Lunch today was a no-brainer. I wanted chocolate and peanut butter, but didn’t think seven Reese’s peanut butter cups would be a very healthy option.
Thank goodness for Dark Chocolate Dreams!
I picked up a few mini packets of peanut butter in a variety of flavors before my trip to New York City to keep in my bag just in case I got an emergency peanut butter craving. Well, I forgot all of them at home, so I have a bunch of little peanut butter packets to use now! (Not complaining.)
Today I used a packet of Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter to make chocolate peanut butter and jelly for lunch!
Today’s sides were fruity!
Aren’t white nectarines cool? I always expect them to be yellow. Such little tricksters.
Things to Do in St. Pete
This weekend is the Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Pete Half Marathon! I’ve heard from a handful of you who will be visiting the area and am so excited you’ll be exploring my family’s hometown!
As you may know, my family and I moved to St. Pete from Palatine, Illinois in 2003. I went off to college in Orlando that fall, but every time I come home to my parents’ house, I love exploring St. Pete!
I don’t really feel like a St. Pete local, but fortunately my parents and sister are much more familiar with the city and I feel like I have a decent idea about some fun hot spots you guys might enjoy checking out while you’re in town based on places I’ve been throughout the years:
Restaurants
- Cassis: Cassis has something for everyone. Their food is fresh and high quality. Diners may eat outside which really adds to the ambiance of the restaurant since its location is smack-dab in the middle of downtown St. Pete.
(You may read a recap of my experience at Cassis here.)
- El Cap: If you venture out to El Cap, don’t expect a fancy, high-end restaurant, but do expect to eat an amazing burger. If I wouldn’t have felt like death after the Women’s Half Marathon in St. Pete, El Cap would’ve been my top choice for a post-race meal. It’s a hole-in-the-wall kind of place with delicious burgers and a very casual, laid back atmosphere. It’s also one of Ryan and my dad’s favorites, so bring the boys here!
(You may read a recap of my experience at El Cap here.)
- Bella Brava: A very popular Italian restaurant in downtown St. Pete, Bella Brava offers an array of Italian fare, including fantastic thin-crust pizza, doughy gnocchi, crisp salads and more.
(You may read a recap of my experience at Bella Brava here.)
- Sunday Brunch at the Vinoy: This brunch is not cheap, but if you’re in the mood to shell out some money for one heck of an awesome dining experience, definitely check out the Sunday brunch at the Vinoy. With everything from crab legs, prime rib and sushi to chocolate fondue and a gourmet dessert station, this brunch is unreal.
(You may read a recap of my experience at the Vinoy’s Sunday brunch here.)
- The Cupcake Spot: Creative and delicious cupcakes. The “Better Than…” cupcake is fantastic!
(You may read more about these delicious cupcakes here.)
Drinks
- Tryst: I actually went to Tryst with my entire family and Ryan for drinks after dinner downtown one night and we had a blast. The bartenders were really friendly and were all about letting us sample new beers and helped us find drinks they thought we’d enjoy.
- Outdoor Bar on the Vinoy Veranda: The veranda that spans the entire front of the Renaissance Vinoy hotel has a bar off to the right side that is very popular at night with locals and visitors. You can grab a drink and relax in their comfy chairs outside and be surrounded by a fun atmosphere and the excitement of St. Pete.
Activities
- Ft. DeSoto and St. Pete Beach
- The Dali Museum
- Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center (I love Chihuly’s work!)
- Many people also enjoy dolphin cruises, though I’ve never been on one and can’t speak personally about the experience
- Take a Jazzercise class with friends (No I’m not kidding. It’s so much fun and you might see my mom!)
- Stroll along The Pier (The shops and restaurants located at the end of the pier have seen better days, but it’s a beautiful walk to the end and back.)
If you’re from St. Pete or have ever been to the city, feel free to comment with “must try” restaurants or fun activities you’d recommend to those visiting the area. I know I’m always looking for new fun things to try and would love to read your suggestions, too!
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I did the Dali museum when I was there – I love the “small beach town” feel of the beach area and the history downtown!
i never see that brand of peanut butter anywhere and i’m dying to try some 🙁 hopefully i’ll find it soon so i can pack it w/me when i go on my honeymoon!!! 🙂
Erica, they sell the PB online. I love their PB and have been eating it for years! My favorite is the white chocolate wonderful.
Thanks!!! Gonna go order some!!!
Try out Spinnergy for some fabulous spin classes!
Ohhhhhh my gosh. That peanut butter looks like a dream come true. Thanks for linking it–I had never heard of it before, but apparently they sell it at my local grocery store! Guess what just made it onto my shopping list? Haha.
