WILLIAM DEAN CHOCOLATES INDIAN SHORES COFFEE racked up international acclaim, garnering widespread accolades and multiple awards along the way. The proof isn’t in the pudding — it’s in the tiny, intricately hand-painted and airbrushed choco-late truffles. From the white chocolate key lime ganache-filled treats to the rum-tinged bananas Foster versions shaped like a little fleur-de-lis, these aren’t your everyday chocolates — these are miniature works of art. from all over the world and roasted locally and the shop also stocks a decent selection of natural wines by the bottle. Don’t skip out on the breakfast sandwich, one of the ‘burg’s best contenders in the genre. INDIAN SHORES COFFEE • Indian Shores; $ • The owners of this Indian Shores cafe also run St. Pete’s Black Crow Coffee Co., and the two spots carry a similarly cozy and funky aesthetic, with guitars and artwork adorning the walls and a piano tucked away in one of the corners. The cafe inside is dark and intimate while the outdoor, shady patio is surrounded by lush plants and feels downright tropical. Baked goodies include homemade chocolate and banana walnut muffins, coffee cake and donuts, and there are usually several gluten-free and vegan options available. SWEET BREWNETTE • Madeira Beach; $ • This laidback cafe right off Madeira Beach oozes casual SWEET BREWNETTE coffee bars & cafes BANDIT COFFEE CO. • St. Petersburg; $ • A bright black-and-white mural reading, “Hello, Saint Petersburg,” beckons to passersby on Central Avenue. Outside, people clutching iced lattes chat with friends. Those in-the-know will show up extra early on certain weekend mornings to take advantage of pop-up specials, which often sell out in minutes. Their single-origin coffees are sourced seaside charm. The focus is on organic and fair-trade coffees and the menu breathes some excitement into the standard espresso drink setup. Some of the more whimsical creations include the Funky Monkey, a blend of espresso with peanut butter, banana and chocolate flavors and the Bunny Love, which combines espresso with raspberry and white chocolate. A lively breakfast scene draws locals and beachgoers in for the Belgian waffles, veggie-packed frittatas and — for the grownups — mimosas made with freshly squeezed orange juice. VISITSTPETECLEARWATER.COM 91
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