If you look at a map of Poland’s border with the Baltic Sea, a tiny finger points down toward the middle of her coastline. At the very tip of this petite peninsula is the town of Hel. A sleepy, slow-moving beach community replete with high-speed wind and kite surfers skimming across the still Puck Bay during the brief Polish summer.

The majority of venues along the boulevard; Wiejska, peddle amber jewelry or food and drink. This visit took place in early September, postmortem of the holiday season and a perfect time to avoid an inundation of tourism, while absorbing the native culture without compromise.

While many restaurants here offer traditional Polish fare or advertise pizza and ke-bob style dishes, one place stood out while appearing to be most appropriate of sea-side locales.

Admiral Nelson’s was built about 100m from the coast. If the wind blows just right, a scent of the wharf will roll over, a reminder of the sea, and an assurance of the freshness of the fish served there. Owned by long time residents Jakub and Renata Pilecki, the locale offers a wide array of seafood served fried or grilled.

The decor is maritime, relics and icons of seafaring adorn the dark wooden walls. A major likeness of the man himself, Admiral Horatio Nelson of the British Navy dominates one of these walls, his proud likeness approves your patronage. The close-quarters of the dining area is an intimate one, diners seated elbow-to-elbow in sections.

To drink, one must partake a beer entitled, “Viva la Hel!” a musky wheat ale brewed locally and as accompaniment to the vast array of seafood. While Poland is not traditionally known to be a beer producing or consuming country, ale or piwo has been a more popular drink of choice for young adults seeking an alternative to their cultural standard of vodka.

For starters, a spicy, tomato based seafood-soup was served carrying an appropriate amount of spiciness while not being overly fishy. In addition, a fried-crab dish was consumed before a guzzle of ale. This was what sailors must feel like.

For the main course, a two-fish choice was chosen, as the US-Polish currency exchange rate is favorable. (A grilled salmon steak cost roughly $3) And for the fried part of dinner came battered-flounder, a name I always thought sounded tasty. It wasn’t. The flounder was oily and the breading transparent, but owe the inherent quality of the flounder fauna than their culinary standard.

This was clear when sampling a fish perhaps better suited to be battered and fried: the cod or whitefish. The Salmon was incredible. A lemon wedge and some melted butter only made it better, and merely complimented the fresh, flaky flesh, its hue a deep pink.

The establishment was sampled during the day, so the nightlife that occurs at Admiral Nelson’s cannot be noted. While owning an extensive alcohol selection, the numerous antiques and ambiance spoke to an older, more appreciative audience. In addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they offered amenities such as three-star rate rooms and even such attractions as sea-diving and fishing.

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If you are seeking the perfect spot for an anniversary, cultural experience, or girls night out, stop in at The Pearl. Candlelit tables, a glass of wine, decadent Moroccan and French food, and live music will have you in the mood! The mood for dessert that is, and who could say no to a hot godiva brownie smothered in ice cream and fresh berries?

Karim Chiadmi is the head chef and owner of this hidden Pearl bringing his passion for great food and company to the Treasure Island area. With live music Wednesday through Saturday, catering, and a full liquor bar, The Pearl is an up-and-coming hot spot. Prices can run high at The Pearl, but for special occasions or something new, it’s well worth the experience.

As I entered The Pearl with my fellow food lovers, we were immediately greeted by the owner himself. He remembered my friend right away, and put us at a table with a lovely view of the entire restaurant. Chiadmi is of French and Moroccan descent so the menu has those two cooking styles available, even though it has a wide variety.

After trying the Moroccan style duck, two types of French chicken and pasta, I promise visitors won’t be disappointed. The flavors are rich, the meat is juicy, and falls of the bone, the ingredients fresh, the steamed vegetables melt in your mouth. The dessert is sinfully rich and oozing with perfection. With the dim lighting, free flowing win, live bongo drums, and soulful guitars, I was entranced. This is another restaurant that takes you out of Florida entirely.

Guests are invited to shake bottles of sand to accompany the band. My guest and I found ourselves lost in conversation with some of the regulars at the bar. They were as full of life and energy as the restaurant itself, bringing even more charm to this location. I found myself ordering appetizers, even after a five-course dinner, craving more mouthgasmic exploration.

The fresh garlic hummus and pita were amazing! The fish and stuffed mushrooms are to die for. I left The Pear knowing I was addicted. This is without a doubt a Toonari top pick. Located at 163 107th Avenue, Treasure Island, FL 33706. It is open Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturda from 4 p.m. to midnight.

Happy eating!

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Rollin’ Oats may look like just a health food super market, but head towards the back and you’ll find a tantalizing treat. You can find breakfast, lunch, and dinner are part of the Rollin’ Oats experience. Made fresh daily and designed with your health in mind, you can’t go wrong with this delicious hot spot.

The Mediterranean quiche is overflowing with taste bud delights. Fluffy, whipped eggs, thin crust, spinach, tomatoes, Greek olives, and hints of garlic will have you starting your day off with a smile. The apple tuna salad is refreshing and sweet. Speaking of sweets, check out Rollin’ Oats desserts on your way to the register.

They are always made with natural sugars, no starch, egg whites, sometimes tofu, and other healthy ingredients, yet with all the sinful flavor of your favorite treats. The lemon berry bars and chocolate muffins are a Toonari recommendations. If you need a power up to go with your soup or sandwich, try a smoothie! Nothing seems to be able to beat the thick, creamy, natural ingredients of Rollin’ Oats blended drinks.

“I have been coming to Rollin’ Oats for months,” said Paula, a local, and Rollin’ Oats lover. “Everything is so healthy, but taste so good! I can grab a snack and do my personal shopping at the same time,” she  said. Rollin’ Oats is the perfect blend of café and local market, and the food blends are even better!

And perhaps eating right make a person more…personable. The servers behind the counter are always friendly, happy, and ready to assist you on your food adventures. “I love working here,” says the bubbly young lady from behind the café counter. “Management is wonderful, and everyone is really nice. Want one of our new wheatgrass shooters,” she asked.

I was not brave enough for the shooter, but with tons of vitamins, and the possible ability to cleanse the blood and bring energy, I highly recommend Toonari readers give the shooters a try. As I took a seat in the small diner, and began to chow down on my toasted wheat bread, pressing down on fresh avocado, tomato, cheese, and garlic cream cheese, I was truly happy.

The menu is varied, and at great prices, you’ll be rollin’ back to Rollin’ Oats. Rollin’ Oats is located at 2842 Dr. Martin Luther King Street N. in St. Petersburg, FL. It is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Happy Eating!

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