If you look at the top right of this blog, you’ll see I’ve laid out a schedule of the features I intend to write about as this blog progresses. I want SaintPetersburg 2.0 to be about something more than Saint Petersburg elections or Florida politics so that when a reader comes here for analysis and insight, maybe they’ll read about another topic they find interesting — and our communal bond will grow all the more.
One of my passions is the restaurant industry, particularly great food and wine. My father was a chef, my brother is a great cook and my mother’s food beats them both. I grew up in a family of cooks basically (hence, my, um, stocky waistline). I myself have spent considerable time in the restaurant business. The last year in New York was partially dedicated to exposing myself to that city’s great food and wine — and learning how to cook and serve it. I had the opportunity to work at two NY Times three-star restaurants, to work at one of the highest Zagat-rated restaurants on Long Island, one of the hottest spots in the Hamptons, in addition to taking a wine captain’s course and several culinary classes, all the while eating at the best restaurants this side of Lyon.
Because of this passion, I’ll be writing a lot here — and on other blogs — about food, wine and the restaurant business. Unfortunately, Florida is not the epicenter of the epicureal world, but there are some standout points, such as the incredibly fresh seafood or the influence of Carribean and Hispanic cultures. I’ll even be conducting my own restaurant reviews, especially since there are few credible reviewers for this region.
So the next time you drop by this blog to talk about who’s running for what office, maybe you can tell me about the last great restaurant you ate at or the best piece of cheese you bought at Mazzaro’s? After all, as Chef Alice Waters wrote, eating is a political act.
