Taking a break from Scallywag Journeys....

Hi Everyone,

Well, 2011 has not seen a lot of activity on my blog. As you know who are regular readers of my blog, in January I posted about getting sick. By then, I thought a short time would see me well enough to soon continue writing my blog and contributing to the food connoisseur. Unfortunately, this was not to be the case, and I am still having medical problems. After long and hard thought, I decided I need to pay attention and take care of my health first. I see there are some very fine blogs out there, that can provide information about local restaurants. Hopefully, my future will see a healthier me and I can start back again. I wish everyone a nice and happy food experience in the Tampa Bay area.

Love to all,

Kelly

Biff Burger - Kenneth City (St Petersburg), FL

I love Biff Burger for more than one reason. First, it brings to mind a fast food joint in existence in the 70's, back when I was a young girl living in Minnesota. It was a Quik Stop restaurant and I have fond memories of going there with my family and when I go to Biff's, it brings back those memories. And of course, I love Biff Burger for their great burgers and lowwww prices, wow! Also, Biff shares space with its partner restaurant Buffy's BBQ, where you can order from, also.

On the day we dined there, we all had burgers. There are a number of ways you can have your burger, with a regular bun, or a larger, sesame seed bun, and with different toppings. However, you get them, they are juicy and delicious, and not for someone on a diet. If you want fries, order according to the size of your party to share. We found the fries to be nice and crispy and very good. The whole meal was pure bliss. When your done eating, your server will give you your check to take to the window, then off you go after finishing a great meal!

Biff Burger
3939 49th Street North
St Petersburg, FL 33709
727-527-5297

Royal Brownie Company - Downtown St Petersburg, FL

I did not even know this new, little spot was in existence until walking down Central Avenue, we beheld a sign pointing us towards the Royal Brownie Co. located on 6th Street. This is a very tiny shop, but everything you need is located right in the display case as you walk in the door. The Hershey chocolate candle on the table also helped to contribute, by wafting its delicious chocolate aroma over us as we looked at the brownies. As we needed to continue our walk, and didn't want to be overburdened with chocolatey goodness, we got one of the candy sprinkle brownies to share. Yummy, it was the perfect treat for our afternoon walk. If you are looking for a chocolate treat, head over to the Royal Brownie Co.

Royal Brownie Co.
4 6th Street North
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727-238-7226

Central Coffee Shoppe - downtown St Petersburg, FL

This is a casual little diner located on the 500 block of Central Avenue in downtown St Petersburg and they are open for breakfast and lunch. Inside, the walls are dominated by Marilyn Monroe. For seating, you can grab a table, or one of the red stools at the counter. Of course, we just had to sit at the stools because my son just loves the old style stools. Service here is friendly and laid back and they are prompt at getting a cup of coffee, or whatever you may be drinking, out to you.

On the day we dined there we ordered the corned beef hash with eggs done your way, homefries, and toast. Also, we ordered pancakes, and a veggie omelette with grits and toast alongside. The pancakes and omelette were good, but the corned beef hash breakfast was a definite favorite of ours. A great little hole in the wall to grab an early morning breakfast, or stop in for lunch.

Central Coffee Shoppe
530 Central Avenue
St Petersburg, FL 33701
727-821-1125

Gratzzi Italian Grille - downtown St Petersburg, FL

Gratzzi Italian Grille is without a doubt the top place for Italian food in downtown St Pete. For a couple of months I walked by and eagerly awaited the opening of the restaurant to see what it would bring. My family and I had dined there when they were located at Baywalk and had enjoyed the food, but didn't much care for the location. After what seemed like a long wait, Gratzzi finally opened at their new location, and we were wowed! The restaurant is elegant and just the place to gather with family or for a romantic meal. You have a choice of dining at the tables inside or out on the sidewalk, or at the beautiful bar inside. We first dined at Gratzzi the week of their soft opening when they had a limited menu, and we have been back several times, since then.

Once seated, the service was quick and friendly. My husband enjoyed a nice glass of red wine and water for me, and soon a basket of bread arrived along with a plate of bruschetta, which is standard. Following that, we tried the bean soup that was served along with the entree, or one can choose the salad instead. The soup was great and surprisingly large as an accompaniment to the main course. For dinner, my husband and I both ordered the same thing, the Pesto-Parmesan Risotto with grilled salmon on top. My son ordered the Roasted Salmon on Cedar Plank served with Mango Chutney and grilled asparagus. Both of the dishes were wonderful and the risotto was served with a generous portion of salmon. After all of that, there was no room left for dessert.

We have ordered food to take home from there for the last month, while I have been out, and have been really impressed. The pizza there is awesome. When my parents came to visit me from Minnesota, we sent them there to have an evening out, and they were also happy with their meal. We are very happy to have this addition to St Pete.

Gratzzi Italian Grille

211 2nd Street South

St Petersburg, FL 33701

727-623-9037

OUT Sick...........

I have not posted anything, since December, because I have been out sick. I have to say, so far, 2011 has not been good for me. I spent 3 days in the hospital, and I am recovering verrrry slowly at home, but the doctors are just kinda guessing what's wrong, but they don't really know anything definitive. Flu Virus acting weird? GERD? autoimmune(your body cant't tell a flu or cold virus from your own body)? I am fortunate to have good health insurance, but even with that, I see what a mess the healthcare systems is and I don't know what the answer is. I can't imagine what people without health insurance do?

However, I do need to take my hat off to the nurses and patient care techs in our clinics and hospitals because I think they are the backbone of our system. When I see the amount of work they have to do, it amazes me. As for the doctors, I am reserving judgement. I started out with one doctor who diagnosed me in her office from her chair, without once getting up and at least listening to my heart of looking in my ears or sinuses. I think my current doctor is very good, but I am waiting an reserving judgement.

I will continue to write about restaurants and I have some posts waiting since December. (I have been too sick to go out the last few weeks.) However, I think this year, I would like to focus on healthcare and my experiences and I maybe would like to explore alternative medicine. Also, something I have been pondering, do we have too much information available to us about different illnesses and healthcare. Knowledge is power, but sometimes you can have too much information.

Conch Republic Grill - North Redington Beach, FL

My family and I went over to the Conch Republic Grill for an afternoon of fun and seafood. The restaurant is casual and laid back and has a nice seafaring theme going on. We were seated at a booth in the corner, next to the window, and we rather felt like we were sitting in a boat. Our server here was very friendly and helpful throughout our meal.

We started off our meal with a couple of beers and two cups of the crab soup. I had heard the crab soup was good here and it was indeed! After a taste of the soup, we almost wished we had ordered bowls instead and just ate that because it was so good. Nevertheless, on to the seafood. We tried the salmon stuffed with crab, the coconut shrimp, and the shrimp fest with cajun shrimp and shrimp scampi. Along with your entrees, you get your choice of sides and we all ordered something different, so we could sample the different sides. We tried the mashed potatoes, black beans and rice, and linguine marinara. The salmon was good, but I think we all liked the shrimp entree's the best. As for the sides, the pasta was okay, but we liked the mashed potatoes and beans and rice more. Overall, it was a good experience with friendly service. Our entrees were good, but I would be willing to go back for the crab soup alone. As a final note, the servings are HUGE. After our cup of soup, my husband and I could have easily shared an entree and been satisfied.

Conch Republic Grill
16699 Gulf Blvd
North Redington Beach, FL 33708
727-320-0536