44 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE
| MAY/JUNE 2016
Best Beach - Clearwater Beach
Best Public Project - Tampa’s Riverwalk
This waterside walkway travels over two and a half miles
from the Channel District to . The path links parks,
shopping, cultural venues, dining and more and is open to
walkers, joggers, bikers, rollerbladers and strollers.
Best Gourmet Dining -
Massimo’s Eclectic Fine Dining
Serving chic Italian/Mediterranean cuisine, this sophisticated
restaurant’s kitchen is run by the award-winning chef,
Massimo Patano. Patano was a former personal chef to actress
Sophia Loren and her family and a past James Beard House
guest chef. His eclectic entrées, such as Veal Massimo, are
beautifully presented. Try his incredible Chocolate Ambrosia
or classic Tiramisu for dessert. 31876 U.S. Highway 19 North
in Palm Harbor, (727) 784-1881
Best Local TV Talk Show -
Studio 10 Live! on Channel 10
This show is hosted by Stephanie Webb and former Tampa
Bay Buccaneer Michael Clayton. They cover all that is good to
do and see in the Tampa Bay area in a fun and friendly format.
Best Down-Home Cooking -
Nauti Nancy’s Food Shack and
Crow’s Nest Pub
This funky, ultra-casual restaurant with outdoor patio dining
serves value-priced meals using top quality ingredients
cooked to perfection. Enjoy nightly live music while indulging
in their New Orleans-style Bread Pudding and melt-in-yourmouth
Beignets, which alone are worth a visit. 700 Eldridge
Street (on the Pinellas Trail between Fort Harrison and
Myrtle), Clearwater, (727) 446-3717
Best Community Theatre -
Francis Wilson Playhouse
For 80 years now, this theatrical group has been pleasing
theatre goers with classic performances. They keep their 182-
seat theater filled by offering surprisingly affordable tickets
for top-quality productions, and they do it all with volunteers.
302 Seminole Street, Clearwater, (727) 446-1360
Best Place to Dock and Dine - The Pub
Waterfront Restaurant
For years this has been one of the area’s favorite meeting
spots. A fun and friendly crowd can be found here enjoying
fantastic food and generous drinks. Come by boat or car -
either way you travel you’re sure to have a great experience.
20025 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Shores, (727) 595-3172
Best Way to Get Healthy - Dr. César Lara
Dr. Lara is not only known for his effective weight
management programs, but he is also on the leading edge of
bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. With offices in
Clearwater, Palm Harbor and St. Petersburg he is convenient
and eager to help you become a better you. (727) 446-3021
Best Tavern - Salt Rock Tavern
A modern tavern on steroids created by Frank Chivas, they
feature 37 beers on tap, as well as a broad and creative
menu and daily specials to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Their
Sunday Brunch buffet is a true bargain and includes two free
Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s or Screwdrivers. 3689 Tampa Road,
Oldsmar, (813) 336-4977
Best Mom and Pop Dining - Sages West
Bay Bistro
This is a special place to eat, as proprietors Patty and Mike
meticulously cook and serve generous portions of their
delicious “home cooked” Italian food at their come-as-you-are
restaurant. 883 West Bay Drive, Largo, (727) 585-6600
Best Exterminator - Brantley Termite and
Pest Control
Most of us could do without the bugs that are a part of
Florida living; and to live without them, we need someone
reliable and dependable. You can rely on Brantley to eliminate
everything from termites to unwanted lawn pests.
(727) 541-5940
Best Bistro - Cork N Brew Bistro
This charming hot spot is the ideal place to enjoy a unique
selection of wines and 22 craft beers that are paired with
a unique assortment of appetizers and small plates, many
cooked at your table using the lava rock method to offer
healthy dining minus fats or oils. This is an example of why
people love bistros. 524 Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater Beach,
(727) 483-5990
Best Asian Restaurant - T.C. Choy’s
Asian Bistro
Whether you’re craving Peking Duck, Vanilla Walnut Shrimp,
or a whole fried fish, this is the place to go. They serve
everything from sushi to Dim Sum in a sophisticated setting
that is both elegant and tasteful. 301 South Howard Avenue,
Tampa, (813) 251-1191