LOVE FOOD CENTRAL LOCAL CLASSICS TED PETERS FAMOUS SMOKED FISH BOB HEILMAN’S BEACHCOMBER • Clearwater Beach; $$$ • Take a step back in time at this Clearwater Beach mainstay, which offers a taste of a glamorous and bygone era. Start with a Beachcomber Classic martini and move on to Clams Casino, escargot in a buttery Madeira sauce, and a jumbo shrimp cocktail. The place is beloved for their fresh seafood, quality steaks and the “Back to the Farm” fried chicken — served with whipped potatoes, a vegetable side, pan gravy and old-fashioned cream slaw. THE CHATTAWAY • St. Petersburg; $ • A high tea service features a proper English setup in the back dining room, decorated with intricate chinaware, replicas of London telephone booths and photographs of the Queen. Step out onto the shaded patio, and you’re right back in Florida: A collection of picnic tables sits surrounded by a lush canopy of tropical plants and pink bathtubs double as flower beds. Regulars come for the hefty 7-ounce cheeseburgers and the crispy-battered fish and chips. TED PETERS FAMOUS SMOKED FISH • St. Petersburg; $ • The smell of smoked fish, suntan oil and saltwater has become synonymous with this beloved Pasadena Avenue restaurant. The mostly outdoor spot sports a sun-kissed crowd: weekend beach trippers, families with kids in tow and longtime regulars. Everyone comes for the smoked fish — mahi, salmon, mackerel and mullet. But they’re also here for the German-style potato salad, vinegary and studded with bacon; frosty mugs filled with light beer; and one of the area’s best cheeseburgers. BOB HEILMAN’S BEACHCOMBER garlic gnocchi. Don’t skip the creative all-vegan cocktail list, which is reason enough to visit. LOVE FOOD CENTRAL • St. Petersburg; $ • You’ll find quality vegan and gluten-free cooking that extends beyond your basic veggie joint at this breezy Central Avenue café. Start with the kale Caesar salad and move on to something heartier, like the Buffalo tempeh sandwich. Better yet, hang out a while and linger over the impressive (and huge) cheese board, made with a selection of macadamia-and almond-based cheeses that are paired with pickled veggies, jams and flaxseed crackers. VISITSTPETECLEARWATER.COM 87
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