By Nanette Wiser
DINNER & A SHOW
I’m over the moon about The Sonata Restaurant & Lounge @The Mahaffey Theatre in downtown St. Pete. Helmed by accoladed chef Ted Dorsey, this is his 11th new restaurant after 13 years in Tampa and St. Pete with kudos for his stints at The Mill and Hotel Zamora. The Cordon Bleu-trained chef and fabulous waterfront view at The Mahaffey upstairs looks over Luke Jerram’s gorgeous sculpture from the upstairs restaurant. The Imagine Museum will be installing glass birds flying in front of the room from the atrium, creating perhaps one of the most iconic new restaurants in Tampa Bay.
Bill Edwards is the visionary who created this transcendent experience. “An ode to the cultural richness and culinary diversity of the Gulf Coast, with a touch of southern influence. The restaurant was born from the belief that fine dining should be a symphony of flavors, a visual feast, and a theatrical performance, all in one. “Brunch starts with watermelon bruschetta or panko crusted pickled deviled eggs with avocado cream, blue crab cocktail claws or biscuits and gravy. The brunch sammies rock, especially the Carolina BBQ short rib grilled cheeses (smoked gouda, provolone, mozzarella, cheddar) or Kimmelweck beef with lemon herb chevre. Best of show brunch entrees are the lobster benny or lobster and chorizo omelet and strawberry shortcake French toast. Salads star on both the brunch and dinner menu, particularly the roasted exotic mushroom and sundried tomato, blue crab and burrata or Gasparilla (greens, tomatoes, red onion, cukes, day boat fish, shrimp, blue crab, egg, feta and chipotle aioli). At dinner, the lobster bisque is the perfect starter or the Key West pink ajillo or shrimp cocktail. The yellowfin tuna poke with mango avocado is spectacular as are the oysters grilled or Bienville. Seafood stars include the seared diver scallops and crab stuffed lobster tail and meat lovers will swoon at the Australian wagyu tenderloin and Tomahawk ribeye for two. Sides are spectacular, especially the spinach goat cheese polenta and purple potato puree with a side of braised swiss chard or creamed spinach.
The Sonata is open Tues.-Sun. 4-10pm (11pm Fri.-Sat.) and introduced brunch New Year’s weekend 10am-4pm that will continue Saturday and Sunday. The New Year’s Eve party featured two seatings, with Anthony Castellano playing jazz upstairs and after 9, the second seating included dancing and drinks downstairs. More events are planned, and whether you’re coming for a concert or heading to The Dali, this fine dining restaurant and full cocktail menu is the perfect date night. Reservations on Open Table are recommended. www.sonatarestaurant.com
FOOD FESTS
For 42 years, the historic John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach becomes a venue for a large celebration of fresh gulf seafood, the John’s Pass Seafood Festival. The three-day outdoor event features hundreds of local vendors offering a plethora of seafood, an art and crafts show, live music and various family-friendly activities. On 3/16-3/17, Paddy Fest returns to DTSP, a corned beef and Irish beer but family-friendly event from noon-9pm in Williams Park.
RESTO ROUND-UP
Café Soleil opens in St. Pete Beach near Taverna. Aloha to Redington’s Broke & Board. Looking for good eats and entertainment? In Gulfport, North End Taphouse & Kitchen serves up great food, craft beers and live music as does downtown St. Pete’s Bayboro Brewing and The Ale & The Witch.
Aldi’s has opened in Tyrone Square, and if you love cheese and chocolate, it’s a fun excursion after meeting friends at Bonefish (best martinis) or Grand Hacienda (best margaritas). DaSesto’s is open for lunch Thurs.-Fri. and serves authentic regional Italian cuisine and fine wine with a side of live music Fri.-Sat. nights. Make your Valentine Day’s reservations now and ask them about catering your next party. We love The Helm St. Pete Beach for their seafood, she crab soup, craft cocktails, brunch and now in season, the best stone crab in town! Their seasonal menus and attractive presentation wow all.
Don the Beachcomber will open at Madeira Beach Cambria’ s ground floor mid-January.