56 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2017
Best Auctioneer
–– Jason Alpert
Jason makes auctions
fun while finding
unique ways to raise
funds for charities and
nonprofits. He doesn’t
just show up at the
event; he works with
the committee members
to help them plan their
efforts. (954) 658-9465.
Best Grouper
Sandwich
–– Frenchy’s
Rockaway Grill, Frenchy’s Original Cafe,
Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe, Frenchy’s South
Beach and Frenchy’s Outpost Bar & Grill
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.
Clearwater Beach locations are at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill,
7 Rockaway St., (727) 446-4844; Frenchy’s Cafe at 41 Baymont
St., (727) 446-3607; Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe at 419 Poinsettia
Ave., (727) 461-6295; and at Frenchy’s South Beach Cafe at
351 S. Gulfview Blvd., (727) 441-9991. In Dunedin, Frenchy’s
Outpost Bar & Grill is at 466 Causeway Blvd., (727) 286-6139.
Best Culinary Tasting –– The Ryan Wells
Foundation’s Evening With the Chefs
This annual tasting fundraiser invites Pinellas County’s finest
chefs, working with high school culinary students, to deliver
signature appetizers, entrées and desserts. The foundation
awards culinary scholarships and helps to support school
programs, including the “Ryan Wells Kitchen” at the Jacobson
Culinary Arts Academy in Tarpon Springs.
Best Community Volunteer –– Bobby Newman
Newman, executive vice president of Tampa’s J.C. Newman
Cigar Co., is a lifetime member and on the board of directors
for Southeastern Guide Dogs of Palmetto, which works to
create and nurture a partnership between a visually impaired
individual, often a veteran, and a guide dog. The charity
provides its services free of charge and receives no government
funding. In addition to this, Bobby and his wife Meredith
support a host of other community programs and charities.
Best Museum Exhibits ––
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
An architectural gem on the St. Petersburg waterfront, our
readers love this museum. It has assembled some impressive
traveling exhibits in addition to its top-notch permanent
collection. 255 Beach Drive N.E., St Petersburg, (727) 896-2667.
Best Artistic Clothing ––
Artsy Dancewear
Outfit yourself in style at this unique store filled with the
latest trends from leotards to dance shoes. They have it all,
including accessories and gifts.
31806 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor, (727) 781-8030.
Best Dining Any Time of Day ––
Clear Sky Beachside Café
This friendly restaurant opens at seven o’clock every morning
and doesn’t stop serving until midnight. The seafood-focused
menu is great, as are the brick-oven pizza, signature paninis,
burgers and salads. They also have live entertainment on the
covered patio. 490 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 442-3684.
Best Catering –– The Stuffed Mushroom
Betsy Byrd has spent years building the reputation of this
company, which caters corporate events, luncheons and
dinners. She recently opened a kitchen and entertainment
accessories boutique in her store, where there once was a deli.
825 Main St., Safety Harbor, (727) 726-8686.
Best Steakhouse –– Bascom’s Chop House
With its ambience of an exclusive private club, this American
steakhouse features top-of-the-line Angus grain-fed steer
that is aged a minimum of 28 days. Generous portions,
excellent service and extensive wine selections help to make
your dining experience a pleasure. 3665 Ulmerton Road,
Clearwater, (727) 573-3363.
Best Chocolatier ––
William Dean Chocolates
Whether you fancy Banana’s Foster or Lemongrass &
Coconut, you will want to share these sweets with those
you love. Bill Brown’s hand-painted chocolates are delicious
works of art. His award-winning flavors are as unique as the
packaging. 2790 W. Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs, (727) 593-0656.
Best Casual Creative Cuisine ––
Marlin Darlin Key West Grill
The innovative ideas at this Baystar restaurant keep customers
coming back to see what is new. They also serve classic fingerlicking
entrées, including lobster and steaks. The friendly,
relaxed atmosphere makes this restaurant a favorite dinner
spot. 2819 W. Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs, (727) 584-1700.
Best Museum Gift Shop ––
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
This well-run store features a variety of creative merchandise
within many price ranges. You will discover artistic offerings
here that you are not apt to see anywhere else.
255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, (727) 896-2667 ext. 225.
Best Innovative Seafood ––
Guppy’s on the Beach Seafood Grill & Bar
This warm, casual mecca across the street from the beach
has been serving trendsetting fresh seafood prepared in
imaginative ways since 1992. Whether you choose to dine
alfresco or indoors, Chef/Owner Scott Bebell’s Potato Crusted
Salmon is a favorite for many of Guppy’s regulars.
1701 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, (727) 593-2032.
Best Cookies –– Kookie Krums
Janet Long’s family-run business was voted a best again. She
offers several varieties of cookies, cupcakes and brownies
baked fresh daily, but the chocolate chip cookies are our
favorites. Buy them individually, by the dozen or in artful
arrangements as gifts. 513 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 736-5786.
Best Auctioneer -
Jason Alpert NORAA