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Cameron Healy
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille has opened a second home in St. Petersburg, but this time in the western part of the city. On opening day December 9th, I covered the new Jungle Terrace location.
Doc Ford is a fictional character who exists in the mind and mystery novels of novelist Randy Wayne White. Dr. Marion Ford is a marine biologist living on the west coast of Florida.
The restaurant brings to life the character’s beloved traits. As a marine biologist, Doc Ford has a deep love for saltwater, but he also enjoys baseball and history.
This Jungle Terrace faces Boca Ciega Bay. I went to the “first come, first serve” seats along the railing of the upper deck to get a good view of its waterfront view. I definitely suggest sitting anywhere facing the water. The sun felt so good as I sat and watched the boatmen drifting through the water.
This location also has patio seating where customers can still get a great view of the bay, but also allows them to not stray too far from the bar filled with flat screen TVs constantly playing sports channels . Except for the railing seats, hosts can seat customers inside and outside wherever they want. The place is absolutely ginormous.
There is even a dock for anyone traveling by boat to tie up. The pier is long and leads directly to the stairs of the restaurant’s upper deck.
I wanted to try anything Doc Ford special, so I ordered Doc Ford’s Hammerhead Wit, which was very light and citrusy. I also ordered Doc’s Beach Bread for an appetizer. Baked French bread topped with a variety of cheeses and diced tomatoes is hearty. I also ordered their tropical salad, which included fresh greens, grape tomatoes, mozzarella, mandarin oranges, sun-dried cherries, and pecans also tossed in their “secret” balsamic vinaigrette, and topped with some thin (but crispy) onion rings.
I’m not a big fan of seafood, but everyone around me has a grouper sandwich or shrimp as their main dish.
What’s cool about this restaurant is how it’s not only named after a character, but many of the dishes are based on the characters.
They have advertisements for their signature Yucatán shrimp on every table. The menu credits this signature dish to Doc Ford’s friend Tomlinson. The menu explains that “Tomlinson traveled to the Bay of Ascension, Quintana Roo, Mexico to fish for bonefish and returned with this wonderful recipe.”
The service was quick, the views were spectacular, and my food was delicious. The representation of the characters on the menu is a cool touch at this Floridian restaurant.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille 8790 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Pete, 11 am-10 pm, 727-290-9578, docfords.com
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