The Moon Under Water Restaurant on Beach Drive is fantastic! It is right by the finish area and post race concert.
my stomach is grumbling at the sight of those cupcakes! ahhhh
This is not exactly relevant, but I had to share a fun fact; my desktop publishing class was shown examples of magazine spreads today, one being Ocala Magazine! I was surprised and thought of you (I’m in Pittsburgh).
no way! i’ve been trying to get an “in” with them for some freelance projects. 🙂
Hang in there, you’ll get ’em Julie!!!!
Oh, dear. Julie, where did you find those PB packets? I need some, like, now.
walmart! 🙂
Done deal! Thank you!
OMG I love those cupcakes! Been there a few times with Leah!
My parents also live in St Pete area and i love visiting too! I recommend gelato at Paciugo gelato, and dinner at Fresco’s on the water which is right by the Vinoy. Btw it is called the veranda at the Vinoy (famously called that) not porch. I also like going to Indian Rocks Beach for the Salt Rock Grill.
Avoid the Pier it is pretty gross, (literally bird poop everywhere) and the stores and restaurant are not nice at all, really run down.
I also love going to Rays games and Ferg’s, a fun sports bar across from the field. Or go to Tampa and check out Ybor City (a neighborhood) which is great bars, restauraunts and nightlife.
just edited the post to call it the veranda. never knew that one!
Yup- I think veranda is a southern thing!
We’re having “better than” cupcakes at our wedding instead of wedding cake. 🙂 The picture makes me want to drive down to St. Pete and get one right now! Yum.
HOORAY! just another reason i’m so excited for your big day! 🙂
what kind of bagel do you usually buy?
I typically buy whatever is on sale, whether it be bakery bagels from Publix, Alternative Bagels or Thomas’ bagels. I just try to buy whole wheat bagels and am pretty easy to please. This morning’s bagel was a Thomas’ whole wheat bagel. This afternoon I used an Alternative Bagel. I have packs of both in my freezer from when they were buy one get one free.
i love the way you do your blog. and one of the things that i like is that you really really live a healthy life style. if you want to have sweets you have it and you don’t beat yourself over it, you eat your carbs and you don’t constantly talk about weigh and counting calories. every single day i read your blog, but i don’t really made a comment. i like the fact that you do everything in moderation. you are a truly role model of what healthy living is.
I cannot agree with you more Vanessa. It is so refreshing to come here and not read about weight issues, calories and how many k’s she has to run to do this and do that etc…Keep up the brilliant work Julie! I’ve been reading for nearly two years, and i’m still as interested in it as the first day i started reading. The only complaint is the lack of Sadie-with-caption-pictures! 😉
thank you both! 😀
I love that brand of peanut butter! I can only buy it at Whole Foods in my area though.
The company is based out of NYC – next time you go you should go to their shop/restaurant. They make awesome sandwiches.
I currently live in St. Pete (for about 3 more months) and will definitely be checking some of these places out. Thanks!
I don’t have any particular recommendations in mind, but I hear Tarpon Springs (a little north) is full of wonderful Greek restaurants.
Hey Julie – here’s a Florida question for you: my husband and I are doing an east coast road trip in late June/early July. We’re leaving from MA and heading down the coast hitting up a number of places (NYC, Philly, DC, OBX, Myrtle Beach, Savannah, Charleston, etc.). We’ll have a few days in FL (we’re spending one night on Sanibel Island to meet up with his sister and brother-in-law who will be vacationing there). Any other top spots/cities in FL? We were thinking Miami and Orlando as the other two spots. Do you, personally, think there are better (funner, nicer, etc.) cities to see while in the state?
no way! i’m going to sanibel next week!! if you’re spending time in sanibel, you’ll be fairly close to sarasota – st. armand’s circle is REALLY fun and pretty. siesta key is one of the most gorgeous beaches in sarasota and you’ll be close to that as well. i personally don’t LOVE miami (really expensive) but it definitely is gorgeous and a fun spot to visit. i think anywhere you go you’ll have a blast. orlando is really fun, but if you go, definitely visit winter park. it’s about 30 min. from the typical theme park area and (in my opinion) is way more fun that the touristy stuff. park avenue in winter park has delicious restaurants and cute shops!
Mmmm your lunch looks yummy! Mine didn’t do a great job of filling me up so now I’m salivating over yours! That spread kind of reminds me of nutella!
Ahhh! I’ll be there an running. As a Tampa resident I hardly ever go over the bridge. However for dinner Red Mesa is a must for authentic Mexican! Also for a sweet tooth yogurtology just opened there and it is amaze!
Can’t wait to try some of the places you suggest :)! We want to try a new lunch place before the expo on Saturday.
St. Pete has so much to offer restaurant wise – for Japanese, you must try Tsunami it’s over by the Tyrone Mall and they have the best Japanese and sushi I’ve ever had!
Red Mesa Cantina in downtown is amazing (not the same as the original Red Mesa on 4th Street). Go when the weather is nice and sit outside, it’s awesome.
