The Tap Room and much more at the Hollander Hotel in St. Petersburg

It's times like these, when I find a fabulous establishment, that I wish I could just pack up and move closer to that place! Recently, Downtown St. Petersburg became one of the places that I want to live just because of the Hollander Hotel!

I had an appointment for a facial and a pedicure at the Rande James Spa.  The Spa is a member of LocalShops1.com and I wanted to see the facility and check out their services. First, let me say that the Far East Pedicure is the most fabulous thing I have ever done for my feet! Your legs are immersed in a steam bath, not dirty water! If you have not experienced this, you must call and schedule an appointment. (727-498-8811)

I arrived at my appointment a few minutes early, so I decided to walk around the Hollander.  I was greeted at the entrance to BrewD'Licious, by Brigitte. It was wonderful to see such a pleasant face as the aroma of fresh coffee wafter through the air. I had to try a cup. BrewD'Licious is also a Localshops1 member and they offer $1 off anything, which means a small coffee is free and a large is just 50 cents.  (727 741-2249)

After my pedicure and facial (which is also discounted 10% to Localshops1 cardholders), I perused the Spa to see what other services are available. Rande James organic makeup line is fabulous. The Rande James lip glosses are all infused with vitamins A, C, E and keratin. The natural soaps are available in scents like Pink Martini, Jasmine and Waves. The Soy Brite candles are made locally and have a scent specially designed for Rande James. Rande James also does makeovers with naturally formulated organic mineral makeup. 

 I decided to stay at the Tap Room and have some lunch.  It was Tuesday, so craft beers were only $3 (all day). I made a couple calls and had some friends join me for lunch.  Everything looked delicious and our server was very friendly.(727-202-6886)

I was having a hard time deciding, because I really wanted to try the stuffed meaty ball. This is a one pound mozzarella cheese stuffed meatball served on house baked focaccia bread ($8.50); but I was making meatballs for dinner so I figured I would try this on my next visit. 

We decided to just try several different menu items. This is the Cuban quesadilla. ham. mojo, roasted pork, swiss cheese and pickles drizzled with a creamy mustard sauce. ($7.50)
 

We also ordered the grilled chicken sandwich ($7.50),margherita pizza {gluten free crust} ($7.50), soup of the day ($5.00), tomato and fresh mozzarella ($7.50), a hummus wrap ($7.50) andgarlic and herb parmesan chicken wings ($8.50).

The list of appetizers also includes jalapeno wontons ($7.50), bacon wrapped mac and cheese ($7.50) and 4 different types of sliders ($8.50).

If you are in the mood for pulled pork, the gentleman at the next table ordered the mojo pulled pork sandwich ($8.50) and said it was quite tasty! Other sandwich items include a grouper sandwich ($10) and a turkey club ($7.50) as well as numerous pizzas and salads.

I was extremely happy when I ordered my beer to see a LOCAL glass!

The Tap Room at the Hollander also offers a 10% discount on food purchase with your Localshops1 card. (Enter code TBAD for free shipping on your card!)

The Hollander Hotel was built in 1933 and fully renocated in 2012.  The Hollander Hotel, BrewD'Licious and the Rande James Spa are located at 421 - 4th Avenue North. 

Stop by and tell them you saw it here on Tampa Bay Afternoon Delight!

Good Cookin' at Pam's Country Restaurant

On my way from Seminole to Spring Hill today, I decided to patronize one of Localshop1.com's newest members, Pam's Country Restaurant, located at 6602 Ridge Road in Port Richey. We traveled a little over 1/2 mile off US Highway 19 and I was so glad that we did!  (I know, it sounds like we went 50 miles out of our way) I would have loved to have eaten outside, but it was just too cold to do that. Oh well, maybe next time!

I was delighted to see so many different things on the menu and I was having a little bit of a difficult time trying to figure out what to order. I finally got it down to two and my server (I wish I could remember his name) said to get the Greek wrap. It was gyro, feta, lettuce, tzaziki on a Mediteranean wrap ($7.95) served with either coleslaw or potato salad.  My other choice would have been the steak wrap.

 My husband ordered somekind of omelette. I usually have a notepad with me to take notes, or at least grab a togo menu, but today I did neither! The omelette was served with home fries and toast. ($5.95)

One of the daily specials was potato pancakes. He didn't want the whole breakfast, but we wanted an order just to try them.  They were served with either sour cream or applesauce. ($3.95)

I am sorry that I forgot our server's name. He was very attentive without being overbearing.

Also, I used my Localshop1.com discount card and saved 1/2 off of my second entree. That was awesome! To get your card, click here! Enter Code TBADelight to save $5.00 off any $20.00 purchase.  This card saves you money at all sorts of LOCAL, independent businesses! 

Check back tomorrow to see more local, independent restaurants that you may have driven by hundreds of times!