Best Beach -
Clearwater Beach
Best Italian Bistro -
Pensare Italian Bistro
Home to classic Italian dishes that are served with a twist,
the outdoor dining option and downtown Dunedin location
have made this one of the area’s most popular venues.
799 Highland Avenue (at intersection with Main Street),
Dunedin, (727) 786-2222
Best Performing Arts Center -
The Straz Center for the
Performing Arts
Named for David A. Straz, Jr., the diversity of the offerings
and high quality of the performances at this complex keep
it at the top of the list. It operates four theaters that feature
completely different types of performances and an education
conservatory that adds another dimension to the Center’s
reputation for excellence. 1010 North MacInnes Place, Tampa,
(813) 229-STAR (7827)
Best Shoe Shop - Happy Feet Plus
With ten stores throughout the Tampa Bay area, they
specialize in comfortable and fashionable footwear that is
designed and fitted to help eliminate foot, knee, hip and back
pain. (800) 336-6657
Best Gourmet Italian - Alfano’s
Restaurant & Splendido Bar
Gracious hosts, Chefs/Owners Linda and Frank Alfano
welcome you into their lovely restaurant for an authentic
taste of Italy, as they continue to develop new ideas for dishes
that are inspired by their frequent trips there. From Scallops
Rockefeller to Osso Bucco, Chicken Sacco or Calamari Fra
Diavalo, their fare is prepared with creative twists.
1702 Clearwater-Largo Road South, Clearwater, (727) 584-2125
Best Art Finds -
Tarapani’s Department Store
Once the home to shirts, shoes, socks and underwear, the
current generations of Tarapanis have converted this historic
building in Tarpon Springs into a trove of art treasures. They
buy and sell at their whim, and their tastes run the gamut
from fine art paintings to hand-carved antique colonial
furniture. This is a must for anyone who appreciates art in its
many forms. 128 East Tarpon Avenue, Tarpon Springs,
(727) 937-5203
Best Thai Restaurant –
Thai Spice
Visit this restaurant to learn why they call Thailand the “land
of smiles.” From Pad Thai to Panang Curry, owner/chef
Supattra (Sue) Bowers keeps her guests smiling and satisfied,
as her native servers efficiently attend to your needs. The
delicate flavors and artistic presentations that have made
Thai food so popular are consistently present at this intimate
restaurant. 2475 McMullen Booth Road at Enterprise in the
Countryside area, Clearwater, (727) 791-7050
Best Pet Friendly Restaurant -
The Broadway Deli & Cafe
Their outside patio, with its bowls of water for your pets,
draws an assortment of four-legged friends, as their masters
enjoy the deli’s freshly prepared delights. No wonder
Dunedin has been nicknamed “Dogedin.” 730 Broadway,
Dunedin, (727) 286-6270
Best Theater Design -
The Mahaffey Theater
This is the most beautiful setting to enjoy a concert or any
of the other entertainment that they bring to this gem in
downtown St. Petersburg. 400 First Street South,
St. Petersburg, (727) 893-7832
Best New Venue - The Murray
Studio Theatre at Ruth Eckerd Hall
After its stunning renovation of the Capitol Theatre in
Clearwater, the Hall has created a world-class home for local
production companies, fulfilling one of the Hall’s original
missions. 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater,
(727) 791-7400
Best Night Out - The Living Room
Restaurant & Lounge
René and John Johnson’s popular gathering place is perfect
for meeting old and new friends, while enjoying delicious
tapas-style cuisine, entertainment and drinks inside or on the
outside patio at this stylish gathering spot. 487 Main Street,
Dunedin, (727) 736-5202
Best Buffet -
Shepherd’s Ocean Flame
Voters loved this interactive buffet on Clearwater Beach,
which allows patrons to watch chefs preparing their offerings
in a spectacular waterfront setting. 619 South Gulfview
Boulevard, Clearwater Beach, (727) 442-5107
44 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 2015