Best Funky Dining -
Kelly’s For Just About... Anything!
Greenwich Village meets Dunedin at this chic legendary
spot, where daily Eggs Benedict specials, muffins, waffles,
quiche and gourmet omelets are just a few of the breakfast
choices offered every day until 3 pm. At lunch, salads, wraps
and sandwiches are also available at this retro bistro, with
personable servers who are helpful and attentive. Their
outdoor patio seating is always comfortable, thanks to a huge
awning and strategically-placed fans. After 3 pm, the dinner
menu is a creative offering of homemade dishes created with
flair. 319 Main Street, Dunedin, (727) 736-5284
Best Upscale Seafood Restaurant -
Mystic Fish Seafood Grill & Bar
This sophisticated Palm Harbor restaurant serves
exceptionally fine seafood. Their aquarium in the center of
the restaurant is relaxing to watch, and the overall ambience
of the room is stylish, yet nonchalant. Chef/Owner Doug’s
Kona Seared Atlantic Salmon, Blackened Chilean Sea Bass and
South African Lobster Tails are just a few of the exceptional
entrées you will find there. They serve a variety of small plates
as well. 3253 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor, (727) 771-1800
Best Way to Look Good -
Andrew Ashton of LaPosh Salon
Like a breath of fresh air, this is the place to go when you want
to look your best. The talented professionals at LaPosh can
review your look and design an updated hair style that will
make you feel special. 2566-D North McMullen Booth Road,
Clearwater, (727) 726-1600
Best Restaurant on the Pinellas
Trail - Café Alfresco
Their bistro menu of creative salads, soups and sandwiches
is perfect for bicyclists, rollerbladers and joggers, as well as
for shoppers and visitors strolling the streets of downtown
Dunedin. They also serve an eclectic selection of food late
into the evening. Brunch on Saturday and Sundays offers
specialties such as French Toast á la Ritz and Crab Cakes
Benedict. 344 Main Street, Dunedin, (727) 736-4299
Best Casual Cafe Dining -
Bobby’s Bistro & Wine Bar
Spawned from the next door Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber
restaurant, this is a great spot to just kick back and relax. Their
covered alfresco seating makes this bistro the ideal place to
dine when you want to enjoy good food and wine in a casual
setting. 447 Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater Beach,
(727) 446-WINE (9463)
Best Romantic Restaurant -
The Black Pearl
If you are in love, you’ll want to experience this intimate
gem of a restaurant with its pristine white linens, eclectic
mix of antique table settings, quietly attentive service
and individually prepared gourmet fare. 315 Main Street,
Dunedin, (727) 734-DINE (3463)
Best Spanish Restaurant -
Columbia Restaurants
There simply is no contest in this category. The Gonzmart
Family has created a virtual restaurant dynasty with its four
generations dedicated to excellence for over a century.
Their four distinctly-different locations offer the very best
Spanish cuisine. The original Columbia is in Ybor City at
2117 E. Seventh Avenue, Tampa, (813) 248-4961. They feature
a live flamenco dance show Monday thru Saturday. On Sand
Key, there is a Columbia at 1241 Gulf Boulevard, where guests
enjoy waterfront views of the Intracoastal Waterway,
(727) 596-8400. The Sarasota Columbia is at 411 St. Armands
Circle, (941) 388-3987. They also operate smaller restaurants
at Tampa International Airport and the Tampa Bay History
Center.
Best Dance Wear -
Artsy Dancewear
The professional-grade footwear, dance wear and casual
fashions that are sold in this Palm Harbor family-owned store
has appeal to even those who don’t dance. They stock exercise
outfits, stylish ice skating and gymnastic attire, as well as a
full line of shoes (expertly fitted) from ballet to tap. 31806 U.S.
Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor, (727) 781-8030
Best Grouper Sandwich -
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill,
Frenchy’s Original Cafe, Frenchy’s
Saltwater Cafe, Frenchy’s South
Beach and Outpost
You’ll feel like you are on an endless vacation at these popular
seafood restaurants. Frenchy brings in the grouper on his
own boats, so what they serve is always fresh-from-the-Gulf.
You can order it grilled, blackened or fried. All of Frenchy’s
Clearwater Beach restaurants are known for their good food at
reasonable prices, good drinks and fun. Frenchy’s
Rockaway Grill is at 7 Rockaway Street on the beach,
(727) 446-4844; Frenchy’s Cafe is at 41 Baymont Street,
(727) 446-3607; Frenchy’s Salt Water Cafe is at 419 Poinsettia,
(727) 461-6295; Frenchy’s South Beach Cafe is at 351 South
Gulfview Boulevard, (727) 441-9991; Frenchy’s Outpost Bar &
Grill is at 466 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin, (727) 286-6139.
Best Innovative Seafood -
Guppy’s on the Beach Seafood
Grill & Bar
Beach-casual dining at Guppy’s is a favorite of our readers.
Since 1992, they have been serving trendsetting fresh seafood,
prepared in imaginative ways. Whether you choose to dine
alfresco or enjoy indoor dining, Chef/Owner Scott’s Potato
Crusted Salmon is a favorite for many who dine there. 1701
Gulf Boulevard, Indian Rocks Beach, (727) 593-2032
Best Opera House -
Sarasota Opera
The renovation of this classic performance hall keeps it at the
top of the list for opera performances in the Bay area. Their
season has expanded, and the new schedule now begins in
November. 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota,
(941) 366-8450
54 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 2015