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CUAISRITNE CLEARWATER BEACH’S NEWEST HOT SPOT Marina Cantina Tequila Bar and Grille By Margaret Word Burnside and Aaron R. Fodiman Photography by Gram Marina Cantina’s pan seared Red Snapper is served over a delightful combination of chorizo and spinach, sautéed fingerling potatoes and oyster mushrooms, and finished with a verde mole sauce. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 171 Th e B a y S t a r R e s t a u r a n t Group, headed by Frank Chivas, has time after time created some of the area’s finest restaurants. This new concept is no exception. It is located on the second and third floors of the Clearwater Marina building, just to the southeast of the roundabout on Clearwater Beach. The views from the multiple outdoor patios, the dining room and the rooftop deck are spectacular all day long and become even better at sunset. With over 35 different tequilas, ranging from silver to aged; over 25 beers on draft or in bottles; sangria; and a host of other beverages, no one goes thirsty here. Any of the seven varieties of Margaritas can be ordered by the glass or liter. These fine drinks are accompanied by chips and salsa on the tables to remind you that the food at the Marina Cantina is at least one reason you came. The lighter snacks they serve include popular south of the border standards, such as guacamole, queso fundido, octopus or short-rib tacos share. The flavors of each of these alone are tasty enough to bring you back time after time. To complete your visit, there are four desserts. We decided to order one of each to avoid having to make a decision. The Toasted Coconut Tres Leches cake is creamy good; the Churros with chocolate mole is addictive; the Mousse Cake is heavenly; and the Plantains Foster with salted caramel ice cream is almost obscene. From Sunday through Thursday, there is a Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m., when prices for drinks and bar food are discounted. Service is attentive; and guests are relaxed at this casual restaurant with great views and unique food that has its roots in Mexico, but has been updated to gourmet status. 9 EDITOR’S NOTE: Marina Cantina is located at 25 Causeway Boulevard, next to the roundabout on Clearwater Beach, (727) 443-1750. and a variety of ceviches. There are also several salads and a variety of quesadillas that are a meal in themselves. For those who want to dine, there are plenty of wonderful platters, such as grilled char-seared Octopus, Carne Asada, seared Ahi Tuna, boneless Braised Short Ribs, pan-seared Red Snapper, roasted or grilled chicken, jumbo shrimp seared in butter, Panko-crusted Grouper, Doublecut Lamb Chops, slow cooked pork and a grilled vegetarian Cauliflower Steak. Side items like their Iron Pan Corn Bread with garlic, Cauliflower Mash, or Grilled Corn are reason enough to dine here. Additional side items such as Roasted Plantains with rum butter; pinto beans with ham, bacon and pork; and black beans in a clay pot are large enough to


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