Kissin’ Cuzzins: Cookin’ With Love

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

Kissin’ Cuzzins neighborhood restaurant has been a tradition for many since 1961.  St. Petersburg locals and old timers have been eating at this establishment for years and insist it’s still the best breakfast in town.  Kissin’ Cuzzins was once a chain, featuring two other restaurants in Pinellas County- one on 4th Street in St. Petersburg, and the other in neighboring Clearwater.  However, both restaurants fell victim to soaring land prices and had to shut their doors.  The original Kissin’ Cuzzins still sits comfortably at its 34th Street and 9th Avenue location in St. Petersburg.

Diners rave about the quality food, generous portions and low prices.  Inside the atmosphere is simple and quaint, almost reminiscent of a small town cafe or diner.  The wait staff is friendly and efficient; most have been working at the restaurant for years.  The food tastes comforting, much like something mom would’ve made.  Many customers have their personal favorites, but I have found that just about everything on the Kissin’ Cuzzins menu is superb.  

Start with a hearty breakfast and you’ll hardly be disappointed by the selection of omelettes, pancakes or their three varieties of Eggs Benedict, including the Blackstone, which is served with bacon and tomato.  The coffee is always perfectly blended- potent, but never bitter.  The hash brown casserole is delightful.  I have ordered this as a side to my traditional version of Eggs Benedict. The hash browns are well seasoned and flavorful, with a nice crispiness on top.  The half order Benedict is always enough for me, along with a large serving of hash browns.  The egg, flawlessly prepared, is covered with a lemony smooth hollandaise sauce, and sits beautifully upon a slice of thick ham and muffin.  This breakfast dish is always a personal favorite of mine at this restaurant, but while I claim this to be the best, other diners may feel differently.  Pancakes, especially the chocolate chip variety, are quite popular at Kissin’ Cuzzins and so are the omelettes and scrumptious waffles.  If you prefer something lighter, order the fruit cup or pair it with a heavy meal.  It’s a refreshingly sweet addition to something salty, such as bacon or ham.  The cut up honeydew and cantaloupe are divine- sweet, ripe and soft.  

Be sure to come back later for lunch and order up some of Kissin’ Cuzzins pasta, chicken, steak and fish dishes, which include their famous amberjack.  The lunch menu offers a little of everything such as soups, sandwiches and salads.  A restaurant favorite is the Southern fried chicken salad.

If you are more of a dinner eater-outer, this is where Kissin’ Cuzzins disappoints.  Not because dinner is poor, but simply because the restaurant doesn’t even offer dinner.  So if you plan on eating here, come early or you’ll miss out.

My visits to Kissin’ Cuzzins have always been good ones.  Even my two-year-old son enjoys this place.  It typically takes an army to keep him sitting quiet at a restaurant, but at Kissin’ Cuzzins, he sits like a perfect angel.  I’m not sure which he enjoys more- nibbling on the food, or rearranging sugar packets, but whatever the case may be, this restaurant works for him and that makes this momma happy!

So next time you’re in St. Petersburg and your stomach is rumbling, be sure to check out the neighborhood staple, Kissin’ Cuzzins. Time after time, this eatery gets five star customer ratings, excellent reviews in the media and almost always has a filled up parking lot (in fact, there is usually a car overflow from the lot on the weekends).

Whether it’s breakfast or lunch, Kissin’ Cuzzins’ food is simply delicious and without a doubt, cooked with plenty of love.

 

Kissin’ Cuzzins:  951 34th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713

727-323-3915

Pizza Wars -DiPiazzas

DiPiazzas
5205 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Long Beach, CA 90804-4442
(562) 498-2461
www.dipiazzas.com

When you hear the term “pizza” what comes to mind? I would assume your favorite type of course, but what does the word “pizza” actually mean? It’s a world-popular dish loved by all, made of Italian origin, made with an oven-baked, flat, generally round bread that is often covered with tomatoes or a tomato-based sauce and mozzarella cheese. Other toppings are added according to region, culture, or personal preference. It originated from the part of the Italian cuisine, that most, shops, and restaurants, play a primarily role in showcasing. Pretty much pizza sells, and it goes into many catchy names, let me tell you, “pizza parlor”, “pizza place” and “pizza shop” are used within the United States.

