Best Flamenco Dancers -
The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City
This artistic form of expression that flourished in Spain when
brought there by gypsies is kept alive by dedicated musicians
and dancers. Headed by veteran dancer Maria de Sevilla, this
talented troupe practices regularly and performs six days a
week. 2117 E. 7th Avenue, Tampa, (813) 248-4961
Best Children’s Museum -
Great Explorations
There are so many imaginative avenues to explore here that
any child will find something of interest. With 16 exhibits
ranging from “Build It” to “Live and On the Air: Great
News!”, children learn while having fun. 1925 4th St. N.,
St. Petersburg, (727) 821-8992
Best Outdoor Dining -
The Terrace at Bon Appétit in Dunedin
Serving the same fine cuisine as Bon Appétit, but in an openair
covered space overlooking the waters of St. Joseph Sound,
you can enjoy dining surrounded by nature. Try their Lobster
Roll – it’s awesome. There is also a delightful outdoor bar
called “The Loop at the Bon.” 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin,
(727) 733-2151
Best Lunch -
Downtown Dunedin Deli & Grill
Jean and Mihaela Francois took over the Broadway Deli and
tweaked the menu. This new Dunedin duo has introduced
unique and clever offerings to the eatery to entice new and old
customers alike who are enchanted by their hospitality, as well
as their melt-in-your-mouth Belgian waffles. 730 Broadway
(Alt. 19), Dunedin, (727) 286-6270
Best Art Gallery - Galleria Misto
Located on Indian Rocks Road in Belleair Bluffs, this
sophisticated new gallery shows the work of inspirational
artists including Michael Vollbracht, Glen Tarnowski and
Louise Del Basso. Sculpture, glass, paintings and other
mediums of investment-quality works of art flow through
this popular space. 100 Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs,
(727) 559-7767
Best Thai Restaurant – Thai Spice
From their Pad Thai to Panang Curry, new owner Pannee
Farooque keeps her guests smiling and satiated with the
delicate flavors and artistic presentations that helped
make Thai Spice so popular. 2475 McMullen Booth Road at
Enterprise in the Countryside area, Clearwater, (727) 791-7050
Best Dry Cleaners -
Dunedin Dry Cleaners
Formerly known as Tabor Cleaners, this business has relocated
a block south. They still are, by far, the finest caretakers for
your clothes and other cleaning needs. Nothing escapes their
careful inspection, as they remove spots, replace buttons and
otherwise do whatever is necessary to make you look your
best. 324-A Monroe Street, Dunedin, (727) 240-0279
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Best Chef - Ciro Mancini at
Clearwater’s Villa Bellini
Chef Ciro has won the competition with his elegant Italian
dishes that match the stylish décor of his award-winning
restaurant. Since renovating the former Tio Pepe Restaurant,
Ciro’s passion for food has rocketed him to the title: “Chef of
the Year.” 2930 Gulf to Bay Boulevard, Clearwater,
(727) 754-9848
Best Wine Bar - Cuvée 103
The new American cuisine in this chic Safety Harbor gathering
spot blends perfectly with its fine wine selections and the
musical styling of the variety of musicians who perform there.
Their small plate options, creative entrées and well-chosen
wines make dining and sipping here a joy. 2454 McMullen
Booth Road, Clearwater, (727) 726-0350
Best Way to Enjoy a Spring Afternoon -
Spring Training Baseball
Nothing screams Spring like baseball. And what better way
to spend a Spring afternoon than watching the Philadelphia
Phillies at Bright House Field in Clearwater, the Toronto
Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin, or
the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa go
head-to-head (or ball to bat) with the rest of the teams. Most
of our readers long for a day out in the sunshine, eating hot
dogs, ice-cold drinks and ice cream in a helmet during Spring
Training.
Best Museum Dining - Café Gala
Wine, espresso and tapas are but a few of the gourmet
offerings at the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg that makes
Café Gala a unique place to go for culture and cuisine. You
don’t need a ticket to dine here, as it is situated next to the gift
shop in the heart of the Museum. One Dalí Boulevard,
St. Petersburg, (727) 823-3767
Best Fresh Seafood - Olde Bay Café &
Dunedin Fish Market
Walt Wickman’s combination restaurant and market sits
on the water’s edge of the Dunedin Marina. Purchase fish
uncooked to prepare at home, or ask Walt to prepare it for you
to enjoy on his open deck overlooking St. Joseph’s Sound.
51 Main Street, Dunedin, (727) 733-2542
Best Performing Arts Center -
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts
With it’s five theaters that feature unique and diverse offerings
that appeal to just about every taste, The Straz got our
reader’s votes again this year. Named for David A. Straz, Jr.,
it boasts an education conservatory that adds to its popularity.
1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa,
(813) 229-STAR (7827)
Best Shoe Shop - Happy Feet Plus
Specializing in comfy footwear to help eliminate foot, knee,
hip and back pain, Happy Feet Plus has ten stores in the
Tampa Bay area. With experts on-site to analyze your needs,
you can trust that you’ll be steered to the best shoe for your
needs that will look good too. (800) 336-6657