By Peter Roos
Tierra Verde was developed in the last half of the twentieth century into 3,500 of the most sought after addresses in the south county, particularly amongst boaters. There is unparallelled access to the gulf, the pristine beaches, trails and kayaking options of Fort Desoto, Isla Del Sol Golf & Country Club, the beach communities to the north and west. It is easy to drive to. Take the Pinellas Bayway exit toward St. Pete Beach off I-275 in south St. Petersburg. Then turn south at the Isla Del Sol Shopper’s Village toward Fort Desoto Park, the county’s largest park with award-winning pristine beaches.
The best place to dine, drink and play in Tierra Verde is The Island Grille and Raw Bar, a waterfront treasure. Acclaimed restauranteur Steve Westphal has upgraded the menu again and the sensational fare at lunch and dinner is mouthwatering. Westphal knows a thing or two about running a successful restaurant having been for decades the Steve in www.GoToSteves.com. He has owned, among other ventures, Aqua Prime, The Pub, 400 Beach, Parkshore Grille, The Hangar, and Café Gala at The Dali. As soon as you cross the big beautiful new Tierra Verde bridge, turn right toward the Marriott Residence Inn that sits next to the Island Grille.
The history of Tierra Verde is interesting from the natives to the present day. A mural saved from the Port-O-Call Hotel that sat on that site now hangs in the lobby of the Island Grille, thanks to a dedicated group of Tierra Verde history buffs, and the generosity of the owner. Take a look when you visit.
Steve and wife Nancy love to research new dishes, from the Caribbean to Hawaii to Mexico and even Asia. The Island Grille’s newest menu benefits from their culinary travels. Best of show is the fish spread, tuna poke bowl, shrimp tacos, fresh grouper, lobster pasta, tuna poke bowl, lobster sliders and lobster bisque as well as the hand-cut steaks and audacious burgers. Then there’s a full rack of amazing, fall off the bone baby back ribs with two awesome sides for well under $30.
Want a light meal? Salads like the delicious Caesar, Greek or Cobb are always fresh. Also new are the Bayou Bowls, Cajun inspired creations combining Mojo Pork, Chicken or Shrimp with black beans, yellow rice, Jack Cheddar cheese, mango salsa and a delicious house made bayou sauce.
Choose an entrée and two sides for only $21.95 on the early dinner trio special 3-5pm Mon.-Fri. With a cool, relaxed vibe, The Island Grille also features the best raw bar menu with oysters raw, roasted or chargrilled. Wash down the amazing food with your favorite libation from a premium full liquor bar famous for their hand-crafted cocktails, marvelous margaritas and martinis, Island Oasis frozen drinks, boutique wines by the glass or bottle and craft beer in bottles.
Sip at the indoor/outdoor bar (40 seats) or at the patio tiki bar. Enjoy their happy hours 11am-6pm daily. There’s live music seven nights a week and as well as daily on Saturday and Sunday with a rotating line-up of your favorite artists, from acoustic to island tunes and steel drum. Add to your funday with $7 wristbands for entry to the pool area for a refreshing dip and comfy loungers while ordering from the full food menu and tiki bar beverage service poolside.
Come by boat and tie up at The Island Grille’s docks with room for up to 20 boats or by car: there’s ample free parking (300 spots). You can even book a room overnight at the adjacent hotel for you or visiting guests. It’s just minutes away from award-winning Fort DeSoto Beach, which is only changed by nature since voted America’s best beach.
Parties of 10 or more can reserve tables in either inside dining rooms or outside patio. The Island Grille is a perfect place to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions. The experienced, attentive staff and management make every meal memorable. Take home a souvenir from the gift shop where adorable shirts, hats, beach towels, flip flops, sunglasses, even sunblock can be found for alfresco pool time.
Best of all, every meal you eat at The Island Grill helps support Feeding Tampa Bay and the effort to end hunger, one of the Westphals’ many philanthropic projects. So www.GoToSteves.com or www.islandrawbar.com today.
The Island Grille & Raw Bar
727.767.0020 www.islandrawbar.com
210 Madonna Blvd., Tierra Verde
Sunday-Thursday: 11am-10pm
Friday-Saturday: 11am-11pm