BESTOf 2016
MAY/JUNE 2016
| TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 47
Best Family Style Italian Dining -
Forlini’s Restaurant
Since 1981, the Forlini family has been serving the finest in wines
and home cooked authentic Italian cuisine to their loyal clientele.
Try their Lasagna or Lobster Sinatra with one of the wines from
their extensive award-winning list. 435 Mandalay Avenue North,
Clearwater Beach, (727) 441-1111
Best Landscaper - Belleair Palms
Landscape expert Bob Deegan has been designing and installing
the area’s best residential foliage for over a decade. He offers a
variety of services, from maintenance to installation for projects
of any scale. (727) 442-9872
Best Bagels - Dunedin Bagels and Deli
The owners, Saul and Miriam, prepare and serve the food
personally on the premises. Their New York style bagels and
inventive specialty cream cheeses, salads, Old World deli
sandwiches and Cuban sandwiches are first rate. 716 Main Street
(S.R. 580), Dunedin, (727) 734-1829
Best Dessert - Gateau O Chocolat
These organic, gluten-free chocolate delights are made fresh daily
from a time-tested recipe that makes them decadently delicious.
A little goes a long way. To order: Chef Emmanuel, (727) 251-1879
Best Catch of the Day - Salt Rock Grill
This legendary beach landmark sets the standard for scrumptious
food and drinks. They offer an extensive wine list, along with
friendly hospitality. The ambience and service are top notch;
and every day, they serve the freshest day-boat-caught seafood
selections. 19325 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Shores, (727) 593-7625
Best Ice Cream -
Strachan’s Homemade Ice Cream
Strachan’s creamy frozen confections have an almost “cult”
following. Enjoy their creative homemade flavors on their
outdoor patio or take some home. They also make delicious
carrot cake, fudge brownies, key lime pie, coconut cake and
fudge. There are two locations, one at the corner of Alt 19 &
Tampa Road in Palm Harbor, (727) 781-0997, and the other at 310
Main Street in downtown Dunedin, (727) 733-3603
Best Professional Theatre Company -
American Stage
Producing outstanding live theatre with creative staging, talented
actors and innovative directors, this St. Petersburg theatre
continues to break attendance records. American Stage produces
unique plays that are both thought provoking and entertaining.
They also have comedy improv and some edgy late-night
offerings, and their Performances in the Park, such as this year’s
Spamalot, are not to be missed. 163 3rd Street North,
St. Petersburg, (727) 823-PLAY (7529)
Best Gourmet Pizza -
Pan y Vino Brick Oven Pizza
& Wine Bar
The artisan pizza here is cooked in a brick oven that
gives the crust an authentic Italian texture, while their
gourmet toppings make their pizza extraordinary. Next
to Casa Tina at 369 Main Street in downtown Dunedin,
(727) 734-7700
Best Cultural Center -
Tarpon Springs Performing
Arts and Cultural Center
Originally built as a City Hall in 1915, the building has
been beautifully restored. Voters enjoy live performances
and films in their 100-seat theater. They also feature
historical and changing art exhibits in their two galleries,
and you can find interesting items in the museum’s store.
101 South Pinellas Avenue, Tarpon Springs, (727) 942-5605
Best Hotel Dining -
LUNA in the Hilton
St. Petersburg Carillon Park
From breakfast through dinner, this hotel dining room
will satisfy any size appetite. Their gourmet breakfast
and lunch buffets are quick and delicious, with a large
variety of choices that change daily. At night, the dining
room transitions into an elegant and stylish full-service
restaurant. 950 Lake Carillon Drive in the Hilton
St. Petersburg, (727) 954-2140
Best Museum -
The Morean Art Center’s
Chihuly Collection
Designed by renowned architect Albert Alfonso, the
sixteen permanent installations of Chihuly glass are
breathtaking. Their Ruby Red Icicle Chandelier was
created specifically by Chihuly for the collection. Readers
also like the museum combination ticket that includes
the Morean Arts Center. When the Collection moves to
Central Avenue across from the Morean, you will want to
see its new home. 400 Beach Drive NE in downtown
St. Petersburg, (727) 896-4527
Best Theatre Dining -
Maestro’s Restaurants
With three distinctly different dinner offerings at the Straz
Center for the Performing Arts, patrons enjoy creative
presentations and inventive menus before the theatre.
They also cater in their own facility, or at the venue of
your choice. 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place at the Straz
Center, Tampa, (813) 229-STAR (7827)