Loews Don CeSar is a captivating historical landmark nestled on the always enchanting St. Pete Beach. The atmosphere inside the pink palace is beyond compare. It's cinematic aura is underscored by the exquisite care the hotel puts into their bars, restaurants and lounge areas. The Rowe Bar upped the ante on the classic julep and redfined "beach bar" by bringing the craft cocktail edge of downtown St. Pete to the coast. Now, the much loved Sea Porch restaurant seeks to have a similar effect on brunch.
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The rising sun over the gulf, the cooling sea breeze and the aroma of fresh baked bread transfix the senses upon entering the Sea Porch. A proverbial totem pole of chicken rises above an illuminated carving station. A symphony of sizzling eggs accompany the always inviting sounds of champagne bottles popping.
Our meal started with a basket of thin Caribbean lavash bread dressed with a medley of spices, and ciabatta bread topped with parmesan and cheddar cheese. Champagne and orange juice are put off to the side for a DIY mimosa experience — we'll leave the portioning to you.
The carving station was a honey glazed delight. It offered a choice of roasted chicken, bone-in ham or prime rib. The bone-in ham combined the summery sting of pineapple with the fantastic embrace of salt. The prime rib's deep brown crust and pink center emitted a distinct dry-age fragrance we wish we could bottle.
The Cuban bread French toast brought filled us with a childlike sense of foodie wonder and the cheese blintzes with raspberry sauce offered a much desired sugar rush. The Greek yogurt parfaits, mixed with brown sugar, whipped cream and berries, were a light palette cleanser. The brunch finale was something out of the ordinary.
The dessert burger and fries, made with cupcake tops, green, yellow and red icing, a brownie for the patty and shortcake fries with raspberry sauce ketchup, were palm-sized sweet-tooth annihilators. It may have ruined us for all other desserts . . . and burgers for that matter.
If you want to enjoy brunch in an environment that stimulates conversation, in a setting that invites relaxation, in a place permeating history, we recommend you make it a point to brunch at the Sea Porch. Fill up at the restaurant and saunter down the coast to Pass-a-Grille after for a complete day trip. The Sea Porch is open for brunch Sundays from 11am to 3pm. Along with their made to order omlette and carving stations, they also offer a variety of traditional menu items for guests. Click HERE to reserve your spot at the next Sunday brunch.
Sea Porch at Loews Don CeSar, 3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach.
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