 Moving right along, my boyfriend and I sat down at two of the most divine pizza parlors around the Los Angeles terrain. One night took place at Shakey’s Pizza, a popular pizza chain that has served customers from all over, having established 400 stores globally, and 60 within the U.S. alone. When it comes down to the menu options you get a wide range of options, pizza, salad, fried chicken, and mojo potatoes, among a handful of other dishes that will make your mouth water. The service there was excellent, once you’ve ordered you take a seat at one of the many booths, and they bring it right to you all hot and ready to eat. Same thing goes for the next pizza place. Another pizza hot spot was found out in Long Beach, at a small hole in the wall, known as Di Piazza’s which accommodates well for everyone who walks through their doors. From live entertainment, to some of the finest beverages around, from wine to beer down to anything you could quench your thirst upon. Now their menu is quite similar to that of Shakey’s, having available, pastas, and of course pizza. Only downside for these guys is their price, but as they say “You get what you pay for,” and let me say with these guys, it’s well worth every penny!

When it’s all said and done though, you walk away not only with a happy tummy but a recommendation you can easily carry on and tell all your fellow employees, friends, family, neighbors, you name it. Anyone, who is everyone, should stop on by pigging out on an all time American favorite.

Reviewed by Natalie Perez

The Independent

Nestled in the heart of St. Petersburg’s historic district, sits a cozy little Indie bar.  The Independent is the spot for a cold brew. Beer connoisseurs flock every weekend to the bar, considered to be downtown St. Petersburg’s Original World Class Beer Hall. Only the most unique beers and wines are served here, so don’t expect to find common, domesticated choices such as Budweiser and Coors Light.  At The Independent, you can sample the finest beers from all around the world.  Each beer comes in its own personalized glass, whether it be a traditional mug or something more like an elegant chalice.  While there, you’ll find yourself wondering what the guy sitting next to you is drinking.  My favorite brew choice at the bar comes in a glass covered in little pink elephants.  Delirium Tremens, a beer rumored to be brewed with Wormwood, is purported to possess hallucinogenic qualities for those who drink it.  Now, I have never seen any pink pachyderms flying around in the bar after a few swigs, but I’m sure that you may see that and a whole lot more after a couple Deliriums!  The brew is nearly 9% alcohol and is fairly potent.  It’s warm, golden taste is spicy, with a hint of coriander.  The Trappistes Rochefort 8 can also be found at The Independent.  This particular beer is the smallest and hardest to obtain of the Trappist Breweries.  Boasting a potent 9.2% alcohol content and a delicious taste, Trappistes Rochefort 8 is served in a chalice.  The Duvel is a foamy, but strong golden ale, making it another popular choice here. Acme is a must-try California beer.  Perfect for a hot summer day, this refreshing pale ale is clean and pleasantly malty.  Looking for something more unique?  Try a fruity lambic.  This is a type of Belgian beer where whole fruit has been added after spontaneous fermentation has started. Lambics are simply heavenly to taste, with the most popular choices being cherry, raspberry, peach and black currant.  You may want to try the Oud Beersel Gueze.  Gueze is the base lambic before being enhanced with fruit.

The Independent has a beer choice for everyone’s independent taste.  Whether you’re looking for a scrumptious wheat or a refreshing fruit based brew, you will find it offered here.  And if you can’t find the taste you’re looking for, or you’re overwhelmed with all the foreign beer names, simply ask The Independent’s informative and friendly bartenders.  Knowledgeable and patient when helping patrons, they are far superior in comparison with their bar tending colleagues.  No matter what beer you end up deciding upon, just remember this is the kind of alcohol you don’t just slug down, much like a keg party outside a UF frat house. Oh no, that’s considered disrespect to the beer at The Independent.  You sip; you savor; you appreciate.  And don’t expect to pay a measly $2.00 for a beer here.  Prices aren’t cheap, but you definitely pay for what you get in quality.  Yes, you may have to bring some extra cash in your wallet, but every beer here is first class in taste.

