People have been asking me about Selene, Fresh Fare & Bar, the newest fine dining restaurant at 4945 Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach.
Until now, I’ve typically responded that they were too new to review. Then I tell them I promised Joyce LaFray she would be our exclusive PN restaurant critic.
We’ve generally tried to give new restaurants a while to get their systems in place before a review anyway. For Selene, we need not have waited.
After a few personal experiences for drinks and happy hour apps, dinner and Sunday Brunch, I would have to say they are easily the most impressive new arrival yet in 2016 on the barrier islands of West Florida. An online search tells me I am not unique.
They’ve already got 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor, Face Book and Yelp. There is also a fun review on ‘the Piglet Parade’, a really interesting Foodie blog from Indian Shores.
Happy Hour – 4-7 pm, finds an elegant ‘cheers’ kind of atmosphere with $4 house wines, wells and craft beers, and domestics $3.
The real deal are the gourmet appetizers at Happy Hour prices. The choice of three spreads with pita points for $6 is a great vegetarian option. For cheese lovers there’s Spinach Pie and Fennel Rolls with Feta. The Grilled Octopus is the ‘best ever’ according to a number of experienced Greek diners. I would have to agree. Renee thought the Quail appetizer was delicious.
On the happy hour menu they are only $7 (the highest price on the menu) and it is enough for several people to taste the delicious tender grilled flavors. A new local ‘Foodie’ magazine rated Selene the top new place in Tampa Bay. These days I put more weight on personal reviews I see online, particularly TripAdvisor. As I am writing this article, the headlines within the past month say:
“Great Place. Great Food,” “Must Try” “Great End to a Great Vacation.” Tampa Tribune’s Food Writer wrote a glowing review and Creative Loafing predicted they would survive due to a dearth of good places to eat on the beach. I personally feel the beach is just a part of a movement toward better, healthier dining and Selene is a part of it.
Selene is unique in many ways. Its central, non-resort location, huge parking lot, and plenty of seating, both indoors and out. And the food is remarkable!
Jon Rector, editor of Piglet Parade (a blog, primarily of local restaurants) reported on a March visit to Selene at happy hour in an online review where Selene was highly acclaimed.
It appears to be a non-commercial literary endeavor. Jon lives in Indian Shores and dines with his bride, “the Belle of Gulf Boulevard”. Here he arrives at Selene. “Taylor, the high priestess of the Selene bar, promptly presented us with food and adult beverage menus.” The cocktail menu has a number of very interesting choices, but my buds of taste were salivating over the Garden in a Glass. My bride chose wisely, a slightly sweet Sunrise Sangria with Sauvignon Blanc, Square 1 Vodka, St. Germaine Elderflower liquor, rose water, cucumber, lime and rose buds.” His appetizer comments are with his photos.
Chef Nicola Karvelas brings his Greek recipes and New York experience to
Selene under the watchful eye of Nick Skiadiotis. Nick was already a successful Manhattan restauranteur in 1986 when he stayed at the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach for the first time. He has owned local restaurants ever since. That may account for the overwhelming local support we’ve witnessed for this seemingly new fine dining alternative in St. Pete Beach.
If you are a familiar face on the beach, it is unlikely you will not see someone you know at the bar or in the dining room.
Nick’s restaurants have always been the places to meet and to be seen. Where you could count on good food, n a clean setting, where they go out of there way to make sure you are completely satisfied. The menu prices may seem high by local standards but are very fair for the quality of food being offered. It ’s fresh fare, after all.
If you are in the mood for seafood, meat, or pasta or a recipe especially of Greek or Mediteranean origin you can order it with confidence at Selene. It will be
top quality and it will be delicious, guaranteed. Your waiter will be able to suggest what is best on any particular night to satisfy the taste you are hungering for. They are helpful like that at Selene. If you are lucky enough to get Philip or Brie you’ll likely join the crowd who rave about them on social media.
Renee and I have enjoyed happy hour, dined there several times and were
completely pleased on each occasion. Happy hour, dinner and Sunday brunch for seven… Wonderful!
They also have specials every day.
• Monday is Industry night. Get 30% off your check with your pay stub.
• ‘Tini‘ Tuesday house Martinis $5
• Wine Wednesdays half off bottles.
• ThirstyThursdays happy hour specials on beers last all night.
• Locals Love Fridays – 10%off on ‘Local Lovelies’
• Saturdays and Sundays offers Bottomless Mimosas for $10 with Brunch plus Get 50% off Greek Drink Selections on ‘Mediterranean Sunday Funday.’
When you are able to leave the kids behind, Call Selene for reservations at 727-317-2064 or 2065.
Serving:
Monday -Saturday 4 – 11 pm, and Sunday 11 am – 11 pm, including brunch 11 am -3 pm. Be sure to tell them Paradise NEWS sent you!
Article by Peter A. Roos