Step out of the same ol’ Downtown St. Pete scene and into the sizzling restaurant du jour, St Pete Brasserie. Pictures of beautiful women are featured throughout in typical French style (sans clothing in some): a girl in a bikini on the beach, a woman without a head (who pays attention to the face, anyway?) sexily draped across a couch – you get the point. Beautiful chandeliers drip down and add to the romantically lit mood. Sheer beige drapes on the front windows give the restaurant an ethereal, sultry vibe along with the stained glass windows on top. But enough about that. Keep your pants on and check out what else this Euro establishment has to offer.
Serve It Up: Very well-informed service with a staff that’s full of recommendations and offers you the best options based on what you’re craving. There’s a generous spirit to the place; in addition to the ample portion sizes, you may just end up with a complimentary glass of wine or espresso on a lucky night (not that type of lucky).
Sexy Scenesters: While there’s a mix of local families and businessmen after work, attractive couples prevail, most notably the couple sipping on bottles of Veuve in the corner – let’s just assume he isn’t paying for her as well (in true Moulin Rouge style). Evenings are comfortably busy without being overly crowded, and reservations are always a best bet for weekend dining.
Sitting Pretty: The ample outdoor seating allows for quality Central Ave. people watching. Inside there’s a mix of large round tables, high tops up front, and half booth/half table seating. Or get to know the bartender and plant yourself on a stool; you can’t beat half off your drink tab and $5 apps when seated at the bar Monday thru Saturday between 5pm and 7pm.
Size it Up: Small and large portions are offered for most entrées - better for the waistline and the wallet. To start, try the Onion Tart Alsacien Style ($7) or the Crab Stuffed Oysters ($9) for warm options, or the Tuna Tapenade (8) if you want something on the cooler side. Side items like Ratatouille, Mac & Cheese and Grilled Asparagus with Béarnaise are à la carte, but are generously portioned and won’t break the bank at $5 apiece. For Plats Principaux, the Moules Frites Du Jour (mussels steamed in the sauce of the day - $14) are fresh and well prepared, but the Pommes Frites they come with tend to be on the greasy side. The Seafood Paella (Shrimp, Calamari, Mussels and Chorizo - $13/$24) has lots of actual seafood and a kick, or try one fancied up burger, the Brasserie Burger (with Melted Brie, Truffle Oil and Pommes Frites - $10). The Brasserie is kind to their animals: they feature all organic, grass fed, hormone free beef that’s raised in Florida.
Something More? The Prix Fixe menu, available daily from 5pm to 7pm, includes a salad, soup and entrée for a mere $17.
Stay in the Loop: While their website could use a little love, check out their Facebook page for special prices and some late night happenings. You wouldn’t want to miss out on Dollar Duck Night, now would you?
So get ready to sit, sip, stare and stay awhile. Just don’t forget to bring sexy back.
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St Pete Brasserie
Address: 539 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-823-3700
Official Web Site: http://www.stpetebrasserie.com/
Hours: During the summer, dinner only: Monday thru Thursday 4pm – 10pm, Friday and Saturday 4pm – 11pm, closed Sundays.
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