Was The Second Visit A Redemption, Or A Further Forfeiture Of Customer Service
Holmes Beach, Florida
Cuisine Style: Irish
Average Price: $$
Overall Rating: 2/5
Dined: May 2019
By Sean Overpeck (CFE)
**A full article and index glossary of restaurants, wines, recipes and travel for
Wine Dine and Play are in the pages section above, or by following these links:
Freckled Fin Zomato rating:
My wife and I crossed the bridge once more, back to the island that is becoming our favorite “stay-cation” spot within an hour drive from our home in St. Petersburg. Anna Maria Island has it all from beaches, shopping, relaxation, and good food. 6 months ago we came with friends and stopped into the Freckled Fin Irish Pub for some drinks and a few bites to eat. It was very crowded with nearly every booth full and the bar packed out. As my wife and I walked in this time there were a few people at the bar and maybe one or two booths occupied, plus the back area where the live band's play was empty. My wife had a Patron Silver cocktail to start while I had a draft of Darwin Summadayze from the Darwin Brewing Company based out of Bradenton, Florida a few miles away. The beer is an American IPA style and according to the beer makers’ notes it is hopped with a mix of Nugget, Cascade, Columbus, and Zeus with notes of pineapple and grapefruit, the hops shine throughout while the beer maintains balance. Characteristics include subtle malt flavor, crisp dryness, and a white foam head. Designed for daily drinking in Florida, because as natives know, every day is a Summa-day. This was a big change-over from the last visit where I had a red Irish beer from Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale from the makers of Guinness.
Freckled Fin Menu:
- Soup and Salad
- Appetizers
- Sandwiches
- Entrees
- Sides
- Desserts
On the first visit, we all shared the ‘shepherd's tatties’ dish, which was a potato skin filled with the traditional ingredients of a shepherds pie, then topped with beer cheese, sour cream, and green onion. My wife and I had this once more. The typical shepherd’s pie has cooked lamb, peas, carrots, and Worcestershire. The dish was presented in four pieces from two sliced potatoes, presented in a newspaper just like a classic English fish and chips is served. The only difference between both visits was a red cabbage garnish with our order this time. You had the taste of the potato, plus the sweet textures from the Worcestershire and lamb, plus a stronger cheese from the infusion of the beer. It is a nice appetizer with the same quality from last time.
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| Freckled Fin / Shepherd Tatties |
From the last visit, we had the St. Patrick's Pie with sliced potatoes, bacon, Irish cheddar, mozzarella, green onion, and arugula. We thought about having that once again, but that would make for a boring second article and review, so we went a little healthier chèvre goat cheese and beet salad with arugula rocket lettuce, shaved beets dried cherries, sunflower seeds, and a house balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The arugula is a very tart green and requires a sweet dressing to balance it, and the balsamic they served did hit the spot along with a slight acid flavor from the vinegar, but the salt flavors in the goat cheese really brought it all together for a very enjoyable salad.
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| Freckled Fin / Chevre Beet Salad |
From this second visit, we were hoping that the customer service would have improved. When we were last here our friends had to leave the table going up to the bar to order drinks and we constantly looked around for our server. With it being between meals I thought that service would not be an issue and the score would rate higher because of it. Sad to say that it got worse. The bartender may have been reaching the end of the shift or there may have been a changeover, but we were ignored at first, then rushed, plus she was an order taker versus a server. As a result of this, the customer service section of the overall restaurant rating goes down. Last time it rated as a 4 out of 9, shamefully it will be even lower this time. (See the ratings and observations sections below for score breakdown and review ratings). It will not stop us from possibly coming back as we enjoy the atmosphere, and it has become the spot that we finish off our day at when visiting Anna Maria Island as we rent a golf cart from the Fun and More Rentals business next door, making it a convenient stop. We just won’t expect grand or even basic service when we go. If we do, then I will write a third review and label it as redemption.
Dessert:
We did not have dessert during this visit, but some items of interest on the menu include buzzed bread pudding and a chocolate-covered key lime pop.
Please see these guidelines for Tipping in Restaurants and on following proper etiquette, customs, cultures, and avoiding assumptions when you dine out.
Other noteworthy Irish restaurant articles and restaurants similar to Freckled Fin:
Irish cuisine is the style of cooking that originated from Ireland or was developed by the Irish people. It has evolved from centuries of social and political change, and the mixing of the different cultures in Ireland, predominantly the English and Irish. Lamb, pork, potatoes, and cabbage are highlighted in many dishes.
