Deconstructing The Wellington
St Pete Beach, Florida, USA
Cuisine Style: New American
Average Price: $$
Overall Rating: 4/5
Dined: October 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:
Mad Fish Zomato rating:
Mad Fish Executive Chef:
Oliver Harris
Mad Fish is a casual but upscale St. Pete Beach restaurant built to fashion a 1950s style diner, right next to the white sands and calm waters neighbor to the Grand Plaza Hotel. Mad Fish was founded to recreate the spirit of early twentieth-century visitors who traveled to St. Pete Beach by railroad. In 2016, Chef Oliver brought the dining car experience along with innovative American dishes with a twist on classic favorites, to locals, snowbirds, and travelers alike.
Mad Fish Menu:
- Appetizers
- Salads
- Entrees
- Steaks
- Desserts
On our first visit and review for Wine Dine and Play, we enjoyed premium oysters, a drunken shrimp appetizer which my wife had as her entree on this visit, the baked goat cheese with caramelized shallots, the garlic risotto entree, and the bacon-wrapped filet mignon. For this visit, a complimentary bread with an olive tapenade was given while we looked over the menus.
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| Mad Fish / Bread Starter |
My wife had a glass of the Magali Rosé by Figuière family vineyards and according to Damien Pagès the winemaker “we took their time, several years, to perform many tests both in terms of grapes and assemblages selected, the type of breeding and the method to validate.” While rediscovering the natural elegance of the Figuière style, surprises by its complexity, its balance subtly found between the good tannins of wood. Its volume and fat do not mask the aromatic and tasty finesse, nor the pale pink hues so dear to the Londe Rosés. A wine to definitely find on the beautiful tables associated with dishes of elegance. I chose the Chateau Saint Cosme from the Côtes du Rhône in the village of Gigondas, and according to the winemaker, lower yields produced wines with lots of intensity. Their vibrant fruit adds ‘crunchiness’ and salinity. As always, the bouquet is guided by the Syrah and the clay soils. Tannins are there but they are nicely rounded.
As mentioned earlier we once again shared the drunken shrimp appetizer, six to the order sautéed in butter, black pepper, garlic, and accompanied by two pieces of Cuban bread. The shrimp were floating in the creamy butter sauce, loaded with flavor, and the bread was perfect to soak up the buttery broth. The shrimp were soft and delicate to each bite, an aroma and wonderful palate of spices and complexity of flavors.
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| Mad Fish / Drunken Shrimp |
For an entree, we shared the Beef Wellington special served with roasted potatoes and white asparagus. The tenderloin was cooked to medium-rare center with an out exterior close to well done. The steak was wrapped in bacon, then placed into the puff pastry dough to be baked after a quick sear. The dish was presented by being cut in half so you could see the golden-brown crust of the pastry then the layers of color to the tenderloin, plus a side of red wine sauce. The outer dough was crispy and the layers of butter added to the texture of the pastry, but the inner portion of the dough was very gooey and pasty, from the bacon wrapping. As the pork cooked and fat plus the water was released and it left a mushy tasting texture that was noticeable even when enjoying the wonderful tasting tenderloin. When I have made Wellington dishes in the past, I add mushrooms because they suck up the liquid released from the meats and produce not only great fragrance, but I also don’t get the gooey texture. Besides this, the dish had a wonderful taste and was a very satisfying piece of protein. We also order a side of mashed potatoes to go with the dish.
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| Mad Fish / Beef Wellington |
Dessert:
On our first visit, we had the cheesecake, but on this visit, we did not. Other desserts of interest included the crème brûlée, a flaky crusted key lime pie with Key West limes, a classic Minnesota style apple pie à la Mode.
But check out some of these wonderful selections from Wine Dine and Play:
Please see these guidelines for Tipping in Restaurants and on following proper etiquette, customs, cultures, and avoiding assumptions when you dine out.
Wine regulatory’s for the tastings in this article:
“In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is the strength, in the water there are bacteria.” - David Auerbach
European Union:
France:
Other noteworthy New American cuisine articles and restaurants similar to Mad Fish:
Also known as Modern American cuisine, or Contemporary American cuisine, the term "New American" refers to the wave of modernized cooking predominantly served at upscale fine dining restaurants that began in the 1980s. It is generally a type of fusion cuisine that assimilates flavors from the melting pot of traditional American cooking techniques and mixes it with foreign and sometimes molecular gastronomy components. There is an innovative use of seasoning and sauces, originally based on French, and Nouvelle cuisine, and it has progressed to include elements of Asian, Latin American, Mediterranean, and other cuisines.
