estof 5
Best Gourmet Dining -
Massimo’s Eclectic Fine Dining
Award-winning chef Massimo Patano’s cosmopolitan dining
room is a proper setting for his contemporary Italian/
Mediterranean cuisine. Formerly a personal chef to actress
Sophia Loren and recently a James Beard House guest chef, his
creative entrées, such as Veal Chop Massimo, are artistically
prepared and served. The exceptional service assures you of
a memorable meal every time. Try his incredible Chocolate
Risotto or sinful Chocolate Raspberry Cake for dessert. 31876
U.S. Highway 19 North in Palm Harbor, (727) 784-1881
Best Local TV Talk Show -
Studio 10 on Channel 10
This show is hosted by two charming women, Roxanne
Wilder and Debra Schrils, who are as smart as they are
attractive.
Best New Dunedin Restaurant -
Blue Sake
Readers enjoy this friendly sushi bar, which is a gourmet’s
delight and also offers authentic Thai dishes that will amaze
you. 1425 Main Street, Dunedin, (727) 216-3699
Best Glass Gallery -
Syd Entel Galleries and Susan
Benjamin Glass, etc.
This is the place for art collectors to find the best of
contemporary artists. They also do museum-quality framing
and have showings of artists from around the world.
247 Main Street, Safety Harbor, (727) 725-1808
Best Animal Showcase -
Lowry Park Zoo
This Tampa institution is perfect for interacting with a
world-class collection of animals, as they romp and play in
their natural-style environment. 1101 West Sligh Avenue,
Tampa, (813) 935-8552
Best Restaurant Value -
Nauti Nancy’s Food Shack
and Crow’s Nest Pub
This ultra-casual restaurant with its outdoor dining on the
patio, serves value-priced meals that use the best ingredients
and are cooked to perfection. At night, there is live music; and
their New Orleans-style Bread Pudding and their Beignets are
awesome. 700 Eldridge Street (on the Pinellas Trail between
Fort Harrison and Myrtle), Clearwater, (727) 446-3717
Best Community Theatre -
Francis Wilson Playhouse
For almost 80 years, this theatrical organization has
been entertaining theatre goers with classic shows. They
keep their 182-seat theater filled by offering surprisingly
affordable tickets for quality productions.
302 Seminole Street, Clearwater, (727) 446-1360
Best Philanthropists -
Cookie and Charlie Simmons
This couple has generously supported a wide range of
organizations and has helped to lead others, including
The Florida Orchestra and Opera Tampa.
Best Dry Cleaners -
Tabor Cleaners in Dunedin
Head and shoulders above the others, Tabor raises the
art of cleaning to a level that will amaze you. They check
for loose buttons, do minor repairs and can remove
almost any spot, often returning your clothing in better
condition than when you left it with them. You’ll
appreciate having your jacket sleeves stuffed with tissue
paper to keep them from creasing where they shouldn’t.
945 Huntley Avenue, Dunedin, (727) 733-0959
Best Modern Asian Food -
Hot Tuna Sushi Bar and Grill
Serving unique creations and specialty sushi rolls, this
Oldsmar restaurant has become a local hotspot for the
trendy, younger generation. 3689 Tampa Road,
#302B, Oldsmar, (813) 818-TUNA (8862)
Best Philanthropists -
Cookie and Charlie Simmons
MAY/JUNE 2015 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 45