and tom yum soup. But some of the uniquely Lao plates are bolder in flavor and more pronounced when it comes to the combo of chiles, fresh herbs and the delightful funk of fermented seafood and pork. TWISTED INDIAN • St. Petersburg; $ • This fast-casual Indian restaurant in St. Petersburg's Grand Central District has attracted somewhat of a cult-like following, and for good reason. Creative spins on classic Indian dishes like tikka masala and lamb korma find their way into bowls, tacos, “curritos” and “naanwiches,” all which pack a powerhouse of tangy, spicy and bright flavors. For a cooling antidote to some of the heat, the creamy mango lassis can’t be beat. WOODEN LADLE • Oldsmar; $ • Drawing on culinary influences from Japan and Vietnam, this ramen and pho spot in Oldsmar offers a selection of noodle soups and izakaya-style snacks and small plates in a modern setting. Ramen is the highlight, from the traditional tonkotsu-style bowls to spicy chicken and vegetarian versions. A long list of beers feel well-suited to some of the snackier items like the Japanese-style karaage chicken. BBQ URBAN BREW & BBQ URBAN BREW & BBQ • St. Petersburg; $ • Meals here might be anchored around plates of pulled pork, brisket, St. Louis-style ribs and smoky pulled chicken, but don’t overlook the sides at this popular Grand Central District spot. The signature Urban Mac 'n' Cheese is a must and features a combination of smoked gouda, cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The large, industrial-chic design includes an expansive outdoor dining area overlooking Central Avenue — a great spot to hang on cooler summer days and warmer winter evenings. an homage to the street noodles of Bangkok. Starters like the buttery, flaky Thai curry puffs and the restaurant’s signature boat noodle dish are more than enough reason to visit. SAP SAP LAO CAFÉ • Pinellas Park; $ • The bright and fiery flavors emblematic of Laotian cuisine come alive at this Pinellas Park restaurant, where the kitchen doesn’t shy away from spice. There are plenty of Thai dishes that will ring familiar to milder palates, like drunken noodles THE OZONA PIG • Palm Harbor; $ • Right in the center of historic Ozona, this homage to Memphis-style Southern barbecue is a casual and family-friendly spot with a robust local following. Folks come for the low-and-slow pulled pork and brisket plates toppling with stick-to-your-ribs sides like baked beans, slaw and deviled eggs. The house special banana pudding (or, as they call it here, the “Southern creme brulee”) is a favorite for dessert, as are the coconut creme and peanut butter pies. cuisines — star anise, fennel, cardamon, ginger — work remarkably well together. The dish not to miss: puffy rounds of Sami bread, topped with smoked lion’s mane mushrooms, brunost cheese and chili oil. PATTI’S KITCHEN • Pinellas Park; $ • This off-the-beaten-path foodie destination in Pinellas Park delivers big rewards for anyone in search of some seriously spicy noodle soups and Thai specialties. The tiny nook of a restaurant serves as VISITSTPETECLEARWATER.COM 83
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