When considering dining options in downtown St. Pete, one of the spots that rarely crossed my mind was the Vinoy Renasissance. The posh, historic hotel, resort, and golf club was a place that always felt too much like a weekend destination to be a considered a casual dinning spot.
But I was wrong.
The Renaissance Marriott property may be a well-known gleaming gem along downtown’s waterfront, but it’s elite appearance doesn’t make it exclusive. It’s open and inviting for members, guests, and walk-ins alike.
Four of its restaurants are open to the public. The more upscale options are still casual enough to be inviting. Both Alfrescos and Merchand’s Bar and Grill serve American-style cuisine in upscale yet warm and unique atmospheres. (More about Marchand’s later.)
The Veranda Cafe coffee house and the Lobby Bar Veranda and Patio are great options for the spontaneous stop off at the Vinoy. While the inside of the hotel is amazing (the beautiful modern renovations that highlight the historic integrity of the interior are definitely worth experiencing), you don’t have to make it through the doors to enjoy what the hotel has to offer. Dining and drinking on the veranda is a great way to get a taste of the Vinoy while indulging in a little bay breeze.
But if you want to experience the full flavor of The Vinoy Renaissance, you have to make a visit to Marchand’s Bar and Grill.
Marchand’s Bar and Grill
I was lucky enough to experience the restaurant for myself during a tasting of their new Farm to Table menu.
Farm to table is a big element of the cuisine at Marcharnd’s. Their chefs and culinary teams work closely with dozens of farms in the area to bring the freshest meats, fish, and produce possible to the table.
Menus constantly rotate to accommodate the seasons of the area’s local food market, but one thing will remain the same — quality food done right. Here is a look at the menu items I was lucky enough to experience.
1st Course – Florida Avocado
Crisp Prosciutto, Pickled Radish, Duck Egg, Rocket Greens, Buttermilk Dressing
Chardonnay – Hahn SLH Estate, California
2nd Course – Spiny Lobster Cake (Carlo Eats’ Favorite Course)
Celery Seed, Chipolte-Lemon Grass Remoulade
Sauvignon Blanc – Starmont, California
3rd Course – Braised Veal Cheeks (Dive In’s Favorite Course!!)
Cabernet Linguini, Escarole, Bronzed Sweet Onion, Pecorino
Malbec – Trivento Amado Sur, Mendoza Argentina
4th Course – Lake Meadow’s Game Hen
Orange-Honey Crust, Charred Cabbage, Saison Beignet
Jai Alai IPA – Cigar City Brewing, Tampa
5th Course – Fried Flounder
Corn Spoon Break Andouille Stuffed Peppers, Jalapeno Butter
Key West Sunset Ale – Florida Brewing, Melbourne
Dessert
Plant City Strawberry Cannoli & Banana Cream Pie
Prosecco – Mionetto, Italy
1925 Fall Classic Dining
Don’t worry if you can’t open your wallet wide enough to splurge on these fancy food items (entrees range from $22-38) — although it would be totally worth it. To honor the year that it opened, Marchand’s offers an extremely affordable three course menu for $19.25 Sunday through Thursday (5:00 PM – 6:30 PM). So you can taste the experience of a Vinoy meal (starter, entree and dessert) at a price you can manage.
Along with fine dining menu items, Marchand’s also offers plates for all meals of the day. With separate menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, sushi, and dessert, it’s a great place for the day’s first or final bite.
So don’t overlook the Vinoy as simply a beautiful backdrop to St. Pete’s waterfront. Stop by to taste, savor, and explore St. Pete’s most visible hidden gem.
Vinoy Renaissance Details
Located at 501 5th Avenue NE St. Petersburg Florida 33701 USA. For more information find the Vinoy on Marriott.com.
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