MAY/JUNE 2018 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 57
Best Tex Mex ––
Marina Cantina Tequila Bar and Grille
Right in the heart of Clearwater Beach, this Baystar restaurant
has fabulous views and phenomenal Mexican fare at bargain
prices. Try the iron pan cornbread and the Beef Barbacoa
Quesadillas with a house margarita or some sangria. This is
a great gathering spot for all. 25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater
Beach, (727) 443-1750.
Best Thai Restaurant –– Thai Spice
Owner Pannee Farooque makes delicious and beautifully
plated presentations. Pad Thai, Stir Fry and Curry are some of
the authentic Thai dishes you can enjoy, all reasonably priced
and served by Pannee and her friendly staff.
2475 N. McMullen Booth Road at Enterprise, Clearwater,
(727) 791-7050.
Best Theater Dining –– Maestro’s Restaurants
Maestro’s three distinctly different dinner offerings at the
Straz Center for the Performing Arts allow patrons to enjoy
creative presentations and inventive menus before the theater.
They also cater in their own facility, or at the venue of your
choice. 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place at the Straz Center,
Tampa, (813) 229-STAR (7827).
Best Theatrical Productions –– freeFall Theatre
By presenting a range of classical and new works that are
bold, daring and diverse, this St. Petersburg theater group
continuously draws rave reviews. Creative staging and
multitalented performers help make their productions
memorable. 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (727) 498-5205.
Best TV News Anchor
–– Mark Wilson of WTVT-Channel 13
Son of longtime broadcaster John Wilson, Mark Wilson keeps
us informed about what is happening throughout the world.
In addition to his Fox Broadcasting position, he is an avid rock
guitarist who performs with his brothers for benefit concerts
and community events.
Best Urban Living –– Downtown St. Petersburg
Upscale restaurants and trendy boutiques join the bevy
of first-rate museums in downtown St. Petersburg. The
overnight success has taken 20 years, but St. Petersburg is
where the action is.
Best Waterfront Restaurant
–– Bon Appétit Restaurant
Waterfront dining with fabulous views overlooking
St. Joseph’s Sound makes this a memorable place to dine. This
landmark Dunedin restaurant is one of the culinary legends
of the area and is consistently ranked as one of the best Tampa
Bay restaurants by those who appreciate classic preparations
of fine food and excellent service. For alfresco dining, the
outside Terrace Café and their outdoor bar, In the Loop, offer
the same great menu as the restaurant. 148 Marina Plaza,
Dunedin, (727) 733-2151.
Best Way to Spend the Afternoon –– Baseball
Go on out to the ball game! Bright House Field in Clearwater
is home to the Philadelphia Phillies, the Florida Auto
Exchange Stadium in Dunedin is home to the Toronto Blue
Jays and the Steinbrenner Field in Tampa is home to the New
York Yankees. With all these choices, there’s no excuse not to
enjoy baseball in the spring.
Best Way to Get Healthy –– Dr. César Lara
Dr. Lara’s mission is to help his patients maintain a healthy
lifestyle through the use of his weight management programs
or his bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. With more
than 25 years of experience, Dr. Lara is available to help you
achieve your goals. He has offices in Clearwater, Dunedin,
Tampa and St. Petersburg, (727) 446-3021.
Best Wieners –– Hot Dogs on Main
Chef Susan and Nick serve all types of hot dogs from classics
to tofu, but it is their creative toppings that have earned them
the nickname of “gourmet fun on a bun.” Try a Dixie Dog
topped with chili and coleslaw. Whatever you choose, you’re
sure to enjoy it. 505 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 408-5103.
Best Wine Bar –– Cuvée 103
This casual and fun restaurant offers more than 100 selections
of wine to complement the chef’s delicious array of gourmet
offerings. The staff is friendly and helpful, and live music will
enhance your dining experience on weekend evenings.
2454 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, (727) 726-0350.
Best Work to Delegate –– Jedi Window Cleaning
Most people hate cleaning windows, but this team from Jedi
makes everything sparkling clear from your home to the
largest commercial buildings, (727) 612-2453.
Best Special Events Venue -
The Historic Fort Harrison
NORAA