If it’s not broken, don’t fix it – Ted Peters still great in St. Pete
This weekend I was able to treat myself to one of my favorite lunches in St. Pete. Ted Peter’s Smoked Fish. I am happy to report that everything at Ted Peter’s is exactly as it should be. As I was sitting outside on a perfect Sunday, enjoying the perfect weather that we have been blessed with lately, it occurred to me that over the years, nothing of significance has changed at Ted Peter’s. They always bring the menu to the table and I always pretend to look at it. Then they put down the paper placemats on the classic brown picnic table.
We order rootbeers in frosty glasses, the only time I order rootbeer with lunch (a horrible food pairing) but a habit that won’t die from childhood memories with family there. The glasses sweat all over the table, but no one cares. It’s part of the ‘experience’.
We order without even thinking. Smoked Fish Spread Sandwich (served on toast), Manhattan Clam Chowder (which we will doctor with a bit of hot sauce and eat with saltine crackers, not that it needs either), and a side of german potato salad (that we will feel guilty about eating later). I don’t wonder if it will be good. I expect it. I have been going to Ted Peters for as long as I can remember and I have never been disappointed. I contemplate just for a second what I would do if that happens someday, but quickly push it out of my mind.
It should be mentioned that research of online review sites showed that some people are not as happy as they could be with the burgers at Ted Peter’s. Serves them right! Get the smoked fish, it’s what they are famous for, there are plenty of other great places to get burgers. More on that another time.
I love this place, but almost as important, I love it’s consistency. In uncertain times, it’s nice to know that you can go back to a place that gives such comfort.
Jodi a/k/a tampawinewoman