) and Eric got an Arnais (white wine). I couldn’t decide between the pulpo app and the carpaccio so I got both. The octopus was too firm and chewy and it was covered in tomatoes and garlic. It’s a delicate tasting protein so I thought the dressing was too much. The carpaccio came topped with button mushrooms (a first for me) that had no flavor but the truffle cream sauce was good. On the other side of the table, Eric’s Bolognese was good and tasted homemade. A few other dings: we never got water even though other tables did and plain bread was a $6-8 upcharge! Overall, it felt more like an American Italian restaurant and, for the price, it was underwhelming. I wouldn’t return.
On Monday we met Eric’s Aunt Joy in Sarasota for lunch, choosing Mademoiselle Paris because it was close to her and near the highway for us. I got the smoked salmon sandwich with tomato, capers and cream cheese and a weird ‘potato and turkey’ brothy soup that was actually good. Eric had an omelette with bacon and hashbrown patties. We both enjoyed the crispy cubed potatoes that Aunt Joy got so we would probably opt for that side next time. The highlight was the lemon tart Eric ordered from the display case inside – tart and delicious!
On our last evening in Gulfport, we walked to Tommy’s Hideaway – Wood Fired Pizza & Pub for a takeaway Margherita pizza. The pie had an unusually light crust and nice tomato flavor, unique but good.
Skyway Jack’s has been around forever and we were looking forward to a hearty breakfast there. Eric got the chicken and waffles with hot honey sauce (delish) and I got the corned beef hash (yum) with waaaay too many potatoes, two over-easy eggs and a biscuit. Game changer: hot honey sauce on a flaky biscuit.
Breweries and Cocktails
Woven Water Brewing Company – We arrived just after they opened with our cuban sandwiches in hand. I got the Emanate – a stout with coffee and coconut (best beer of the trip for me) and Eric got the Cattivo which tasted like a lemon & graham cracker pie. Surprisingly quiet on a Saturday afternoon, the bartender was friendly and we even got some recommendations for places in St. Pete.
Bayboro Brewing Company – Met our college friends here for afternoon beers on Saturday. Eric got the Belgian Tripel and the Belgian Dubbel while I got the Teufel Hunden (peanut butter chocolate stout) and the Hawaiian Snow Stout (coffee and coconut), eventually splitting pretzel bites. We stayed for 3+ hours chatting and catching up and the indoor section was packed when we left!
Overflow Brewing Company – This was a return visit and the beers were just as good as last time. I started with a half pour of the Palpable Innuendo (porter) and Eric had the Origami Aircrafts (a fruited Berlinerweiss). We had a great spot on the couch with a view of the Eagles vs Commanders playoff game on TV so we stayed for a second round, the Nutty Doc Brown (brown ale with hazelnuts) for me and Fruits with Benefits (fruited gose) for Eric. I really like the vibe and the original artwork on the walls.
Peninsula Hotel and Cocktails – Unsure when happy hour was, we still somehow barely made it in time (by one minute!) for happy hour cocktail pricing! We each ordered an Old Fashioned and found a spot on the porch to enjoy them while listening to a rather decent singer.
Corporate Ladder Brewing Company – Another repeat visit, we have been here multiple times as it was pretty close to my Dad’s place in Parrish. In honor of my Dad, I started with the Doppel Monitor (a doppelbock, his fave) and then a small glass of the Pour Over: Gingerbread Coffee (stout). Eric got the Ugly Sweater Party, a cranberry, raspberry, lemon-lime fruit beer. We had the outdoor lawn area and sunshine to ourselves on a Monday afternoon.
Cigar City Brewing – Our last stop before dropping off the rental car, we stopped in for beers and a side of fries. I got the Marshal Zhukov’s imperial stout, a classic, and Eric got the Cosmic Crown, a strong golden ale. We sat at the bar, rather than in the restaurant, and service was friendly and fast.