From outside The Independent’s doors, there isn’t much to look at, yet once inside its mysterious and dark presence entraps you. Aromatic candles flicker on every table, somehow mixing well with the heady scent of cigars and cloves.  There is a brick wall that makes up half of The Independent.  Colored lighting emanates through spaces in the brick giving the bar an ethereal and magical feel.  On the other side of the bar stretches a long booth complete with lots of soft pillows, giving it major coziness. Separate tables with candles are lined up in front of the booth seating, allowing for plenty of places to stack empty glassware.  Directly in the middle of the bar sits a long, wooden table with benches for each side.  It looks like it was taken from an authentic German Oktoberfest.  Funky cool music plays out over the speakers while you sample an Independent brew. Outdoor tables are also available and are perfect on a cool, crisp night under the stars.

The bar’s groovy vibe and its unusual beer selection is just part of the package.  The chic and artsy hipster crowd that gravitates to The Independent makes it the place to see and be seen in the downtown district.  Young men in straw fedoras and black rimmed glasses walk hand in hand with Bettie Page look-a-likes.  Vintage appeal is huge here.  Rockabilly rolled-up denim, winged tipped oxfords and inked up skin are abundant.  With all the interesting looking folk that walk through the bar’s doors, one may conjure questions such as, “What does he do for a living?” “Who is she?”  ”Are they famous?”  The Independent’s patrons can be just as dark and mysterious as its mood lighting.

It’s hard to imagine a place that’s so cool and fabulous could have anything remotely wrong with it.  The Independent isn’t perfect, but its flaws are few and minor.  Because this place is so amazing, it often fills up fast, making it difficult to find a seat, or to even find the bartenders for that matter.  In a sea of beautiful young urbanites, menus become scarce, ordering a beer can be a challenge, and as mentioned, seating is limited.  However, the wait for a cold, delicious brew is well worth it in the end.  And as far as the challenge of getting an indoor seat?  Just get to The Independent early.  Who knows, you may even be able to acquire a spot on the much coveted cozy booth seats.  Bathroom waits can be the only other downer, but that’s true of any other popular bar.  Bathrooms at The Independent are unisex, so while waiting in the co-ed line, you may just find romance or at least make a new friend.  I don’t mind the line because it’s the perfect place to hear drunken talk from complete strangers.

So, if you are looking for a great new hangout to meet friends and drink some brew, The Independent is the perfect choice.  It has gotten outstanding reviews from the media, including The New York Times.  You can’t go wrong with a place where you could easily try out a new beer each and every weekend.  The Independent is, by far, independent from the rest.

The Independent

29 3rd St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701

727-820-9514

drink@independentbeer.com or www.independentbeer.com

Nights to go:  Weekends, especially First Fridays

Credit cards accepted

Smoking is allowed

A St. Petersburg Gem: The Parkshore Grill

On the corner of Beach Drive N.E. and Third Avenue sits the stylish Parkshore Grill.  Opened in 2006, the hip, polished restaurant has proven to be a fine addition to the downtown St. Petersburg neighborhood.

The interior of the Parkshore Grill is decorated beautifully and artistically with rich mahogany wood and mosaic tiles.  There are even a couple of waterfalls behind the bar.  The restaurant’s atmosphere is fresh and contemporary, much like its cuisine.  If you would rather dine outside, the patio features plenty of umbrella covered tables.  This dining area offers a great view of Straub Park, which is located across the street or it can also serve as the ultimate people watching spot.

The menu of the Parkshore Grill is just as classy and modern as its decor.  There are plenty of mouthwatering plates to choose from.  The surf and turf selection is one of my personal favorites.  The filet mignon is perfectly cooked, velvety smooth to the taste. The lobster tail is drizzled in an unbelievable lemon caper butter sauce and is paired with hollandaise covered asparagus and buttermilk mashed potatoes.  There is also the grilled swordfish steak that is topped off with a delightful chili-lime pineapple vinaigrette.  If you’re not a seafood lover, then be sure to try the ever popular Beef Wellington, which is a filet mignon wrapped in a light, crusty pastry.  There is definitely no shortage of steak dishes available at the Parkshore Grill.  Choose from the filet mignon or the sirloin cut, and for a heartier serving try either the 14 oz. NY strip steak or the 16 oz. rib eye.  For additional meat choices there is also the 14 oz. pork chop which is offered with a delicious creole mustard and apricot chutney. You may consider the 14 oz. veal or the grilled rack of lamb.  For those who can’t decide, the Mixed Grill plate is the perfect option as it features the filet mignon, a lamb chop and a Berkshire pork belly.