What’s up St. Pete born and raised! If you like Thai food, definitely try Ratchada’s off of Central Ave. I also recommend Fresco’s for good seafood. If you’re around Saturday morning, we have a Saturday morning market next to Al Lang field that is fun to explore and get local goodies. Best beach nearby? St. Pete Beach! It’s ridiculously warm here for February so a beach day is a must.
oooh i’ll have to try that thai place and tell my family about it. they like siam garden and i’m sure they’d love to try a new place.
Ok. Great minds think alike I guess. Yesterday I ate your exact same Bkfst. B4 I read your post. And now today– the dark choc. Dreams and jelly!! Oh well:)
Best pb&J I have ever seen! I’ve never been to st. pete but all of these places look pretty fantastic!
Ahhhh you’re making me want a PB&J, and a bagel! Everyone seems to be eating bagels recently, I need to jump on this bandwagon!
Julie the burger from El cap looks deelish and i see in the background is a bottle of Newcastle brown ale which is made in my home town here in the UK. Made me laugh to see it in Florida as its our favourite place to holiday . love reading your blog!
aw, how cool!!
thats a helluva burger you got there!! btw, i LOVE dark chocolate dreams..i had to stop buying it bc literally i’d eat an entire jar in like, 3 days it was disgusting. its sooo good!
The chocolate pb…yum. I’d eat it straight out of the package! And the Cupcake Spot – dangerous hangout… lol.
You have to try Chattaways. They have amazing food, a great atmosphere AND vegetarian friendly!
Dark Chocolate Dreams is my favorite peanut butter ever! It’s so good. 🙂 St. Pete looks awesome! I’ve never been there.
My mother grew up in St. Pete, so we visit my cousins over there semi-frequently. Haslam’s bookstore is phenomenal. If you love reading, it’s a must-see.
I need those cupcakes this weekend! I can’t wait for the race! If anyone wants…. come see us at the blogger meet up on Saturday at 2pm at Cassis 🙂
how fun!! i wish i was gonna be in town!
I’ve never seen those little packets of PB Co goodies. I hope I find them in my grocery store soon. There’s no telling how fast I’d go through an entire jar of the stuff.
Chocolate and pb are always a win 😀
I live in clearwater and one of the times I went to St. Pete I stopped by Savory spice shop…they have alot of different spices obviously and they have a side just for baking! I was in heaven…it was really affordable so any cooks/bakers should check it out
I tried white nectarines after seeing them on your blog and my granddaughter & I are hooked. I am so jealous you are able to get them this time of year. There are only here seasonally and we still a couple more months to wait.
Mmm dark chocolate! That’s my favorite peanut butter brand!
I think it’s more than a little weird that every time I see crab legs at buffets I think of you, and I don’t know you at all. The picture of them above reminded me of that, and also made me want seafood right now!
LOVE it! 😀
That lunch looks awesome!! YUMMy dark choc.
My mouth watered throughout this entire post. NUM!
I just had a spoonful of dark chocolate dreams… yum!
chocolaty peanut butter!!
i’m honestly drooling over here.
When I vacationed at St. Pete Beach, we visited this wonderful ice cream shop called Larry’s. Huge portions and delicious waffle cones! We went there every single night 🙂
Love this post! I went to Eckerd, so I got to spend 4 years living in St. Pete:) well, mostly St. Pete beach I should say! Highly recommend the Sea porch cafe at the don Cesar hotel. It is excellent.
This is SO totally random, but my brother is a huge Salvador Dali fan, and I was searching online for a unique gift for him a few years ago. I ended up ordering a set of Dali playing cards directly from the museum–I am just now making the connection that it is where you are from.
I still get their weekly emails about upcoming events–too bad I live in Maryland!
i went to bella brava when i went to florida.. it was amazing.. and we went to the Dali Museum. we kind of went on a whim and went to different hotels.. we stayed at a pretty cool but very basic hotel near all the restaurants i love it there…! so jealous.. i wish i could go there every weekend!
My ultimate, favorite restaurant ever in St. Pete is Cafe Alma (http://www.cafealma.com). The food is amazing! I also agree with other comments Red Mesa (downtown St. Pete) has amazing upscale Mexican food. Ceviche is also a great restaurant (the Sangria is amazing)! My boyfriend and I did a Segway tour through downtown St. Pete and had a blast. I found a great deal on Groupon, but I definitely think it’s worth paying full price for!
Now I’m wishing that I was running the race in St. Pete! It looks like a fun city 🙂
And your breakfast this morning looks like you’re getting ready for Valentine’s Day!
I almost bought that chocolate PB the other day! I think I may have to actually get it…
Oh geesh, they have single serve packets of Dark Chocolate Dreams? Sign me up!
Man some chocolate + peanut butter sounds pretty freaking good right about now…
I had no idea you were from Palatine!! My sister lives there and I live in the middle of Illinois! I knew I liked you!!
how neat!! woohoo!