While staying in St Pete Beach we surveyed the local restaurants on
Urbanspoon and Tripadvisor that were near our hotel. One of the dining spots
that came up located across the street and a very short walk from us was
Patrick's Bayside
Grill. Most of the reviews were good, the menu looked tempting and they had
a decent wine list with good prices. We didn't make reservations but rather
just popped in after watching the sunset one night.
The restaurant only has about 15 tables inside and out. Since we didn't have
reservations, the host offered us an outside table or a small table for two in
the middle of the dining room very close to another table that was just sat. We
elected to dine indoors and take the small table even though most of the tables
were open. For the record, several larger tables remained available the entire
evening. They may want to rethink their seating strategy.
The service seemed to be teamed with one server being the main point of
contact.
Service was efficient and
friendly throughout the dinner.
Interestingly the wine is not kept in a temperature controlled area so
the server offered to put our bottle of Pinot on ice at the table.
We readily accepted the offer and realized
the staff has come up with a solution to work around a problem that they know
exists.
 |
| Sashimi Tuna |
Our table is a small round garden table – metal grid with a hole in the
middle for an umbrella – and is covered with a black table cloth with a candle
centered on it.
The appetizer and the
salad arrive on what is apparently Corelle.
Durable, good looking but really!?
Patrick’s is a confusing set of good, bad and unusual standards.
 |
| Steak Bruschetta |
Now for the best part - the food.
I
chose the Sashimi Tuna appetizer ($12.) that is seared in black and white
sesame seeds in a light teriyaki glaze.
Alongside
the tuna are seaweed salad, pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce.
The tuna was delicious and perfect.
My wife ordered the Steak Bruschetta ($12.)
offering pan seared tenderloin with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella over garlic
toasted bread slices.
This was a huge
appetizer that can easily be shared.
The
flavors were fantastic and the tenderloin was tender and delicious.
Caesar salads were offered with the entrée.
They are a small reasonable portion and tasted
fresh with a hint of anchovy and garlic showing through, perfect.
 |
| Crispy Duck |
Our entrées followed suit and were wonderful as well.
My wife decided on the Pollo con Salsicce
($17.); pan seared chicken breast and spicy sausage with fresh pasta in a
pesto-basil cream sauce.
Another big
portion that tasted very fresh and made you want to keep taking another bite.
We couldn’t finish so we both took leftovers
back to the hotel with us.
I selected
the Roasted Duck ($28) for which they say they are famous.
A half duck, partially boned and roasted
until crispy served with a choice of Orange Beurre Blanc or Thai-chili sauce,
pesto orzo and fresh grilled baby asparagus.
I went with the Thai-chili sauce which was probably out of a bottle.
That said the rest was amazing.
One of the best duck dishes that I’ve ever
tried and of course I loved the grilled baby asparagus!
 |
| Pollo con Salsicce |
We were too full to order dessert but since we were taking half of our entrées
to use for lunch the next day, my wife had the great idea to order one of
Patrick’s hot French boulé ($2.) that is baked in the restaurant to take with
us as well.
I’m not one to make a scene and I tried not to that night.
The restaurant is small and the tiny kitchen
very near us so when the Chef came out I stepped over and talked to him.
He has been in the industry for 30+ years and
at Patrick’s for nine years.
He works
with ownership to create the recipes.
I
thanked him for doing such a great job and for one of the best duck dishes I’ve
ever eaten.
Even with the good, bad and the unusual I recommend Patrick’s Bayside
Grill.
Make a reservation, have patience
with everything else and the food will be your big pay off!
Cheers!
Contact Information
(727) 363.4440
5007 Gulf Blvd.
St Pete Beach, FL 33706
patricksbaysidegrill.com
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