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Best Comfortable Dining -
Aqua Prime Seafood and Steaks
With its comfortable decor, trendy menu and friendly service,
this sophisticated purveyor of fine food has found the right
combination for those who enjoy dining out on a regular
basis. It is always busy, because it is consistently good.
213 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Rocks Beach, (727) 330-7724
Best New Fundraiser -
WUSF’s The Longest Table
This clever idea has one long table set up in the middle of
Bayshore Drive on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront,
where a variety of restaurants serve those seated in their
section an epicurean dinner paired with wines. It is a feast on
the street that you won’t want to miss. (800) 661-0823
Best Fine Contemporary Cuisine -
Parkshore Grill
This sophisticated Beach Drive restaurant is also the place to
be seen. Chef Tyson Grant prepares creative fare, such as Pan
Fried Grouper Cakes and Beef Wellington, for the upscale
patrons. Owner Steve Westphal’s chic dining establishment
has tables both indoors and out and an elegant bar, as well as
the convenience of valet parking. 300 Beach Drive N.E.,
St. Petersburg, (727) 896-WINE (9463)
Best Local Cruises -
Olde World Sailing Line
These luxury half day, full-day, sunset, or custom sailing
adventures aboard the Lionheart, a 44-foot blue water yacht,
offer first-class service, as Captain Jim and Kathryn McManus
pay tribute to the grand age of seafaring. (888) 989-SAIL (7245)
Best Cupcakes - Kookie Krums
Janet Long’s Kookie Krums is a favorite for her homemade
daily cupcakes, as well as for her cookie bouquets and other
sweet creations. Some voters even specified their favorites,
such as “Ice Cream Sundae,” and “Party in My Mouth.”
513 Main Street in Dunedin, (727) 736-KRUM (5786)
Best Medi-Spa -
PureLife Medi-Spa
Dr. G. Joseph “Dr. Fitz” Fitzgerald and his wife Elif’s full
service medi-spa for wellness, skincare and more offers
unique services in a glamorous environment that will
certainly change anyone’s life. 12442 Indian Rocks Road in
Largo, (727) 595-3400
Best Vietnamese Cuisine -
Pho Quyen
Their extensive menu of authentic Vietnamese noodle
dishes and other specialties, including frog legs, has
made many fans of this flavorful food that combines
tastes from the Far East and the West. 8404 West
Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, (813) 885-9424
Best Contributor to the Arts -
Beth Morean
Many consider her to be the Godmother of the art
movement on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Beth is
known for putting her heart and soul into whatever she
does and doing it well. She has managed to make a real
difference through her efforts.
Best Creative Dining -
Cafe Ponte
The sophisticated decor, constantly changing creative
cuisine and exquisite attentive service keep this
restaurant at the top of the list of those who enjoy fine
dining. Chef Chris Ponte, the mastermind behind this
enterprise, is also one of the area’s top caterers.
13505 Icot Boulevard, Clearwater, (727) 538-5768
Best Taste of Scotland -
Moffat’s Gaelic Dish
If you are longing for a Scotch Egg, “Spotted Dick,” or
Smoked Kippers, this is the caterer for you. They also
serve by reservations a three-tiered presentation of petit
sandwiches, pastries and sweets, along with bottomless
pots of tea for your own private tea party. 461 Grant
Street in Dunedin, (727) 776-2888
Best Local Icon -
Loew’s Don CeSar Hotel
This “Pink Palace” is the royalty of the images that
represent the beautiful beaches of Pinellas County. It’s
an ideal “staycation” that seems worlds away. 3400
South Gulfview Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, (727) 360-1881
Best Chef’s Specials -
Sea Sea Riders
The “Floribbean” style cooking at this downtown
Dunedin restaurant is the draw at both lunch and
dinner. Their Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad, Mahi Mahi
with roasted corn black bean salsa and Grouper Cheek
Paella are especially popular. The original and tasty
chef’s specials and other creative dishes have just the
right amount of kick and flavor to please our readers.
Don’t pass up the Black Bean Chili. We think it is the
best. 221 Main Street, Dunedin, (727) 734-1445
MAY/JUNE 2015 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 47