MAY/JUNE 2018 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 49
Best Concert Venue –– Ruth Eckerd Hall
The exceptional acoustics of Ruth Eckerd Hall make it one of
the top concert venues in the nation. Its design assures that
there is not an obstructed view in the house for the myriad
of performances they offer. 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road,
Clearwater, (727) 791-7400.
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 Community Supporter –– Bob Schmidt
In addition to underwriting rocker Sting’s appearance with
The Florida Orchestra for its 2017 gala, Bob’s generosity can be
felt throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Best Country Club –– Belleair Country Club
There’s a lot to love about the Belleair Country Club, and
our readers raved about the golf. The two courses, East and
West, were designed by the late golf course architect Donald
J. Ross. Not only are the fairways beautifully maintained,
but the club offers great perks. 1 Country Club Lane,
Belleair, (727) 461-7171.
Best Crab Legs –– Cooters Restaurant & Bar
Incredible is the best word to describe Cooters’ Crab Legs.
Combine that with the laid-back beach vibe and open central
bar and you will remember why you love Florida.
423 Poinsettia Ave., Clearwater Beach, (727) 462-2668.
Best Creative Catering –– The Stuffed Mushroom
Betsy Byrd has spent years building the reputation of this
company, which caters corporate events, luncheons and
dinners. She 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 Cruise Style Dining –– Saki
At Saki’s three stylish restaurants, one price covers everything
you eat, but it is not a buffet. You just keep ordering from
the menu as the kitchen prepares each item fresh for you.
Locations are at 2643 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater, (727) 726-
3937; 35927 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor, (727) 351-5615;
and 11921 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, (813) 961-1711.
Best Cryo Therapy Treatment Center
–– Foggiare Institute
Foggiare is a leading provider of noninvasive health and
wellness programs such as cryo therapy, which combines
proven technologies and personalized therapy to enhance
individual quality of life. 1920 W. Bay Drive, Largo,
(727) 239-0580.
Best Dessert –– Gateau O Chocolat
Chocolate lovers adore this scrumptious cake by Chef
Emmanuel Roux. This dessert is an organic, flourless,
gluten-free chocolate cake that will melt in your mouth,
(727) 251-1879.
Best Cuban Sandwich –– Annex
The sandwich starts with bread from La Segunda Bakery
in Ybor City and is layered with sliced mojo pork, big-eyed
Swiss cheese, ham, a blend of yellow mustard and mayo and
their elongated sliced pickles to provide a taste of pickle in
every bite. Then the sandwich is served toasted and pressed.
400 Beach Drive, St. Petersburg, (727) 896-4400.
Best Cultural Programs –– City of Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Arts oversees the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center that
has changing exhibits, an 83-seat theater and a gift shop, along
with the 300-seat Performing Arts Center on Pine Street that
is inside the current City Hall, which was built as a school
in 1925. Tarpon Arts also operates and organizes a series of
cultural programs at the city’s Heritage Museum on Beekman
Lane that offers history exhibits and the Safford House
Museum on Parkin Court. (727) 942-5605.
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 Dinner and Show
–– Show Palace Dinner Theatre
For an evening of nostalgia, your best bet is Show Palace
Dinner Theatre in Hudson. Its first-class productions, quality
food and reasonable prices make it the place to go for a full
evening of entertainment. Plus, owner doo wop legend
Tommy Mara may make a surprise appearance.
16128 U.S. Highway 19, Hudson, (727) 863-7949.
Best New Museum - Imagine Museum