The Parkshore Grill’s appetizers are amazingly and beautifully prepared.  My recommendation is the Seafood Bowl, which includes a delicious sampling of king crab, shrimp, oysters and mussels all served chilled over ice shavings.  The dish is paired with a refreshing citrus cocktail sauce, creole mustard and mignonette.  It’s a seafood lover’s dream come true!

There is no doubt that the Parkshore Grill’s food is impeccable, however, service can use some improvement.  On a recent night, it took awhile before we were noticed at our table and during the meal, our waiter did not remove used plates from table.  And although the food’s quality was first rate, the prices are slightly steep.  Most appetizers are priced in the double digit range and the entrees for dinner average around $25 and up.  The lunch menu is more casually priced and serves a great variety of savory salads, including a crab avocado salad.  Burgers and wraps can also be found on the lunch list.

On the weekend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the grill offers a brunch which includes favorites such as eggs benedict, cheese blintzes, omelettes, stuffed french toast, a smoked salmon plate, and an all time southern favorite, shrimp and grits.

The Parkshore Grill has a fine selection of wine, beer and martinis.  I would recommend the Metropolitan, a concoction of Pama pomegranate, Citron vodka and cranberry juice.  Drinking it is “oh, so Sex in the City.”  For an after dinner drink, try a liquored coffee or a port.

If a dessert is what you crave, The Parkshore Grill has a sinfully sweet array of goodies to choose from.  The Decadent Chocolate Bar and the Vanilla Bean Cream Brulee are my two top choices for soothing that aching sweet tooth.

There has never been a day or night where I haven’t seen a crowd at this restaurant.  The food is heavenly and the atmosphere is never short of amazing, making the Parkshore Grill a must try in downtown St. Petersburg.

The Parkshore Grill

300 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, FL 33701

727-896-WINE (9463) or 727-896-DINE (3463)

www.parkshoregrill.com

Open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Reservations strongly encouraged, especially for dinner

Children’s menu available upon request

Oh, How Sweet It Is

As a child, a cupcake was not just a treat, it was a necessity.  The rainbow sprinkled frosting was the sinfully sweet prelude to the spongy, succulent cake underneath.  Ah, I can still smell the delightful aroma that enveloped my mother’s kitchen.  Now, more than 25 years later, my cupcake cravings have yet to cease.

Thankfully, there is The Cupcake Spot.  This tiny bakery got its start in Tampa on South Dale Mabry Highway, but has become so popular with cupcake lovers like myself, that it has expanded to St. Petersburg.  I couldn’t wait to pamper my taste buds at the bakery’s new location on Central Avenue in the historic downtown district.  The bakery, quaint and charming, is snugly situated on the first floor of the old Snell Arcade building which dates back to 1926.  Inside there are a few small tables, but not much else.  The glass case stands proud, displaying rows of frosted splendor.  

For $2.75 you can try a cupcake of your choice.  A favorite at the bakery is the “Better Thans” cupcake.  A decadent chocolate chip cupcake dressed with a cream cheese and chocolate chip icing.  ”It just doesn’t get any better than that,” brags the bakery.  The “Chocolate Elvis” was named after “The King’s” two favorite tastes, banana and peanut butter.  This is a yummy banana cupcake frosted with a creamy peanut butter buttercream, then finished off with a drop of chocolate.  The “Lemon Pucker” is perfect for a hot, summery day.  Lemon cake covered with a blanket of vanilla or raspberry icing is sure to please.  The icing is creamy, light and perfectly swirled.  For the girl scout in you, the “S’mores” cupcake is a perfect choice and you don’t even need a campfire. “Berry Squared” is a real crowd pleasing cupcake.  The bakery uses their signature strawberry cake, frosted with raspberry cream cheese icing.  Nirvana for my palate!  The “Shirley Temple” reminds me of the cupcakes my mother used to bake.  Innocent vanilla cake topped with scrumptious chocolate icing.  Simple, sweet, nostalgic.  ”The Cuppy” is the bakery’s signature cupcake, named after their adorable, little mascot.  Cuppy is a smiling cupcake with legs and arms that sometimes even dances on the bakery’s website.  This cute dessert looks like he could’ve starred in the 1950s drive-in intermission classic, “Let’s All Go to the Lobby.”  The actual cupcake is made with the bakery’s popular strawberry cake, is frosted with real vanilla bean buttercream and then topped off with a sour cherry ball.  Oh, how sweet it is!

