BESTOf 2016
MAY/JUNE 2016
| TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 51
Best Grouper Sandwich - Frenchy’s
Rockaway Grill, Frenchy’s Original Cafe,
Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe, Frenchy’s South
Beach and Frenchy’s Bar & Grill Outpost
You’ll feel like you are on an endless vacation in paradise at these
popular seafood restaurants. Frenchy brings in the grouper on
his own boats, so what they serve is always fresh-from-the-Gulf.
Order it grilled, blackened or fried. All of Frenchy’s Dunedin and
Clearwater Beach restaurants are known for their reasonably priced
food and drink and abundant 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 Ave., (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 Opera House - Sarasota Opera
The renovation of this magnificent 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) 328-1300
Best Urban Living - Downtown St. Petersburg
The overnight success has taken twenty years of planning and slow
advancement until it reached the “tipping point.” Now, upscale
restaurants and trendy boutiques join the bevy of first-rate museums
in downtown St. Petersburg.
Best Classic American Cuisine -
Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber
Celebrations seem to be happening at every other table in this local
institution that has been serving award-winning food since 1948.
Everyone has a favorite dish, and their wine list is impressive. No
one has ever been disappointed while dining or having a drink
at the bar at the Beachcomber. 447 Mandalay Avenue on North
Clearwater Beach, (727) 442-4144
Best Mexican Restaurant - Casa Tina
Javier and Tina, the dynamic duo who run this well-loved Mexican
restaurant, serve authentic Mexican recipes from burritos to fajitas
with an emphasis on vegetarian offerings. It’s a friendly spot that
has the look and feel of Old Mexico and its popularity has led to its
recent expansion. 365 Main Street, Dunedin, (727) 734-9226
Best New American Food -
E & E Stakeout Grill and Kokopelli’s Bar
The creativity of Chef/Owner Erwin is the secret ingredient of
this popular dining venue with the ambience of a private club.
They serve black angus beef, including a whopping 28-ounce
Cowboy Steak and choice seafood and chicken prepared in new and
intriguing ways that enhance the original flavors of the food.
100 North Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs,
(727) 585-6399
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 of Guppy’s regulars.
1701 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Rocks Beach, (727) 593-2032
Best Continental Cuisine -
Bon Appétit in Dunedin
One of the culinary legends of the area, the Bon is consistently
ranked as one of the best restaurants in Tampa Bay by those
who appreciate classic preparations, fine wines and excellent
service. This restaurant juts out over St. Joseph’s Sound so that
every table has a fabulous view of the water. Their outside
Terrace Cafe and alfresco bar, The Loop at the Bon, serve the
same great food as the restaurant. 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin,
(727) 733-2151
Best Beach - Clearwater Beach
From its sugar white sand to the Beach by Design walkways,
it is easy to see why Clearwater Beach is considered one
of the best beaches in the world. The addition of family
entertainment and beachside eateries create a spirited,
wholesome environment that cannot be beat.
Best Hideaway -
Cappuccino’s Fine Wine & Espresso Bar
This intimate European-style cafe serves great homemade
food and coffees. They also offer wines by the glass, as well as
beer. 733 Broadway, Dunedin, (727) 738-8009
Best Community Patron - John Gilliss
Once again, as president of Friendly Kia in New Port
Richey, John is best known as “Mr. Friendly.” He
sponsors innumerable charitable functions and lends his
unique “Friendly Trolley” to a wide variety of nonprofit
organizations. He extends his helping hand without being
asked. Friendly Kia is at 5819 US Highway 19 North in
New Port Richey, (727) 815-9611
Best Politician - Senator Jack Latvala
He is always the voice of reason who gets the right things
accomplished. His service to the community over the years
has been invaluable, and it appears that his son Chris, who is
now a state representative, will carry on in the tradition of his
father. They get the job done!
Best Museum Gift Shop -
The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
This well-run store features a variety of creative merchandise
in all price ranges. You will discover artistic offerings here that
you will not see anywhere else. 255 Beach Dr. NE,
St. Petersburg, (727) 896-2667