Best Down-Home Cooking
–– Nauti Nancy’s Food Shack & Crow’s Nest Pub
A casual, friendly atmosphere and top quality ingredients
are what customers love about Nancy’s, along with the
sandwiches, burgers, seafood entrées and beignets. Listen
to live music by local talent on their outdoor patio. They
also provide catering. 700 Eldridge St. (on the Pinellas Trail
between Fort Harrison and Myrtle), Clearwater,
(727) 446-3717.
Best Drive to Vacation –– Savannah, Georgia
Getting to this mecca of Southern hospitality is half the
fun. Once you arrive, you can visit historic attractions, such
as the birthplace of Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon
Low, contemporary art at the Jepson Center for the Arts,
impromptu performances by artists at City Market and 19th
and 20th century art at the Telfair Academy. Visit Savannah,
P.O. Box 1628, Savannah, Georgia, 31402,
or 1 (877)-SAVANNAH.
Best Dry Cleaners –– Dunedin’s Dry Cleaner
This owner-operated business does more than just dry clean
clothes. They are experts at stain removal, tailoring, alteration
services, cleaning and preservation of wedding gowns. In
addition, they can assist you with an array of other cleaning
needs. They take the utmost care with your items.
304 Monroe St., Dunedin, (727) 240-0279.
Best Early Bird Menu –– Skidders Restaurant
Skidders’ early bird menu is filled with mouthwatering
selections that range from Veal Marsala and Shrimp &
Scallops Fra Diavolo over Pasta, to broiled grouper and
stuffed eggplant with spaghetti. The value ratio is high here.
5799 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, (727) 360-1029.
50 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2018
Best Elegant Italian Cuisine
–– Gratzzi Italian Grille
Start with Calamari Fritti or escargot in a tomato cream sauce
and move on to Cavatelli Bada Bing pasta with artistic plating
and fresh ingredients. Their careful attention to detail makes
Gratzzi a special dining experience. 211 Second St. S.,
St. Petersburg, (727) 623-9037.
Best Exterminator
–– Brantley Termite and Pest Control
Since 1978, Brantley Termite has been eliminating unwanted
bugs and pests at commercial and residential properties
and lawns in the Tampa Bay area. They are reliable and
dependable. 2664 Enterprise Road, Clearwater, (727) 799-4701.
Best Family-Style Italian Dining
–– Forlini’s Restaurant
The Forlini family has been serving Italian cuisine to their
loyal clientele since 1981. In addition to Italian staples, their
menu has fresh seafood, steaks and chops, homemade pastas
and signature dishes. Enjoy the more than 650 wine selections,
knowing that more than 8,000 bottles are kept in their
temperature-controlled wine room. 435 Mandalay Ave. N.,
Clearwater Beach, (727) 441-1111.
Best Fine Contemporary Cuisine
–– Parkshore Grill
Chef Tyson Grant takes contemporary American cuisine to
new levels. His beef Wellington and the Pan Fried Grouper
Cakes are fine examples of his signature style. Owner Steve
Westphal has created a sophisticated establishment with both
indoor and outdoor seating, valet parking and a full bar.
300 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, (727) 896-WINE (9463).
Best Florida-Style Cuisine
–– Hog Island Fish Camp
Owner Chef Walt Wickman serves freshly caught seafood
from local waters in a relaxed atmosphere in this downtown
Dunedin hot spot. Stone crabs, mussels, Southern fried
chicken and of course, their namesake hogfish, are a few of the
dishes that keep their customers coming back time and time
again. 900 Broadway (Alternate U.S. Highway 19), Dunedin,
(727) 736-1179.
Best Gourmet Seafood
–– Mystic Fish Seafood Grill & Bar
This sophisticated Palm Harbor restaurant has a calming
aquarium in its center and consistently serves exceptional
seafood. It is known for its high-quality food and preparation
and its stylish, yet comfortable dining room. Chef/Owner
Doug Bebell’s Kona Seared Atlantic Salmon, Bronzed
Chilean Sea Bass and Maine Lobster Tails are some of the
most popular dishes there. For light dining, they also serve a
variety of small plates. 3253 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor,
(727) 771-1800.
Best Glass Museum
–– The Chihuly Collection
Located across from the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg,
the Chihuly Collection features glass artwork by Dale Chihuly,
who led the avant-garde movement in the development of
glass as a fine art. 720 Central Ave., St. Petersburg,
(727) 896-4527.
Best Architectural Statement
– Henry B. Plant Museum
NORAA