March 2008

Thai-rific

March 31, 2008

Thai-rific has grown from a tiny shop offering only tropical plants and a few Thai gifts to a full-service florist and gift shop covering several buildings and greenhouses. They now offer non-tropical as well as tropical floral selections in arrangements created by their highly experienced designers. They still fill individual requests such as my lei [...]

Tagged as: Asian food, Buddhist, favorite articles, Florida, flowers, gifts, Gulfport, shops, St. Petersburg, Thai food

Mazzaro’s Italian Market

March 12, 2008

About once a week, I come here to eat lunch, replenish my supply of cheese and wine, and order something from the deli or meat counter to take home for supper. Sometimes I go just to loiter over espresso and soak up the ambiance. I think, it’s the overwhelming sensory input of Mazzaro’s that brings [...]

Tagged as: favorite articles, Florida, FOOD, markets, restaurants, St. Petersburg

The Central Coffee Shoppe

March 4, 2008

This is the haven I struggle down to in the wee hours once or twice a week. It’s just a few blocks from home and on cool mornings it’s fun to walk there in the dark. It’s the Central Coffee Shoppe! It’s been there forever. The decor is 100% Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. It’s family owned [...]

Tagged as: Florida, FOOD, restaurants, St. Petersburg

Gulfport, Florida

March 4, 2008

Not Gulfport, Mississippi, but Gulfport, Florida! This Gulfport is a separate village contiguous with St. Petersburg. It’s right on the bay and home to the Casino, an old, 30s/40s style dance hall with polished wood dancing floor, large bars, and jalousie windows overlooking the water. It’s constantly booked with wedding receptions, bingo nights, t-dances, and [...]

Tagged as: Florida, Gulfport, St. Petersburg

Saturday Morning Market

March 4, 2008

For primo loitering, go to the Saturday Morning Market. And, go hungry. There’s lots to eat from established restaurants, but also independent market-only cooks. Farmer/fisher vendors bring their produce and products, too. Everyone’s favorite–you have to get there early to get some because they always sell out quickly–is a fish paste made from freshly caught [...]

Tagged as: ACTIVITIES, flowers, FOOD, markets, St. Petersburg