is about the burning passion for delectable food,
enticing dring and pleasurable surroundings...

The first Indians and early settlers that arrived here were driven by similar appetite. Mostly fishermen, they camped along shores lined with huge salt rock boulders. While the sun melted into the Gulf, big crackling fires were built in open pits made of piled salt rock. All gathered around for a grilled feast that lasted well into the evening.

This old beach tradition is legendary and it’s still on fire at the SaltRock Grill - plus, no mosquitoes!

Originally a New Yorker from Rochester, Chef Tom grew up in Kenilworth, Illinois and is proud to tell you he’s the only kid in his town who still wears an apron to work.

Tom’s culinary life began in New York City, where he worked as a brigade apprentice chef in a Manhattan hotel. He spent numerous years in Europe working and traveling during the 70’s. After stops in London, Holland, Germany, Morocco, Switzerland and France, he ended up with his own very popular establishment in Mallorca, Spain - Tom’s A Raconteur.

He is an avid reader of recondite food related tomes and also an aficionado of the finer varieties of Tequila and Aquadente, respective liquors of Mexico and Columbia.

After his extended sojourn, he returned to the United States to become a corporate chef for a 90+ restaurant chain. He was traveling over 300 days a year before he decided to settle down in the NE section of St. Petersburg, Florida in 1989.

The St. Petersburg Times
"The first modern surf & turf joint on the beaches
still packs them in with red-hot, straight-ahead
cooking. Steaks are first-rate, lobsters monstrous,
wine cellar deep, seafood and fish souped up
in spicy broth. The unexpected treats are
root vegetables, lentils and smart pricing.