Alinea Highly creative New American molecular gastronomy tasting menus in Chicago, Illinois
Birch & Vine a local, organic, and top dining destination at The Birchwood in St. Petersburg, Florida
Brick and Mortar Rustic-chic new American dining in St. Petersburg, Florida
Bridge Street Bistro Third-floor terrace seafood-centric New American dining, Bradenton Beach, Florida
Cip’s Place New American Cuisine in a casual but elegantly relaxed setting, Sanibel Island, Florida
Harvest Moon Café Farm-to-Fork daily changing new American fare menu in Sonoma, California
Lobby at Twelve Boutique hotel bistro, new American, and Southern favorites at Atlantic Station, Atlanta
Moshulu New American dining on a restored ship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
O’Bistro A casual style bistro focusing on the Mediterranean and New American Cuisine with a small eclectic flair in St Petersburg, Florida
Samantha’s Restaurant Mellow new American dishes in North Canton, Ohio
The Mill Restaurant New American fare with a southern spin in St. Petersburg, Florida
Z Grille Colorfully inspired twists on American classics in St. Petersburg, Florida
Zinc Bistro and Bar Southwestern-inspired new American fare in San Antonio, Texas
Zink Kitchen + Bar Restaurant Modern and sleek American cuisine in Centennial, Colorado
See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary”
Other St. Pete Beach restaurants and articles on Wine Dine and Play:
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Table-side hibachi with a sushi bar
St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA
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Waterfront beach and seafood bar
St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA
|
Nautical themed American eats with a Caribbean flair
St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA
|
A Few Florida Favorites:
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A bistro focusing on the Mediterranean and New American Cuisine
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
|
Casual local Chain for traditional meals
Pinellas Park, Florida USA
|
The “Last Local Beach Club”
Panama City Beach, Florida, USA
|
See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary by country”
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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 ambience, 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 Mad Fish a 4 out of 5 stars, meaning that they not only exceeded my expectations and were far above the average dining experience of most restaurants, they were outstanding. The first review score was 4 of 5 stars, so they have maintained their level of excellence from our last visit.
Scores are detailed in the factor chart below:
Formula Factor Conclusions and Overall Ratings for Mad Fish
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Max Points Possible:
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Total Points Awarded:
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Total Points deducted:
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Ambience
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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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11
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10
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1
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Plate presentation
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10
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9
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1
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Customer service
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12
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9
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3
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Alcohol and other beverages
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10
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9
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1
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Total regular points awarded
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54
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48
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6
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Total percentage — less the Bonus
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0.888888888888889
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“Wow” factor BONUS
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5
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1
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0
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Total bonus percentage
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0.0185185185185185
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Total percentage and bonus for a final star rating
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0.907407407407408
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Stars Awarded (see chart below)
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- 0 - 5
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4
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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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4 of 5 Stars:
91% Rating with a 1 point “wow” bonus
An Outstanding Dining Experience
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Wine List:
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Mad Fish Wine rating:
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5 of 10
Old World selections:
France, Germany, Italy
New World selections:
Argentina, California, South Africa
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Corkage fees:
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Mad Fish 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 Mad Fish:
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New American
Allergen or dietary accommodations:
Farm to Fork, Gluten-free, Local, Low Carb, Pescatarian, Sustainable, Vegetarian Options
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Reservations:
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Not Required, but Recommended
Walk-Ins:
Accepted, but not guaranteed
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Dress code:
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Smart casual to Casual attire
It’s Florida, everybody wears 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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Mad Fish Experiences:
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A place for foodies, Modern, Trendy, Romantic, Classy, Upscale, 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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Mad Fish has a valet, public lot, private lot, or street meter parking
2 hour validated parking up until 6:00 PM, $8.00 charge
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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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Low
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Smoking:
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Mad Fish 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:
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Price
|
United States Dollar (USD)
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$$
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Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
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££
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Canadian Dollar (CAN)
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$$$
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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:
$30.00 USD
Mad Fish:
5200 Gulf Blvd
St. Petersburg, Florida
33706
Contact Information:
Restaurant website:
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Maître d or host:
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+ 1 (727) 360-9200
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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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Dinner: Sun - Thur
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fri - Sat
4:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Early Bird Dining: Mon - Fri
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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Social Media
And
Accolades for Mad Fish:
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****
The world’s 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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Rooftop Artisan Fusion Bistro
St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA
|
A walk into the Piemonte with a contemporary twist
DIFC, Dubai, UAE
|
Contemporary Cape Malay Cuisine
Cape Town, South Africa
|
Other Mad Fish Pictures:
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| Mad Fish / Mashed Potatoes |
“Culinary perfection consists not in doing extraordinary things,
But in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
-Angelique Arnauld (1591-1661)
Who is John Galt?
TTFN
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