The Cupcake Spot also features a “flavor of the month” cupcake.  In addition, the bakery can arrange speciality orders for corporate events, bridal and baby showers, birthday parties, get-well wishes and for weddings.  Brides-to-be are choosing unique tiered cupcake arrangements instead of the more traditional wedding cake.

So next time your sweet tooth starts aching, take a trip over to The Cupcake Spot.  Walking into the bakery is like taking a trip back to childhood, except there is nothing bittersweet about it.

 

The Cupcake Spot Locations:

2401 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite B, Tampa, FL 33629    Phone:  813-258-3111

405 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701     Phone:  727-825-0572

 

Prices:

$2.75 for a single

$15.50 for a 1/2 dozen

$30.00 for a full dozen

 

For more details, please visit The Cupcake Spot’s website at www.thecupcakespotinc.com

Tijuana Flats – Lutz, FL

There has been a boom in Land O Lakes/Lutz Florida recently for Mexican cuisine.  In one year, two restaurants opened in the same intersection, same mall at the corner of SR 54 and Collier Parkway.  I love Mexican food so I decided to check out the newest Mexican restaurant to open, Tijuana Flats.

23100 State Road 54
Lutz, FL 33549

This restaurant took over the former Video Bar location, that has been vacant for almost 2 years now.  When I saw it was going to be a restaurant I was a bit surprised, I was wondering how it was going to fare, seeing how small the location was.  Upon the remodel and visiting this establishment I was quite surprised, it actually is larger than I thought.  Had probably 30 tables, and a salsa bar.

First Impression:

It was a cold night, I walked to the door with my wife and was immediately greeted.  The lady opened the door and gave me a menu, she said that any table open was mine to choose.  That was really nice.  The interior has a urban type mural painted across the back wall, there was a salsa bar that you can chose from, and a wait staff eagerly working the floor.

The Experience:

Its not your typical sit down restaurant.  You have to order at a counter similar to a fast food restaurant, except when your done you sit back down at your table.  When your food is done, they take your food out by a waiter(ress) and they call your name.  When you respond they come and bring your food to your table.  Kind of neat actually.  I was asked by just about every single person working the floor if I needed anything, honestly I never had better service.  The wait staff at Tijuana Flats must try every single entree, and sauce they offer.  This was great because they could give you a well rounded choice from experience.  

Cleanliness:

The place was extremely clean, which is to be expected since the place has only been open about three weeks.  But it looks like they try to keep the place looking its best at all times, something I hope doesn’t start to become lax as time goes on.

Food:

I tried the Beef Toastadas.  Bascially it had refried beans smothered on a big tortilla chip, topped with ground beef, tomatos and topped with melted cheese. It was like a big chip dip, with a Mexican twist.  It was very good and filling.  A dish I would recommend to anyone. 

Final Thoughts:

The wait staff was top-notch, the food was decent and at a decent price.  The cost of a plate was around 5 to 8.99.  The place was well kept and clean and it didn’t feel like your typical Mexican restaurant.  It was a dine-in experience with a fast food feel.  I would certainly recommend this establishment to anyone. 

Food:  3.5 out of 5
Date-ability: 2 out of 5
Price:  3 out of 5
Cleanliness: 4 out of 5 

OVER ALL    4 Stars 

1 Star (How Are You Still In Business)   3 Stars (Doing good, would recommend)   5 Stars (Speechless)