C U I S I N E
Classic Italian Dining
Sages West Bay Bistro
By Margaret Word Burnside and Aaron R. Fodiman
OUR FAVORITE EATERIES ARE
normally small family restaurants
with the husband in the kitchen
and his wife in charge of service, or the
other way around. At Sages, the husband
and wife team of Mike and Patti seem to
be interchangeable, with the result being
that one of them is always watching to be
sure that guests leave Sages happy and
satisfied.
Sages is located at the shopping center
on the southwest corner of West Bay
Drive and Clearwater-Largo Road in
Largo. Since it is open from 11:00 in the
morning until 9:00 at night, every day
except Sunday, we find ourselves going
there at some pretty non-traditional
hours, as our schedules can be extremely
complex. At times, we’re looking for
some lighter fare, while at other times,
we want something more substantial.
We know we will find something there
that will fulfill our desires.
The smaller items, such as Bruschetta,
Pepperoni Bread, Steamed Mussels
and Savory Salmon with a teriyaki glaze.
These dishes are served with delicious
fresh-baked bread and a house salad,
and the chicken entrées come with
your choice of either pasta or broccoli.
Sages offers beer and wine, as well as
a children’s menu that includes Wings
and Pasta, a Mini Cheese Pizza, Cheese
Ravioli or a pasta with a meatball.
Their desserts are limited to homemade
Cannoli, Cheesecake or Tiramisu, but
each is an outstanding example of
why they are three of the best-loved
Neapolitan treats. You will feel at home
in this family-run tribute to the pleasures
of simple Italian dining.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Sages West Bay Bistro
is located at 883 West Bay Drive (the southwest
corner of West Bay and Clearwater-Largo
Road) in Largo, (727) 585-6600.
Photography by Gram
and Baked Wings are great starters.
The restaurant offers nine salads with
dressings that range from their Italian
House Dressing to Bleu Cheese. There
are also Grinders (that, depending on
what part of the country you are from,
are known as Subs, Po-boys, or Cubans),
and Paninis, as well as Pizza that can
be ordered with a thick or thin crust.
Although they have six standard pizzas,
such as their Bianca with garlic herb oil,
Ricotta, Romano and Mozzarella cheese,
you can customize your own with 16
other toppings in either a 12-inch or a
16-inch pie. They are also well known for
their Stromboli and Calzones.
For more serious eating, they offer six
House Specialties, including the Sages
Mix of Lasagna, Cheese Tortellini and
Cheese Ravioli; Eggplant Parmesan or
Florentine, and Tortellini Carbonara.
There are also pasta dishes of Linguini,
Capellini or Ziti and Baked Manicotti,
as well as chicken and seafood entrées.
Try the Sages Bistro Chicken or Sweet
9
Sages’ Tortellii Carbonara is a delightful combination of Cheese Tortellini
with spinach and ham in a light creamy white sauce that is served with
a house salad and freshly baked bread.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 177