BY Nanette Wiser
CINCO DE MAYO From Dunedin’s Casa Tina to IRB/Treasure Island’s VIP Restaurants, the margaritas will be flowing. Check out FB for event details but be sure to test out the Mex fare in advance at Coastal Taco, Tyrone’s new Torchy Tacos, St. Pete Beach’s new Sunrise Tacos, Agave Restaurant, El Agave Bar, Mad Beach Cantina, Taco Bus, Casita Taqueria, and the tableside guacamole at Grand Hacienda. When downtown, Red Mesa rocks. As a Cali gal, I’m most excited to see California’s Prima Cantina (Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades) taking over the Dockside resto near Dolphin Village. Finally, authentic Baja-style dishes with a coastal fare brought to you by the partnership of Prima Cantina owner Nando Silvestri (who also owns Matteo Trattoria & Pizzeria), Buya Ramen’s Kevin Woitoqicz and Jon LaBudde.
RESTO ROUND-UP Paradise To Go serves up sweet and savory crepes in PAG. Herbal Flow sells non-alcoholic beers, sparkling wines and mocktails in DTSP. Clear Sky is opening in Seminole this spring, bringing artisan cocktails and fab food to Park Blvd. near Stefano’s. Playa Bowls St. Pete Beach will keep you healthy; choose acai, green, coconut, banana or chia bowls made with the freshest ingredients. A new Indian eatery is coming to Dolphin Village, but until then Gateway to India’s classic dishes, curries and cardamon-flavored desserts will delight. Entertain visitors at Sloppy Joe’s and enjoy the live music, view, cocktails, sirloin wedge salad, lobster mac and cheese, shepherd’s pie and blackened grouper. Downtown’s 5 Bucks Drinkery takes over the Pete and Shorty’s space in Pinellas Park. Hilton Carillon Park is luring foodies back with Luna Lux, Lakeside Café and The Terrace Outdoor Lounge. North End Tap House and BBQ Buddha deliver low and slow-smoked traditional barbecue, live music and will host a book release party for bbq-meister Chris Sussman’s The Ultimate Big Green Egg Cookbook 4/28. Sea Grapes Eatery + Wine Lounge in St. Pete Beach is the mash-up of Lolita’s and Sea Grapes.
EASTER BRUNCH The TradeWinds Island Resorts will be offering three Easter options: Grand Palm Colonnade (lobby) and Palm Court Italian Grill at the TradeWinds Island Grand and RumFish Grill at RumFish Beach Resort. Reservations in advance.
Grand Palm Colonnade – Easter Brunch Buffet – Seatings at 10:30am, 11am, 12:30pm and 1pm. Menu includes Peel and Eat Shrimp; Made-to-Order Omelet Bar; Belgium Waffles; Waldorf Salad; Traditional Salad Bar; Carving Station with Prime Rib and Cured Smoked Ham; Yucatán Mahi Mahi; Chicken Saltimbocca and a Pasta Bar with Penne and Roasted Vegetables and Cheese Tortellini Carbonara. Desserts include Assorted Cakes and Pies, Chocolate Fountain with Fresh Fruit, Mini Mousse Shots and Petit Fours. $61.50/adult; $30.25/child (ages 4-10). Reserve online.
Palm Court Italian Grill – Easter Sunday 5:30-10pm. Offering two special entrée additions to the regular dinner menu: Prime Rib with Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Horseradish Cream and Au Jus ($55) or Grilled Swordfish with Linguini Pasta, Grilled Asparagus Spears and Heirloom Tomato Relish ($38). Call 727-363-2358 between 5-10pm Tues-Sat.
RumFish Grill – Easter Sunday 11am-10pm. Regular menu plus two specials (Grilled Domestic Rack of Lamb with Roasted Baby Vegetables, Sweet Potato Hash and Mint Chimichurri and Lavender Crème Brulé). Call 727-329-1428.
Stan’s Tapas Lounge for wine/charcuterie and Stan Epicurean gourmet prix-fixe suppers are culinary meccas thanks to restaurateurs Amy and Charles Popp who also own Coastal Pizza Kitchen and Coastal Taco.