What started as a return trip home turned into another unexpected week in sunny St. Pete. With Chicago plans delayed, I leaned into coastal life with a mix of home-cooked meals, market runs, local favorites, and a smooth landing back home by the weekend.
Mazzaro’s Reloaded: Shopping, Snacking, and Dinner Inspiration
Monday kicked off with a return trip to Mazzaro’s Italian Market, my go-to for everything from cold cuts to wine. I picked up a market pack of Prosciutto, Capicola, and Salami, along with their house-made mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes, and a fresh panino loaf.
For dinner, I grilled chicken and topped it with pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella, served with roasted vegetables and fingerling potatoes. The highlight? A bottle of Il Bruciato Bolgheri 2023—a bold, smooth Tuscan red that made the whole meal sing.
Il Bruciato Bolgheri 2023 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taco Tuesday (Sort Of)
Tuesday was another home-cooked success. I went with a simple and satisfying chicken fajita plate—sautéed red and green peppers, onions, and chicken strips, paired with sweet potato chips, refried beans, and gluten-free nacho chips. Lunch the next day was leftovers… and I didn’t mind one bit.
Colony Redux
Midweek, I found myself craving something familiar. So I returned to Colony Pizza in St. Pete on Thursday. The sausage and peppers pizza hit the spot again. Nothing fancy—just consistent, flavorful, and comforting.
Back Home, Quick Bite
On Friday, I flew home and headed straight to Cover Two for a bite. The Fish & Chips were crisp and well-seasoned, and I paired them with a cold Kent Falls Superscript IPA—a solid welcome-home combo that reminded me why simple pub food still delivers.
Cover Two Sports Cafe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kent Falls Brewing Company ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Slowing Down the Weekend
Saturday and Sunday were low-key, giving me a break from eating out and a chance to regroup after a week of bouncing between plans. Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that don’t require a restaurant—just some breathing room and a little inspiration for the week ahead.