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Join them for breakfast and try their Local ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ with sliced local tomato, poached egg and topped with crabmeat and béarnaise. For dinner, pair their Old Forester Old Fashioned with their Chimichurri Steak Frites—sliced steak served with a vibrant �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� house greens. Cleanse your palate with a simple and sweet poached pear for dessert. For a more casual experience, saddle up to the bar with a cocktail and try a handful of their small plates off their weekly changing menu. BIRCH & VINE The Birchwood Centrally located among the excitement of Beach Drive in St Petersburg, The Birchwood’s Birch & Vine makes for a very special dining experience. As you enter the ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ their edible wall of greens that is actively used for meals, and second, their expansive wine collection offering over 475 wine options. With such an extensive wine and cocktail list, guests browse options using a glowing tablet. A refreshing ���������������������������������������������������� Whiskey Smash, made with Mitchers Bourbon, real mango syrup, lemon juice and fresh mint. If in the mood to celebrate something, try a glass of the Francois Montand, a French brut rosé. The Birch & Vine menu evolves seasonally and takes a very local approach to ingredients and inspiration. Chef Rusty’s Bistro Sheraton Sand Key Resort Luke Decker not only does an expert job at educating restaurant staff about his dishes, but also has them excited for his next creations. If you are looking for a showstopper appetizer, certainly dive into the southern inspired Chicken Fried Calamari. Perfect bits of chicken fried calamari are mixed with pickled okra and bourbon smoked peppercorn gravy, all topped with local honey and hot sauce. RUSTY’S BISTRO Sheraton Sand Key Resort Beachside on Sand Key in Clearwater Beach is Rusty’s Bistro at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort. This is a classic hotel restaurant with exceptional service. Executive Chef John Harris has been serving guests off his American and Mediterranean inspired menus for 27 years. Rusty’s Bistro has a tasty three-course prix ������������������������������������������������������������������������ go rogue and experience some of the ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� try the Parmesan Crusted Humboldt Calamari. Humboldt squid (or giant squid) �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� a lemony picatta sauce. For something different, the Crab Crusted Gulf Snapper is an exceptional choice, served with a zesty tangerine sauce over herb citrus risotto. Need a little red meat? Go surf n’ turf by ordering the Steak and Cake. We were wildly impressed at the quality of this dish, which comprised a bacon wrapped petit ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ mashed potatoes. The crab cake recipe is ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� John admits, and we love that! When you’re done and need to walk some of that meal off, make your way down the property’s gorgeous beachfront. CASTILE The Kimpton Hotel Zamora Artistry and great food collide at The Hotel Zamora’s Castile. Beautifully plated dishes and hand-crafted cocktails are the “cherry on top” to St Pete Beach waterfront bayou views. While enjoying the hip vibe of the indoor or outdoor seating options, sip on their gorgeous cocktails and experience a perfectly plated charcuterie spread. Birch & Vine The Birchwood BIRCH & VINE PHOTO BY AMY PEZZICARA. RUSTY'S BISTRO PHOTO PROVIDED BY SHERTON SAND KEY RESORT. 24 localsDISH MARCH/APRIL 2017


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