SPL LIVING
Ask The
Concierge
Ron MacDougall St. Pete seems to be growing by the week. It’s hard to keep up with what’s new, where to go, what to see. Between all the restaurants and bars, coffee shops and breweries, museums and galleries, festivals and markets, this town is filled with decisions. That’s why we started this column, Ask the Concierge, to help you with insider tips on places to go and things to do. Concierges are relied upon for their knowledge on all things fun, cool, unique and worthwhile in their geographic area. Each issue, we’ll ask a different concierge for insider tips geared to those who live, work and play in St. Pete. We start with Ron MacDougall, widely known as “Ron from the Don” for his time spent as lead concierge at the prestigious Pink Palace, The Don CeSar. He has since gone into business for himself with At Your Service, a personal concierge service. What are your top 3 requests from first-time visitors to our area? They want to know restaurants that locals patronize and the best museums. I highly recommend if time is limited to visit The Dali Museum, and after that spend time along Beach Drive and Central Avenue. Check out the murals, craft breweries, and local unique shops. Your recommendations for dining out? My personal favorite in downtown is
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the Parkshore Grill, along with Gratzzi, and Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro on the downtown marina. In Pass-A-Grille, I like The Brass Monkey with its direct view to the Gulf of Mexico. What beach hangouts/bars do you like to suggest? Jimmy B’s (in St. Pete Beach) has live music every night. Sea Hags and The Hurricane on the third level, with a 360 view of the Gulf and intracoastal, the Beachcomber (poolside) at the Don CeSar Hotel with music by Colt Clark every Friday and Saturday. What’s a fun cheap date? Many museums offer discounted admission after 5 pm on Thursday evenings. Suggest a night on the town. Check Imagine Museum for their monthly After Hours Jazz night. . Start with dinner on Beach Drive … there’s a great early-bird dinner and happy hour at 400 Beach or end with champagne, caviar, and a cheese plate at the Flute & Dram. What’s a great way to experience the area? So much to do aside from our great beaches, take The Jolley Trolley from Pass-A-Grille to Tarpon Springs and experience everything in between. Get a full day pass and a visit to John’s Pass is a must. Reach Ron MacDougall at atyourservice205@yahoo.com
Upcoming Events Sept. 12-14 St. Pete Fashion Week Opening night 7-10 pm celebrates the art of tattoo in “Ink Your Heart Out” at Raw Studios, 2338 Emerson Ave. S. Fashion’s Night Out, 6-9 pm on Friday at Mermosa Winery & Boutique, for industry professionals, sponsors and VIP guests. Main event runway show Saturday at the James Museum, 150 Central Ave., admission includes museum tours 7-9 pm, show at 9 pm. Tickets ($25-$60) and more information at www.stpeteartandfashionweek.com Oct. 19 Florida Orchestra Pops in the Park Bring the family and canned goods for Tampa Bay Harvest and enjoy this free concert under the stars at Vinoy Park. Baton rises at 7 pm. Oct. 20 Open Streets St. Pete - Grab a bike, skateboard, the kids and your pup and enjoy strolling the St. Pete waterfront sans vehicles from 11 am to 4 pm behind the Dali Museum at Albert Whitted Park. Enjoy live music, food and a host of local groups all supporting the concept of “open streets” through car-free living and bike lanes. Free. www.openstreetsstpete.wordpress.com Thursdays - Movies in the Park – Preserve the ‘Burg presents a month of free movies for the entire family every Thursday in October at North Straub Park. Bring some chairs or a blanket; food and drink vendors will be on hand and a secure bike corral. Music starts at 7 pm; movies start at dusk. www.preservetheburg.org Oct. 25-27 45th Annual International Folk Fair (SPIFFS) - Two stages at Vinoy Park featuring colorful music, dancing and performances from around the world, arts and crafts, a parade of nations, plus food and beer vendors. What’s not to like? Admission $6-$15, Friday evening concert featuring Betty Fox Band (representing the ‘Burg!) at 7 pm; go to Eventbrite.com for advance tickets. Nov. 2 Historic Kenwood BungalowFest - Popular home tour features nine homes that reflect the historic architecture, art and character of the upper west side of Kenwood. Walk or drive your own car. Tour hours 10 am-4 pm, tickets and starting point at Seminole Park (2901 3rd Ave N). Tickets $20 in advance/ $25 the day of the event. www. historickenwood.org/bungalowfest-2019/
