Known as "The Sunshine City" since it reportedly averages 360 days of sunshine every year, the weather in St. Petersburg, Florida couldn't be more different than that found in the Russian city for which it is named. The Florida town was co-founded by John C. Williams who bought the land, and Peter Demens, a Russian nobleman who named it after his birthplace. Demens then proceeded to bring the Orange Belt Railway to the city, and the railway allowed St. Petersburg to flourish into the grand city that Williams had envisioned. Today, residents and visitors alike enjoy the shopping, museums and outdoor activities, like golf at Mangrove Bay Golf Course and Twin Brooks Golf Course, St. Pete's two public courses. And for some historic flavor, people head to one of the Russian restaurants in the area.
Yummy Mama's Food
Located in the house of the first mayor of St. Petersburg, Yummy Mama's serves authentic Russian and European dishes. Everything is homemade from recipes that have passed down through many generations. Indulge in several appetizers like the Kharcho, a lamb and rice soup, or the classic Russian Herring served with boiled potatoes and onions. Dig into their stuffed pierogi and blintzes, filled with a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables. Before leaving, drop by their market and take home some smoked fish and Russian caviar.
Yummy Mama's Food
145 4th Ave. N.E.
St Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 388-1904
yummymamasrestaurant.com
St. Petersburg Nights Russian Restaurant
Opened by a Ukranian mother and daughter team, this restaurant serves as a gathering place for Russian immigrants. The beef stroganoff and the chicken kiev are popular, but if you're looking for a less Americanized dish order the beef tongue salad and the borsht, Ukrainian beef soup with beets and other vegetables served with a touch of sour cream. For an entrée, try the Moscow cutlet, a wild mushroom stuffed chop steak with a special glaze. Save room for some crepes with honey and sour cream, and try one of their imported Russian beers.
St. Petersburg Nights Russian Restaurant
6800 Sunset Way
St. Petersburg Beach, FL 33706
(727) 644-4839
stpetersburgnights.com
Red Square Deli
Take a short drive across the bay and you'll discover St. Peterburg's sister city of Tampa, often affectionately referred to together as Tampa-St. Pete. Here you'll find the small, family-owned Red Square Deli. The menu offers a variety of Russian soups and sandwiches, cold smoked fish and pierogies. Roe and sturgeon also are available, and don't leave without asking for some of their homemade bread.
Red Square Deli
4023 W. Waters Ave., Suite #12
Tampa, FL 33614
(813) 901-8588
About The Author
Denise is the managing editor of a national sports magazine and a freelance writer living in northern Indiana. She graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree, and her specialties include sports, animals and travel. Denise has been published both in print and online, and can be reached by email at irishys4u@yahoo.com.