Gilroy’s Bistro serving Irish cuisine at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland (RENAMED 1837 BAR AND BRASSERIE)
Irish Flag Vegetable Medley A recipe for St. Patrick’s Day, Irish patriotism, or any time of the year
L’Ecrivain Seasonal Irish ingredients with full modern French gastronomic dining in Dublin, Ireland
O'Brien's Irish Pub Convivial sports bar with Irish pub grub in Brandon, Florida
O’Maddy’s Bar and Grille Waterfront American eats and drinks in Gulfport, Florida
Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud Impeccably prepared French and Irish fine dining in Dublin, Ireland
See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary”
Other Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island restaurants and articles on Wine Dine and Play:
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A Chef driven Beach-style Bistro
Holmes Beach, Florida, USA
|
A family-owned sushi house
City of Anna Maria, Florida, USA
|
Southern-Style Seafood at the Waterline Resort
Holmes Beach, Florida, USA
|
A Few Florida Favorites:
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Casual Greek and Mediterranean Dining
Brandon, Florida USA
|
Vibrant spot for classic Spanish dishes & tapas
Carrollwood, Florida USA
|
Music, food, and wine near pier 60
Clearwater Beach, Florida USA
|
See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary by country”
Final notes, review basics, observations, and more pictures:
Most reviews are subjective, depending on the writer; but they should also be responsible, and respectfully written, upholding the truth, and accurately conveying the experience to the best of the writer's knowledge, even if it includes metaphors the restaurant may not like to read about. My ratings are by the stars I award (from 0 to 5). The rating is calculated on a point accumulation of six separate factors based on individual experience. They include wine and other beverage selections, plate presentation, customer service, restaurant or café ambiance, food quality, and wow factor. To see more details of this rating list, read this article:
Overall from this experience, and the score factors outlined in the ‘about page’ section, based on my individual experience and rating, I give Freckled Fin a 2 out of 5 stars, meaning that they were far above the average dining experience of most restaurants. The first review score was 3 of 5 stars, so they have dropped a rating from my last visit, by the customer service is worse instead of better.
Scores are detailed in the factor chart below:
Formula Factor Conclusions and Overall Ratings for Freckled Fin
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Max Points Possible:
|
Total Points Awarded:
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Total Points deducted:
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Ambiance
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11
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11
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0
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Food quality
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10
|
7
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2
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Plate presentation
|
9
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8
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1
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Customer service
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9
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3
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5
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Alcohol and other beverages
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10
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7
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3
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Total regular points awarded
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49
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36
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11
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Total percentage — less the Bonus
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0.73469387755102
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“Wow” factor BONUS
|
5
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0
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0
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Total bonus percentage
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0
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Total percentage and bonus for a final star rating
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0.73469387755102
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Stars Awarded (see chart below)
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0 - 5
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2
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**A full break down and explanation of the observations and point disbursement is available in the linked article above. To receive a detailed copy of your score, feel free to contact me at any time and I will provide it to you.**
***
Overall Star Rating:
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2 of 5 Stars:
73% Rating with a 0 point “wow” bonus
An Above Average Dining Experience
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Wine List:
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Freckled Fin Wine rating:
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3 of 10
Old World selections:
Italy
New World selections:
Argentina, Australia, California
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Corkage fees:
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Freckled Fin does not list any corkage fee’s however, most American restaurants charge $25.00 per bottle
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Restaurant-style:
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Casual dining
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Cuisine Style at Freckled Fin:
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Irish
Allergen or dietary accommodations:
Low Carb Choices, Pescatarian, Vegetarian Options
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Reservations:
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Not Required
Walk-Ins:
Accepted, but not guaranteed
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Dress code:
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Casual attire
It’s Florida, everybody wear’s flip-flops!
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Child policy:
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The Restaurants reviewed on this site may have a kids menu or cater to them; however, for full enjoyment of food and wine, it is recommended that kids not to be in attendance, unless they have been trained in proper etiquette.
If not then:
Hire a Babysitter!
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Freckled Fin Experiences:
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A place for foodies, Great bar, Great outdoor dining, Hole-in-the-wall, and a Neighborhood Gem.
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Payments:
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Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
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Parking:
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Freckled Fin has a public lot and street meter parking
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Wifi
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The restaurants reviewed on this site may have Wi-Fi, but do not require you to go online, because the excitement of the food and wine alone will keep you too entertained instead of checking your social media and emails.
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Noise level:
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Medium
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Smoking:
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Freckled Fin is a non-smoking restaurant with a non-smoking patio
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Patio or terrace:
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Yes
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Food Prices
(excludes, alcohol, taxes & 20% gratuity’s)
$£€¥ - Under 50.00 (inexpensive)
$£€¥ x 2 - 51.00- 99.00 (moderate)
$£€¥ x 3 - Over 100.00 (pricey)
$£€¥ x 4 - Over 200.00 (expensive)
$£€¥ x 5 - Over 400.00 (very expensive)
**Currencies reflect the world’s major travelers, restaurant, or wine connoisseur’s**
Currency:
|
Price
|
United States Dollar (USD)
|
$
|
Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
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£
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Canadian Dollar (CAN)
|
$
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Chinese Yuan (CNY)
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¥¥¥
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European Union (EUR)
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€
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Alcohol prices:
$15.00 USD
Freckled Fin Irish Pub:
101 Bridge Street
Holmes Beach, Florida
34217
Contact Information:
Restaurant website:
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Maître d or host:
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+ 1(941) 251-3930
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Website Contact:
Email Us:
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Serving hours:
Eastern Standard Time
(GMT, Zulu, or UTC - 5:00)
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Sun - Thur
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Fri - Sat
11:00 am - 2:00 am
Happy Hour: Mon - Fri
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
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Social Media
And
Accolades for Freckled Fin:
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****
The worlds best restaurants is a subjective list of who is writing it and changes on a regular basis. The Wine Dine and Play best experiences are based on my highest rated stared restaurants, meaning that the visit was an outstanding or extraordinary experience. From cafés, chains, mom + pops, hole in the walls, to fine dining including a few Michelin spots. Visit the Top 100 page to see the entire list.
A few to tease you with…
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Rustic New American Fare
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
|
Contemporary, African-French Tasting Journey
Franschhoek, South Africa
|
Haute Gastronomique French restaurant & bistro
Bordeaux, France
|
“Culinary perfection consists not in doing extraordinary things,
But in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
-Angelique Arnauld (1591-1661)
Who is John Galt?
TTFN
