BESTOf 2016
Best Non-Water View - The Hangar
Restaurant and Flight Lounge
MAY/JUNE 2016
| TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 43
Best Gourmet Italian -
Alfano’s Restaurant & Splendido Bar
Chefs/Owners Linda and Frank Alfano’s restaurant serves
authentic tastes of Italy. Inspired by their frequent trips to Italy
they continue to develop new ideas for dishes while keeping
them genuinely Italian. From Scallops Rockefeller to Osso
Bucco, Chicken Sacco or Calamari Fra Diavalo, everything
is prepared to make any meal there an occasion. 1702
Clearwater-Largo Road South, Clearwater, (727) 584-2125
Best Art Finds -
Tarapani’s Department Store
Once the home to shirts, shoes and socks, the current
generation of Tarapanis has converted this historic building in
Tarpon Springs into a treasure trove of art. Buying and selling
a plethora of items, their tastes run the gamut from fine art
paintings to hand-carved antique Colonial furniture. This is
a must for anyone who appreciates art in its many forms. 128
East Tarpon Avenue, Tarpon Springs, (727) 937-5203
Best Theater Design -
The Mahaffey Theater
In a beautiful setting, this downtown St. Petersburg gem offers
a wide variety of first-class shows. Enjoy a concert, ballet,
comedy show and other types of entertainment. 400 First
Street South, St. Petersburg, (727) 893-7832
Best Menswear -
Greiner’s Fine Men’s Clothing
The most dapper men in Tampa Bay are outfitted at Greiner’s.
Robert Talbott, Ike Behar, Bugatchi, Allen Edmond and Canali
are just some of the brands sold at this sophisticated store.
At Greiner’s, you receive the ultimate in personal service
where they will custom-make or special order whatever your
wardrobe may need, from shirts to shoes. 117 Whiting Street,
Tampa, (813) 226-3207
Best Breakfast - Johnny Grits
Now with two locations, the “Southern fresh” dishes continue
to set new standards, with a huge menu offering an array of
options. Classically trained chef Chris Muller adds his unique
touch to traditional breakfast items that elevate them to a
new level. 857 East Klosterman Road (at U.S. Hwy. 19 North),
Tarpon Springs, (727) 942-4748 and 5749 Main Street, New
Port Richey, (727) 835-7663
Best Theatrical Director - Karla Hartley
As the producing artistic director for Stageworks Theatre in
Tampa, Karla continues to bring her creative vision to this
long-established venue. Yet, her influence can be seen at both
American Stage in St. Petersburg and Ruth Eckerd Hall’s new
Murray Theatre in Clearwater as well. With an innate sense
about entertainment, Karla is a gift to the industry.
Best Small Concert Space -
The Capitol Theatre
Located in Downtown Clearwater, this beautiful theatre offers
perfect acoustics in a convenient and quaint downtown area.
Attending this venue is always a treat. 405 Cleveland Street,
Clearwater, (727) 791-7400
Best Professional Sports Team -
The Tampa Bay Lightning
Owner Jeff Vinik recruits and keeps quality players who are
exciting to watch in the Amalie Arena, and he has made the
team into one of the best in the country. Tampa Bay loves the
Lightning for a multitude of reasons.
Best Draft House -
Clear Sky Draught Haus
Located in Downtown Dunedin, Clear Sky offers a choice of
37 craft beers on tap, over 60 varieties of bottled beer, wine
and a full bar while serving an extraordinarily creative menu
for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They even have a late night
menu. 680 Main Street, Dunedin, (727) 286-6266
Best Non-Water View - 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