St. Petersburg is no longer ‘God’s little waiting room

Rum Fish Grill's lobster ravioli — Rum Fish Grill’s lobster ravioli

Bone Fish Grill's ceviche of scallops, shrimp — Bone Fish Grill’s ceviche of scallops, shrimp

Lest one think St. Petersburg is an example of the old joke that Florida is ‘God’s little waiting room,’ the attendees at September’s Grand Tasting were well under the age of this seasoned culinary journalist. St. Petersburg is attracting residents from a vibrant cross-section of educated world citizens that thrive on the arts, sun, beach, boating and fine food. An explosion of fascinating venues more than satisfies all of these eclectic tastes.

Sea Salt's bubbling panna cotta — Sea Salt’s bubbling panna cotta

With a rapidly recovering economy after the 2008 downturn, St. Petersburg, Florida has established itself as an art and restaurant destination on the Gulf of Mexico coast. Fourteen restaurants and eight wineries are featured in…

Inspiration at the St. Pete Wine and Food Festival

Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, FL & MFA Cafe

Both the Museum of Fine Arts and the Morean Arts Center are masters at engaging the imagination of visitors whether through first century Roman iridescent glass or discovering the best cupcake artist in St. Petersburg.

Cupcakes as edible art at the Morean Arts Center

Just like fine art, culinary creations can reach artistic heights. The Morean Arts Center has sponsored the Annual Great St. Pete Cupcake Contest for the past five years. It’s an opportunity for the city’s baking artists to be judged by both professionals and the general public. You can read about the region’s burgeoning art scene at…