St. Petersburg: The Garden (May 2002)

My spouse and I dined with another couple for dinner at the Garden Restaurant in late May 2002. The Garden, located in the old Detroit Hotel, is the city's oldest restaurant. Built in 1890, the Detroit was St Petersburg's first hotel. Founders of the city, Peter Demems from St Petersburg, Russia and John Williams from Detroit decided on a coin toss who would name the hotel and who would have the honor of naming the city. Over the years St. Petersburg, The Detroit Hotel, and The Garden were host to many well known guests from President Kennedy to Babe Ruth because was one of only restaurant and bar venues within walking distance to the Historic Al Lang Field. In addition many other great baseball players frequented The Garden. Jim Morrison, a St Petersburg native, is known to have played during his national debut at The Garden, which has always been a well known music venue as is Jannus Landing next door. More recently, Ringo Starr enjoyed an outdoor lunch at The Garden. The bread is homemade in their kitchen and all of the fresh produce and seafood are local and delivered daily. We also use extra virgin olive oil shipped directly from Sparta, Greece for that extra touch of quality.