Cafe Ponte

Café Ponte is inconspicuously nestled in a Business Park location, but once you are in, it transforms into an upscale feeling of bistro extraordinaire. We found Pontes by chance one night while perusing the St. Pete Times sometime back in 2003, realized it was in our backyard so to speak, and couldn’t wait to try it out.

From the moment you arrive, you are escorted to your finely decorated table and introduced to your wait staff. Believe it when I say you are in good hands from there. If you have a passion for wines, ask for Dominic. If you are interested in trying a new wine paired to your entree, ask for Dominic. Their wine vault is well stocked, and there is something for everyone’s taste and price. There is nothing better than a special night, close companions, and an extraordinary bottle of wine. Some of our best memories are made of these.

Whether for business dinners or “anytime” occasions, Cafe Ponte has an eclectic and ever changing menu selection. I love the latter as we are loyal patrons, and nothing keeps me happier than new dishes such as their seasonal Stone Crab special. Known as American fusion (with French, Asian, and Italian influences), chef Christopher Ponte will delight even the most discerning palates. The sauces and locally grown micro vegetables are displayed with pride, making each entree its own artistic landscape of colors and tastes.

My absolute favorite, whether by the bowl or demitasse cup, is the creamy wild mushrooms soup, sprinkled with black trumpet dust, chunks of shiitake, and that unique flavor of Italian truffles. The seared ahi tuna appetizer was so good; I’ve ordered the entree version as well. We’ve been back for their steaks, Chilean sea bass, diver scallops (to die for), and even other holiday specials. Do you know Pontes has a mother’s day brunch? Try the blood orange mimosas!

Desserts could almost be another blog, but just know they are worth pacing your evening for. Ed loves the Upside down Chocolate Soufflé and Tahitian Vanilla Bean ice cream or the Ice-cream Plate - Burnt Carmel, Tahitian Vanilla Bean, and Peanut Butter Chip, served with cookies while I go for the Chef’s Crisp of the Day - Seasonal fruit with crispy topping (no ice-cream for me). Finish with a great cup of Cappuccino…need I say more?

In fact, the wine tastings at the end of each month should be on your calendars. The international cheeses, fruits, and assorted breads makes a great start to any Friday night, then add a few freshly cooked buffet combinations (pastas, pizza, plus…), and enough tickets to taste a serious selection of reds and whites. I missed out on last month’s Wine Tasting where one of the bottles introduced was a sparkling Shiraz…not to worry; we bought out Dominic’s last three bottles for our Chocolate Party in November! Next on my calendar will be the Taste of the NFL; check out Café Ponte’s scheduled events on their website: http://www.cafeponte.com/CafePontes/index.html and add them to your Facebook for updates as well.