Just back from a visit to my favorite beaches and had planned to go to my longtime favorite, the Salt Rock Grill, while in Indian Shores. To my initial disappointment my wife instead had made reservations at a new restaurant in Treasure Island called oddly enough Middle Grounds Grill.
For background, the Middle Ground is is a broad carbonate platform that occurs some 137 km offshore along the northeastern Gulf of Mexico in an area generally known as the West Florida Shelf. Its formation suggests that it is a relict coral-reef complex that has morphological similarities to modern patch-reef complexes. It is the most extensive area of high relief (> 2 m) hardbottom in the northeastern Gulf in less than 60 m depth. The faunal assemblage is distinctly tropical, with a stony coral-gorgonian-sponge dominated community considered the furthest north “coral reef” on the North American continental shelf. The fauna may persist with recruitment of largely Caribbean species transported by northward intrusions of the Loop Current. It is known for its great fishing.
Well the owners of the Middle Grounds Grill have truly outdone themselves. Given my many travels to various areas I have to say this was in the top meals I have ever had.
Four of us dined that evening. Three of us ordered the 12oz Florida Lobster with risotto, 1 had a pasta dish. The Lobster was cooked perfectly, seasoned well and appealing in every way. The side dish was absolutely marvelous as well. The second dish was enjoyed equally as much.
As for the atmosphere it was cozy and inviting. Unlike Salt Rock, whcih can be extremely loud and hectic with its open floor plan, the Middle Ground Grill is divided into nice size dining areas separated by half and full walls which allows for exceptional diner conversation capabilities.
If you are visiting our area of the Tampa Bay Beaches I highly recommend you check this restaurant out. Its not outrageously expensive, although not cheap, but you get more than you pay for.
See the Menu Here!
