By Kelly Rouse
It’s February, which means love is in the air! Whether you’re looking to spoil a special someone on Valentine’s Day or are celebrating with friends on Galentine’s Day or Malentine’s Day (it’s a thing – look it up), we’ve got some great ideas for a fun and/or romantic night out and even an extra special suggestion for a date outing that will always be remembered.
LEFT BANK BISTRO
The Left Bank Bistro opened in 2019 in the heart of St. Pete and both its design and menu were inspired by the artists of 1920s Paris. As restaurateur Susanne Byram says, “This is our tip of the hat to the days of Jazz and Champagne.” The renovated 1920s home that the restaurant inhabits is both cozy and stylish. Their delicious and yet accessible French-style fare is overseen by Executive Chef Jermaine Bass. For a larger group, you can’t go wrong with the fromage and charcuterie block with tasty nibbles to share. Other standout appetizers are the marinated heirloom tomatoes, crab and lobster cakes and the beef tenderloin sliders. They do a terrific salad Nicoise and entrée selections include Boeuf Bourguignon, Duck a la Orange, and Snapper Montecarlo, among others (for vegans they offer a mushroom quinoa). Save room for a delectable dessert, such as Crepe Susanne or Crème Brulee. They offer craft cocktails, wine, and beer and have a great happy hour. Left Bank Bistro is also known for their popular brunch on weekends – favorites include the crab and artichoke omelet, the Croque Madame and the Pain Perdu (an upgrade to your regular French toast). On nice days, dining on their patio is delightful. So, if you’re seeking some French cuisine in February, look no further than Left Bank Bistro – “bon appetit!”
Closed Monday | Tues.-Thurs. 11am-9pm | Fri. 11am-10am|
Sat. 10am- 10pm | Sun. 10am-3pm
www.theleftbankbistro.com
TEAK
At Teak, you can expect an elevated casual dining experience that is located on the fourth floor of the Pier Head Building with stunning views of the St. Petersburg skyline and Tampa Bay. Executive Chef, Felicia Lacalle, most recognizable from her former ventures Hemingway’s at Tampa’s Armature Works and Kuba Cocina on St. Pete Beach, came to Teak in March 2023, bringing her extensive experience and passion for distinctive cooking and launching a revamped menu with a “modern Floribbean flair with lots of flavor.” The coastal-inspired menu now features a fresh catch daily option and her award-winning Cuban sandwich, as well as starters like the tuna tar-tacos, firecracker brussels, and crispy calamari. Proteins can be added to all of their salads. Recommended entrees include the personal paella, sesame crusted salmon, and lobster carbonara. The staff is attentive and are happy to help with recommendations. Brunch is served on the weekends for the Galentines who want to celebrate with a Mimosa Kit. Celebrate your love with an outstanding meal and a breathtaking view!
Mon.-Fri. 11am-10pm | Sat. & Sun. 10am-3pm and 5pm-10pm
www.teakstpete.com
SNAPPERS SEA GRILL
Under the direction of proprietor Daniel Casey, the casual elegance of Snappers offers exceptional seafood, perfectly aged steaks and delectable in-house-made desserts in a big city bistro atmosphere on St. Pete Beach. Voted one of the top 50 restaurants in Tampa Bay, Snappers is truly a gem on the beachside. They feature generous portions of fresh-caught seafood straight from the Gulf and their stuffed grouper with shrimp, scallop and crab meat stuffing over a grouper filet with puff pastry potato and finished with a champagne cream sauce as mouth-watering as it sounds. If you’ve brought a big appetite, treat
yourself to the Surf & Turf, two lobster tails and a chef-cut 16oz ribeye. The wasabi crusted tuna is the most popular dish on the menu, with reason. They have an excellent wine list and the service is top notch. Snappers also has an early bird happy hour from 4-5:30pm daily that may be the best deal on the beaches. Snappers has been a St. Pete Beach favorite for 30 years and they’ve earned their reputation. Note: they do not accept reservations.
Closed Mon. | Sun., Tues-Thurs. 4pm-9:30pm | Fri.-Sat. 4pm-10pm | www.snappersseagrill.com
PICNIC CHEMISTRY
Looking for something different to do to celebrate your love with that person you’re looking to impress – or even better – make swoon? Jenna Rodriguez and Picnic Chemistry specialize in date nights and anniversaries. Jenna and her team set up beautiful picnics in three water-side locations around town (Crescent Lake Park, Vinoy Park, and Treasure Island Beach). They offer sand and sunset picnics and bubble picnics. Sunset picnics are popular and book up quickly, so be sure to book in advance. The picnic includes a blanket with low table and pillowed seating, as well as plating and a gorgeous charcuterie board and custom wine cups with chilled/sparkling water. They do not provide alcohol, but welcome you to bring your own (assuming park/beach rules allow it). Décor like a decorated arch with twinkling lights add that magical touch. Their picnics are events you will remember forever.