Try A Ruffles Cheesesteak In St. Pete

Julia Childs I am not. I'm more of a lesser-known Guy Fieri. Except I can't cook. But I'm pretty proud of my creation - Geno's Ruffles Cheesesteak.

There's a little bar near the radio station that I frequent for lunch after my show. Brewer's Tasting Room in St. Pete is mostly known for their selection of craft beers, but I usually have to be responsible because I usually head back to work after. So I get their craft orange cream soda from some brewery in Pennsylvania. There's also a root beer, cherry cola, grapde soda, and ginger ale. But the beer options are pretty spectacular. You can take a live look at today's list of breweries they've got on the menu on their website.

They partnered with the Cheesesteak Company some time back. I'm assuming that used to be a food truck and now they just have a spot within Brewer's Tasting Room. My thing to get their is their basic Signature Cheesesteak with cheddar fondue. You can get a little more creative - there's a buffalo style, a pizza-steak, or if you like it extra cheesy, there's a Quad Cheesesteak. But I keep it simple - the Signature comes with a bag of Ruffles chips. My magical culinary creation? Dump the bag inside the sandwich. Let the fondue crawl through those Ruffles ridges and enjoy that crunch when you bite into your cheesesteak. On some days they have regular plain Lay's chips - and I kind of like those better. But either way, the combo of the soft bread and crunch chips with that gooey fondue is pretty awesome. Have I wow'd you with my kitchen prowess?

I'm not even saying this is the best cheesesteak in Tampa Bay. It's not. Delco's in Dunedin will probably forever own that title. But Brewer's Tasting Room is an easy 5 minute drive away from the radio station so the next time you're coming over to pick up a prize, drop in if you're hungry. I haven't tried any of their apps yet but they have all the bar basics: quesadillas, wings, chicken tenders, and pretzels. The cheese fries are a great addition to your cheesesteak if you're super hungry.

Brewers Tasting Room is at 11270 4th Street North in St. Petersburg. They open for lunch at 11am and close at 11pm, except on Friday and Saturday when they stay open until midnight. If it's not too hot out, there's a patio and some outdoor seating. There are trivia and open mic nights too.

You feel it coming. That heat. The humidity. It's about that time of year where our lunch hours move back inside where the air conditioning keeps it in the 70s like mother nature (should have) intended. There are still a few weeks left before summer officially arrives in Florida so here are some spots to have a bite to eat in the fresh air, while it's still refreshing.

The dining highlight of the Redneck Riviera.  This one's not far from the radio station so you'll often find one of us you listen to on the radio kickin' back with a beer when we want to, well, get away. Honestly it's a bit overpriced for what you get food-wise, but the views and vibe make up for it.

It doesn't get much more Florida than Frenchies. Well known for their grouper sandwich, boiled shrimp, seafood gumbo, and plenty of adult beverages on days and nights when it gets sticky.

The food options honestly are just ok, but the views from the new St. Pete Pier made having to put up with all the whining people did for years on end.  The city did a fantastic job.  It's a destination.  Sure long-time locals probably still have their fond memories of the old design, but the new St. Pete Pier is a great place to chill out and have a bite to eat.  The better dining choices can be found downtown to be honest. However, if you want that view, you can't beat the St. Pete Pier.

Widow Fletchers may not win many culinary awards, but the vibe is super chill and it's a great place to watch a Pasco sunset.

We live here to have a drink at the beach.  So this is a must for the list.

Live music, great views... and lots of food choices - oysters, burgers, wings.

Try their fresh local smoked fish spread served with crackers and hot sauce.

Many of us still call it Channelside, but the many choices you have now at Sparkman Wharf really make it a great reason to leave early if you're going to an event at Amalie Arena.

OK I have to be totally honest... the views are nothing special here.  But the outdoor seating is helpful because this place fills up fast.  It's hands down my favorite pizza anywhere in Florida.  It's so good that the first time I had it, when I visited NYC the following week, I didn't even seek out any pizza.  You should ALWAYS eat pizza when you go to NYC.  But Cristino's is that good.  It's made several national lists for a reason.  The outdoor seating isn't terribly inspiring - it's not near the beach. But that's a good thing because it's tough enough to find parking anywhere in Clearwater.

Live music and great views with Sunday pool parties.

A listener tip from Mark Hoeller from St. Pete: "Island Grille is on a marina and there’s a pool there as well (but not sure if the restaurant patrons can use it). The blackened shrimp tacos and lobster mac and cheese are both awesome. Prices aren’t crazy, and both an inside and outside bar. Usually have great service as well."

A listener tip from Amy:  "Ozona Blue is by the marina & has a kinda chill vibe dur day & upscale at night. They even have a pool you can swim in during the day! Their main entrees are a little spendy ($23.90-$36.90), but I love their mahi & grouper tacos ($15.40 & $16.40, respectively)."