estof 5
Best Opera Company -
Opera Tampa
Based at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa,
Opera Tampa produces first-quality performances with all
the grandeur one would expect, as well as special, unique
concerts with broad appeal. Maestro Daniel Lipton breathes
new energy into every performance. For tickets, call
(813) 229-STAR (7827).
Best Cultural Institution -
The Florida Orchestra
The orchestra’s enthusiasm can be felt both on and off the
stage, as they have developed outstanding programs that
broaden their appeal. Their programming and conductors fill
the venues where they perform. To order tickets, call
(813) 286-2403 or (800) 662-7286.
Best Caribbean Cuisine -
Rumba Island Bar & Grill
Specializing in the flavors of the islands, everything served
at Rumba’s, from their Runaway Bay Crab Cakes to their
Jerk Chicken Wings, will make you yearn for one of their
island-style drinks. We are addicted to Mama Maria’s Muffins
that come with each meal. 1800 Gulf to Bay Boulevard at the
corner of Keene Road, Clearwater, (727) 446-7027; and 3687
Tampa Road, Oldsmar, (813) 475-5974
Best Wieners - Hot Dogs on Main
They serve all types of hot dogs, from classics to tofu, but
it is their creative toppings that earned them the nickname
of “gourmet fun on a bun.” Try a Dixie Dog or go Chicago
style. Whatever you choose, you’ll enjoy it. 505 Main Street,
Dunedin, (727) 408-5103
Best Local Dining Club - The
Tampa Bay Food & Wine Society
Local gourmands and wine aficionados enjoy drinking and
dining with this exclusive, membership-only club, which
holds its dinners, wine seminars and other events throughout
the Tampa Bay area. They dine at the area’s finest restaurants,
enjoying multi-course meals that are created exclusively for
them, with each course being paired with an interesting wine.
(727) 791-4800
Best Iced Coffee -
Art Smart Coffee Walkup
At this art gallery, you can get premium blended coffee that is
incredibly good. They use coffee ice cubes in their iced drinks
to enhance the flavor of the top-quality coffee they use.
1275 Bayshore Boulevard (Alt. 19), Dunedin, (813) 205-7580
Best Beachside Gathering Spot
- The Palm Pavilion
Since 1926, going to the Palm Pavilion has been a local
tradition with its great food, wonderful Gulf of Mexico
views and spectacular live music. This landmark gets
better every year, as it blends the past with the best of
the present. 10 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater Beach,
(727) 446-2642
Best Chef - Chef Tyson Grant
While overseeing Parkshore catering, the Hangar
Restaurant & Flight Lounge, Café Gala at the Dalí, 400
Beach Drive Seafood & Tap House and Parkshore Grill,
this young genius uses his instincts and inspirations to
continuously create diverse servings of unique culinary
adventures.
Best Boutique Resort -
Beso Del Sol
This Dunedin resort has studios, as well as one and two
bedroom suites with kitchenettes that make it ideal for
families and friends. Their Marker 8 Tiki Bar is usually
busiest at sunset, when Mother Nature puts on her light
show, and it is the ideal place for a wedding or other
special event. 1120 Bayshore Boulevard, Dunedin,
(727) 734-8851, (800) 331-2548
Best Cajun Cuisine -
Ricky P’s Orleans Bistro
The Louisiana creole and cajun food served here
is unforgettable. The Red Beans and Rice, Shrimp
Remoulade, Jambalaya and other New Orleans’ treats
are prepared from authentic recipes with all the flavors
you would expect to enjoy in the “Big Easy.” 1113
Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, (727) 821-4061
Best Family Style Italian
Dining - Forlini’s Restaurant
MAY/JUNE 2015 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 49