Best Menswear -
Greiner’s Fine Men’s Clothing
The best-dressed men in Tampa Bay do their shopping at
this popular men’s store. All the best brands are at Greiner’s,
including Robert Talbott, Ike Behar, Bugatchi, Allen Edmonds,
Canali and much, much more. Everyone there has great
fashion sense, and they give you the ultimate in personal
service, custom-making or special ordering anything your
wardrobe may need, from shirts to shoes. 117 Whiting Street,
Tampa, (813) 226-3207
Best Breakfast - Johnny Grits
The “Southern fresh” dishes here set a new standard, as
classically trained chef Chris Muller adds his spin to classic
breakfast items that elevate them to a new level. 857 East
Klosterman Road (at U.S. Hwy. 19 North), Tarpon Springs,
(727) 942-4748
Best Theatrical Director -
Karla Hartley
As the producing artistic director for Stageworks Theatre in
Tampa, she has brought a new vision to this long-established
group. Yet, her talent can also be seen across the bay, as well,
at both American Stage in St. Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd
Hall’s new Murray Theatre in Clearwater. She is a dynamo,
who has a keen sense of what entertainment should be.
Best Children’s Museum -
Great Explorations
There are so many imaginative avenues to explore here that
every child finds something of interest. 1925 4th St N,
St Petersburg, (727) 893-5767
Best Creative Cuisine - Jackie’s on
Corey Bistro and Catering
Jackie is a whirlwind of talent, who has made her St. Pete
Beach restaurant a standout by combining an upscale, yet
casual, dining experience that is irresistible. 338 Corey
Avenue, St. Pete Beach, (727) 320-6358
Best Small Concert Space -
The Capitol Theatre
Downtown Clearwater has come alive with the opening of
this renovated theatre. It is as beautiful as it is acoustically
perfect. Attending a concert here is always special. 405
Cleveland Street, Clearwater, (727) 791-7400
Best Professional Sports Team -
The Tampa Bay Lightning
Owner Jeff Vinik has allowed this team to get and keep
quality players who are exciting to watch in the Arena, which
he has made into one of the best in the country.
Best Draft House -
Clear Sky Draught Haus
Located at the gateway to Dunedin’s downtown district,
they offer a choice of 28 craft beers on tap and more than
60 varieties of bottled beer, while serving a full menu for
breakfast, lunch and dinner. (727) 286-6266
Best Corporate Citizen -
Mindy Grossman
As president of HSN (the Home Shopping Network), she
has personally given of her time, knowledge and experience
to a multitude of organizations, such as Big Brothers Big
Sisters, and helps to support many others through corporate
contributions.
Best New Restaurant - Villa Bellini
Readers tell us that Chef Ciro Mancini has created an elegant
menu to match the stylish décor and fine service at the site
of Clearwater’s former Tio Pepe on Gulf to Bay Boulevard.
Everything here is prepared with award-winning passion.
2930 Gulf to Bay Boulevard, Clearwater, (727) 754-9828
Best Newspaper -
The Tampa and St. Petersburg Tribune
This became a large write-in category, as many readers
wanted us to know about their switch from the Tampa Bay
Times. They say that the content is reasonably the same, but
the cost is substantially less.
Best Hamburgers - The Hangar
Restaurant and Flight Lounge
Cafe by day, bistro by night, this is a seasoned traveler’s
fantasy of airport dining. The nostalgic fare in this retro dining
room is best enjoyed while watching the planes from Albert
Whitted Airport terminal take off and land. Their live music
and jazz on Monday thru Saturday evenings adds just the
right touch. 540 1st Street SE, St. Petersburg, (727) 823-7767
Best New Public Project -
Tampa’s Riverwalk
This appealing connector of people and places throughout
downtown is a 2.6 mile path from the Heights Riverfront
Development along the Hillsborough River to the Channel
District.
Best Alfresco Dining -
The Terrace Cafe at Bon Appétit
46 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 2015