BEST 2017
MAY/JUNE 2017 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 55
OF
Best Rotisserie Chicken –– Pico Rojo
Pico Rojo prepares succulent chicken that is slow cooked and
seasoned with more than 10 spices in a rotisserie oven for a
tasty and crispy chicken that can’t be beat. This restaurant
uses all-natural, non-frozen chickens that are hormone and
preservative-free. 2475 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater,
(727) 474-3826.
Best Sunday Brunch –– Island Way Grill
The lavish displays of delicious cuisine of this Baystar
restaurant make their extensive Sunday Buffet offerings
legendary. Serving everything from fresh omelets and waffles
to sushi, this is a never-ending feast. The beautiful harbor
views, the touch of Asian fusion and Pacific Rim style cuisine
keep Island Way Grill busy every day of the year.
20 Island Way on Island Estates, Clearwater Beach, (727) 461-6617.
Best Tavern –– Salt Rock Tavern
Frank Chivas created this modern tavern in Oldsmar. The
menu is extensive and offers a variety of unique dishes.
There are more than 25 craft brews available and a variety of
handmade cocktails. Their Sunday buffet brunch is a bargain
and includes two mimosas, screwdrivers or Bloody Mary’s.
3689 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, (813) 336-4977.
Best Exterminator ––
Brantley Termite and Pest Control
Since 1978, Brantley Termite has been eliminating unwanted
bugs and pests at commercial and residential properties
and lawns in the Tampa Bay area. They are reliable and
dependable. 2664 Enterprise Road, Clearwater, (727) 799-4701.
Best Bistro –– Cork N Brew Bistro
This bistro offers appetizers, small plates and lava rock
cooking, plus craft beers on tap, bottled domestic and
imported beers and a diverse selection of wines.
524 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach, (727) 239-0833.
Best Asian Restaurant ––
T.C. Choy’s Asian Bistro
This restaurant serves classic Chinese food, Pan-Asian dishes,
sushi and dim sum in an elegant and sophisticated setting.
Delivery and takeout are both available. 301 S. Howard Ave.,
Tampa, (813) 251-1191.
Best Medi-Spa –– PureLife Medi-Spa
Dr. G. Joseph “Dr. Fitz” Fitzgerald and his wife Elif offer
wellness, skincare, cool sculpting and other non-invasive
techniques to keep you looking your best. Their office is
elegant yet comfortable, and their staff is friendly and
knowledgeable. 12442 Indian Rocks Road, Largo,
(727) 595-3400.
Best Restaurant –– Cafe Ponte
Chef Chris Ponte prepares American Fusion Cuisine in a
modern and sophisticated setting. Two signature favorites are
Chilean Sea Bass Miso Marinated and Filet Mignon. Catering
is available and there is also a private dining room.
13505 Icot Blvd., Clearwater, (727) 538-5768.
Best Radio Voice –– Jack Harris
Our readers voted Jack Harris for this honor again. It is hard
not to recognize his distinctive voice that has been heard for
years on music radio, talk radio, sports radio and television.
Jack shares his talent as master of ceremonies at charity events
and at the Tampa International Airport as the prerecorded
announcer.
Best Community Performing Arts Center
–– The Palladium Theater at
St. Petersburg College
As part of St. Petersburg College, this stunning community
theater showcases a plethora of talents in their two venues––
the main 850-seat Hough Hall and the intimate candlelit 175-
seat Side Door downstairs. 253 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg,
(727) 822-3590.
Best Leather Repair –– J&M Shoe Repair
You can trust your shoes and other leather goods to Joe. His
repairs are top notch and he will make your shoes look brand
new. 1107 Main St. (State Road 580), Dunedin, (727) 733-1592.
Best Elegant Italian Cuisine ––
Gratzzi Italian Grille
Start with Calamari Fritti or escargot in a tomato cream sauce
and move on to Cavatelli Bada Bing pasta with artistic plating
and fresh ingredients. Their careful attention to detail makes
Gratzzi a special dining experience.
211 Second St. S., St. Petersburg, (727) 623-9037.
Best Concert Venue –– Ruth Eckerd Hall
The exceptional acoustics of Ruth Eckerd Hall make it one of
the top concert venues in the nation. Its design assures that
there is not an obstructed view in the house for the myriad
of performances they offer. 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road,
Clearwater, (727) 791-7400.
Best Mexican Restaurant –– Casa Tina
Javier and Tina Avila, the dynamic duo who run this wellloved
Mexican restaurant, serve authentic Mexican recipes
from quesadillas and ceviche to fish tacos and fajitas with an
emphasis on vegetarian offerings. It’s a friendly spot that has
the look and feel of Old Mexico. 365 Main St., Dunedin,
(727) 734-9226.