Belleair Grill and Wine Bar is a world class restaurant in our midst. Hurry and enjoy this Clearwater gem!

About a year ago Belleair Grill and Wine Bar won BEST ENTREE @ The Taste of Clearwater and was most recently recognized by “Wine Enthusiast” Magazine’s award of distinction.

The owner, Mark Merone, who decided (lucky for us) to transform what was The Peppermill utilizing fine dining expertise with his Mediterranean style new American menu.

The space is handsome with an intimate bar lounge area on the left (I wish it was larger) and anchoring the main dining room with a large gas fireplace. Off to one side is a separate dining room that can be used for private functions.

I’m a happy chef food critic, bon vivant and I can honestly tell you that the various food items I tasted were outstanding!

Take the Potato Wrapped Goat Cheese appetizer with basil and dried tomatoes @ $6.50. My friend now craves the taste.

Another dish of Shrimp Stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach an unusual combination that works well wrapped in philo dough with a touch of saffron @ $6 the plate.

These are examples of the several outstanding appetizers which are ideal to enjoy in the lounge with a glass of wine or a cocktail. And with the economy in “damage control", Belleair Grill and Wine Bar offers first courses in half or full orders.

My favorite, Veal Ravioli with Porcini Mushrooms in Marsala Sauce, is a symphony of plump home-made ravioli with an intense Marsala sauce.

The seafood is chock full of clams, shrimp, scallops and mussels all of which work well with the creamy risotto base and a great value @ $7.00 half portion or $13.50 full portion.

Don’t miss the Wild Mushroom and Duck Risotto with white truffle oil, Parmesan cheese @ $5.00 half portion or $9.50 full portion. The flavors were intense and reminded me of a dish I recently savored in Paris at a small café, to the accompaniment of the lights of Christmas blinking outside on the Champs Elysees.

The main course of Pacific Halibut was splendid with the dusting of porcinis and an infusion of lemon basil oil, served with sautéed spinach and touches of cucumber, dried tomato @ $15.50 the plate.

The delicate grilled Wild Salmon I tasted had an unusual orange-fennel glaze which worked well served with French lentils @ $17.00 the plate.

One of my dining companions ordered the Pork Osso Buco which was braised, and a smash of red onion marmalade over celery root mash @ $13.00 the plate, and I wound up eating half of it. It was totally delicious. I also devoured my 6 oz. Filet Mignon topped with Gorgonzola, and white truffle Parmesan potato, which was cooked to perfection and loaded with that great Angus beef taste @ $20.50 a plate.

I alleviate any misapprehension of portion size leaving you hungry – far from it; this consumer friendly menu serves up a sensible portion, priced right and your TABLE IS WAITING.

email: lovechef@thelovechef.com