Beginning the New Year with members of LocalShops1

Wow, I didn't realize how long it has been since I last wrote about food. I have still been eating, just got a little lax on the posting. But, that has changed! I am back!!! Monday, January 3, 2011, I went to lunch with several members of Local Shops1. It was a great way to get back into the swing of things with several business owners talking about ways to help each other.

Several of us met at Postcard Inn on St. Pete Beach and took a walk on the beach before lunch. Postcard Inn is located at 6300 Gulf Boulevard. The Wildwood BBQ is inside the Postcard Inn. PCI looks like it would be a fun place to stay since there were a lot of things to do. The inside has a huge bookshelf filled with interesting books (I should have taken a picture), there is a Wi-Fi area with tables and chairs, a ping pong table, fire pit outside as well as a large pool and bar.

I look forward to going back there and spending more time at the Inn.

LocalShops1.com is the area’s largest network of local, independent businesses and independent-minded shoppers. They work with businesses, charities and other cool groups to come up with creative ways to make Tampa Bay an even cooler place.

The lunch party consisted of Ester Venouziou, LocalShops1; Kimberly Kindle, Pampered Chef; Tammy Sinishtaj, The Warren Backpack Program; Meg Warren, Business Consultant; Tanya Sharkey, Tanya Sharkey Photography; Michele Sanchez, It Works Body Makeover; Adria Bernstein, WittyWocks; Christy Bebeau, Unity Scents and me. The discussion was lively, animated as well as informative.

As always, it took me quite a while to decide what I wanted to order. I finally decided to have the pulled pork sandwich with onion straws, served with coleslaw and french fries.($8.95) I opted to go with the sweet potato fries. Some of the other choices around the table included the grilled chicken sandwich ($8.95) and the Wildwood Nachos ($7.95)

As always, I went to check out the restroom and it was huge! I thought it was 2; but it was only one. The restrooms were very clean.

Our server was very friendly, but she admitted that she was used to working nights and was not sure what was wrong with her. (It took us over 40 minutes to get our bills.) She did apologize, though. She did a great job keeping the waters and iced teas filled, although she did keep forgetting to bring Tanya things that she ordered.

I can't wait til the next LS1 lunch at Tangelo's in Gulfport. Check back to see where I head next!