By Nanette Wiser
SIP & SUP Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls on First Ave. N serves up classic lobster, lobster salad and jumbo shrimp authentic New England style, as well as lobster mac n’ cheese, lobster bisque and authentic Maine root beer. And hot dog…you can nosh a Nathan’s here. Calida Kitchen & Wine features a fantastic global menu and wine list. Charcuterie, chow mein noodles, chicken thighs, flank steak, branzino, baked polenta, oysters and chopped salad get rave reviews; reservations suggested for Thurs.-Sat. at 2909 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N.
Baked in the Burg opens in May, taking the popular wholesale biz to the public Thurs. -Sat. with fresh bread, cookies, and other scrumptious baked goods. Bonu Taverna Italiana serves brunch Sat.-Sun. 11:30am-3pm with pinsa, breakfast bacon and egg burger, dolce desserts and for your table, Aperol bottle and Prosecco bottle service so you can mix your Spritz. Check out Wild Child’s new menu, especially the hanger steak au poivre, braised short rib birria, chorizo-stuffed dates and inspired craft cocktails. Cecilia’s Sweets on Central’s mouthwatering mini-cakes, cupcakes, candy apples and other sweet treats are perfect for Mother’s Day.
Sesh Brewing Co. on Fourth is moody and delectable, serving Sunday brunch and a savory, beer-friendly menu from burgers (jelly donut double burger), sandwiches (chicken club, grouper, pulled pork), catch of the day, build-a-bowl (flash fried gator, anyone?), oysters, salads, baby back ribs and a 12oz. ribeye with seasoned fries. Located in the historical Earl Gresch Wood Parade Property, parts of the resto date back 100 years. “All spirits are friendly, even behind the bar,” says the menu (bar drinks with ghostly names like fantasma and succubus will slay you) and alleged paranormal sightings are said to haunt thehistoric home and once famous French restaurant, now Sesh.
The Cane & Barrel Rooftop Bar at the ACE Hotel is spectacular, from the rum craft cocktails to the modern tropical fare including beef or chicken empanadas, mini flatbreads with chimichurri sauce (steak or chicken), yucca fries, Cuban sandwiches and my fave, buñuelos, crispy dough covered with brown sugar and cinnamon, fresh berries and hazelnut dipping sauce with a signature cocktail, the Yes Chef, made with Caravedo Mosto Verde-Pisco, Ginger Liquor, strawberry and lime juice.
SHOP Downtown authors Tamara Lush (mysteries) and Roy Peter Clark (writing well) both have new books out; look for them in Tombolo Books. Looking for the perfect Mom or Dad Day gift? The St. Petersburg Store & Visitors Center features locally made goods, from ties to mugs, clever cards or t-shirts and gorgeous jewelry.
TIDBITS The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and Leadership St. Pete Alumni Association is debuting Inside St. Pete, a one-day welcome to newcomers and long-time residents looking for a deeper discovery of St. Pete. On May 12, take this multi-stop tour for an insider view of St. Pete’s history, current events, and institutions, and hear from the community leaders who built it and continue to shape St. Pete’s future. stpete.com
Congratulations to Patricia Clynes, Chamber Board Member and CFO, YMCA St. Petersburg who has been named an honoree for the 2023 CFO of the Year awards by the Tampa Bay Business Journal…The application period for the City of St. Petersburg’s Arts and Culture Grant Program is open through June 9. Three levels of funding opportunities ranging from $7,500 to $22,000 are available for eligible arts-focused organizations. stpete.org/artsgrants