MAY/JUNE 2018 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 53
Best Local Dining Club
–– The Tampa Bay Food & Wine Society
Local gourmands and wine aficionados enjoy drinking and
dining with this exclusive, membership-only club, which
holds its dinners, wine seminars and other events throughout
the Tampa Bay area. They dine at the area’s finest restaurants,
enjoying multi-course wine-paired meals that are created
exclusively for them. (727) 791-4800.
Best Local TV Business Program
–– Suncoast Business Journal
Geoff Simon hosts the Suncoast Business Journal on WEDUPBS.
Each interview reveals the background and motivations
of key business leaders in the Tampa Bay area. The show is
insightful and entertaining.
Best Massage Therapist –– Deborah Karlan
This woman has magic hands to match her encyclopedic
knowledge of the body. An incredible healer, she can relieve
whatever aches or pains you may have. Her Wellness From
Within office is at 2158 Drew St. in Clearwater, (727) 641-8979.
Best Medi-Spa –– PureLife Medi-Spa
Dr. G. Joseph “Dr. Fitz” Fitzgerald and his wife Elif offer
wellness, skincare, cool sculpting and other non-invasive
techniques to keep you looking your best. Their office is
elegant yet comfortable, and their staff is friendly and
knowledgeable. 12442 Indian Rocks Road, Largo,
(727) 595-3400.
Best Mediterranean Cuisine
–– Selene Fresh Fare & Bar
Selene is inspired by two generations of genuine aficionados
of food and drink, with appetizers on the menu including
lamb sliders and spanakopita. Signature dishes include Lamb
Shank, Seafood Vegetable Risotto, Pistachio Crusted Grouper
and Branzino whole-grilled Mediterranean sea bass.
4945 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, (727) 317-2064.
Best Menswear –– Greiner’s Fine Men’s Clothing
Since 1981, this store has offered high quality men’s clothing
and accessories together with expert service and assistance
to help you with your wardrobe. They offer individual
appointments, expert alterations and can custom make or
special order what you want to meet your personal style.
117 E. Whiting St., Tampa, (813) 226-3207.
Best Mexican Restaurant –– Casa Tina
Javier and Tina Avila, the dynamic duo who run this wellloved
Mexican restaurant, serve authentic Mexican recipes
from quesadillas and ceviche to fish tacos and fajitas with an
emphasis on healthy and vegetarian offerings. It’s a friendly
spot that has the look and feel of Old Mexico. 365 Main St.,
Dunedin, (727) 734-9226.
Best Leather Repair –– J&M Shoe Repair
You can trust your shoes and other leather goods to Joe. His
repairs are top notch and he will make your shoes look brand
new. 1107 Main St. (State Road 580), Dunedin, (727) 733-1592.
Best Modern Thai Cuisine –– Kao Thai Kitchen
A family-owned restaurant, Kao Thai Kitchen is passionate
about cooking with fresh, high-quality ingredients to create
new and different dishes such as Northern Style Noodle
Curry or Hai Yai Fried Chicken.
7199 66th St. N., Pinellas Park, (727) 350-3722.
Best Mom and Pop Dining
–– Sages West Bay Bistro
Patty and Mike Shade have been in business for more than 17
years, cooking homestyle Italian food and baking fresh bread.
The portions are generous and the atmosphere is casual. They
have a party room for events and offer catering.
883 W. Bay Drive, Largo, (727) 585-6600.
Best Museum Dining –– Café Gala
Whether you’re exploring the Dalí Museum or walking
around downtown St. Petersburg, stop into the Café Gala for
a light Spanish meal. You don’t need a museum ticket to enjoy
the café. Coffees, desserts, spirits, tapas and small plates, as
well as soups, salads and sandwiches are available for you to
enjoy inside or outdoors. 1 Dalí Blvd., St. Petersburg,
(727) 623-4725.
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 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 Music Festival –– Clearwater Jazz Holiday
Recognized as one of the best jazz festivals in the country, this
annual outdoor event draws internationally known musicians,
as well as local stars, who perform for thousands of people
each day at the four-day event in downtown Clearwater’s
Coachman Park, (727) 461-5200.
Best Professional Sports Team
- Tampa Bay Rowdies