Here's the latest on the Pinellas restaurant scene:
Barley Mow Brewing Company, the self-proclaimed "nanobrewery and tavern," will be opening its doors in downtown Largo very soon, serving house-made and local craft brews on constantly rotating taps along with a small, light bites menu. Their goal is to be licensed by February 2012 in order to produce, sell and distribute their own craft beer creations. 518 West Bay Drive, Largo, 727-479-5828, barleymowbrewingco.com.
Journey to Atlantis in Dunedin — the new Bistro Atlantis, that is — for Old World Greek favorites and revamped fusion dishes (literally separated on the menu) in the spot that formerly housed Walt's Seasonal Cuisine. Stuffed grape leaves, moussaka, kebabs, surf & turf and crab cakes are just a few options to be found. A live harpist and classical guitarist serenade guests a few times a week. 1140 Main St., Dunedin, 727-733-1909, bistroatlantis.com.
Though it had a rocky start, St. Pete's Bowled Restaurant has plans to open a second location at 475 Central Ave. in the Kress Building in downtown St. Pete. The new, larger location is reported to be opening sometime between December and February, and will have the same menu of gourmet comfort fare as well as a bar and lounge with live music. Owner Michael Cecere is supposedly leaving the job of choosing the new chef to the restaurant's fans — conducting head-to-head cook-off battles, with the guests picking the winner (who ultimately gets the gig). 3451 Fourth St. N, St. Pete, 727-895-2695, bowledrestaurant.com.
Casita Taqueria is St. Pete's newest taco joint, offering a straightforward menu with a variety of fillings — carnitas, chorizo, carne asads, shrimp, etc. — as well as tortas (Mexican style sandwiches), bowls, salads and a few options for the kids. Mexican and domestic beers, homemade sangria and Mexican sodas are also available. 2706 Fourth St. N, St. Pete, 727-820-4365.
St. Pete favorite Fred Fleming's Barbecue has returned to Fourth Street in St. Pete with a new look and a new name. Setting up shop almost directly across the street from their former location (which is now Luckie B's BBQ), Champions' BBQ is serving Fred's award-winning ribs, tender brisket, Southern-style sides and plenty more. The new, no-frills set-up involves ordering at the counter, finding a table and chowing down with plastic cutlery. Who ever said you need real silverware and a cloth napkin to enjoy good barbecue anyhow? Take-out and catering available. 4400 Fourth St. N, St. Pete, 727-528-0227, championsbbq.com.
For a taste of France, head to L'Auberge des Artistes ("The Inn of Artists") in downtown Clearwater. Chef and proprietor Christopher Poix has plenty of experience working in Michelin-starred restuarants in France and is also the former chef a number of upscale eateries in south and central Florida (including that fancy French restaurant in the EPCOT World Showcase). Poix melds classical French cuisine with local ingredients on the small but impressive (and pricey) menu. 635 Cleveland St., Clearwater, laubergedesartistes.com.
One would think that, just looking at the name, diners know what they're in for at Willy's Burgers and Booze on St. Pete Beach's historic Corey Avenue. One look at the menu and you'll be amazed by the interesting (to say the least) variety of deep-fried and bastardized American comfort food, like the half-pound fried bologna sandwich, fried mac n' cheese, turkey stuffing nuggets and fried Spam fingers. If diners aren't feeling that adventurous, there are basic burgers, fish and chips, and the standard beach restaurant fish spread. Covering the "Booze" part of their name, Willy's sports a full bar and is open 'til 3 a.m. every day. 675 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach, 727-329-8667.
This article appears in Oct 27 – Nov 2, 2011.