Best Acoustic Venue -
The Mahaffey Theater
at Duke Energy Center for the Arts
Best Authentic Italian Dining
–– Da Sesto Italiano Ristorante e Vino
Chef Sesto is known for his delicious recipes including
Linguine al Pescatore and Ravioli that are served in a relaxed,
home-style atmosphere, along with a wide selection of Italian
wines. 7201 66th St. N., Pinellas Park, (727) 209-2695.
Best Bagels –– Dunedin Bagels and Deli
Owners Saul and Miriam prepare and serve their own New
York style bagels, specialty cream cheeses, salads, Old World
deli sandwiches and Cuban sandwiches in this small but
convenient location. Order to go or eat there. 716 Main St.
(State Road 580), Dunedin, (727) 734-1829.
Best Bakery –– Scone Age Bakery and Cafe
This new spot in Dunedin has been open less than a year, but
has already become our favorite bakery for all types of breads
and baked goods. Chef Shelley Jaffe does it all using healthy
and natural ingredients. 332 Skinner Blvd., Dunedin,
(727) 216-3248.
Best Beachside Gathering Spot
–– The Palm Pavilion
Gathering at the Palm Pavilion has been a local tradition since
1926 because of its great food, wonderful views of the Gulf of
Mexico and spectacular live music. This landmark gets better
every year, as it blends the past with the best of the present.
10 Bay Esplanade, Clearwater Beach, (727) 446-2642.
Best Bistro
–– O’Bistro Restaurant and Martini Bar
Lamb burgers, eggplant fries and seafood crepes are among
the selections at this restaurant established in 1994, which
offers many gluten-free options, nightly chef features, a full
bar and delicious weekend brunches. 6661 Central Ave.,
St. Petersburg, (727) 381-1212.
MAY/JUNE 2019 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 45
Best Acoustic Venue
–– The Mahaffey Theater at
Duke Energy Center for the Arts
Originally built in 1965, the 2,031-seat
Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg
upgraded its stage with a “Diva
Acoustical Shell” to enhance all aspects
of sound throughout the venue,
creating warmer tones with superior
blends for sound projection to the
audience, while enhancing the ability
for musicians to hear themselves
more clearly onstage.
400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, (727) 300-2000.
Best Airport Restaurant
–– The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge
This unusual location on the second floor of St. Petersburg’s
Albert Whitted Airport has a loyal following for breakfast,
lunch and dinner. In addition to watching planes take off and
land, you will enjoy the tasty offerings at reasonable prices
and regularly scheduled live jazz. 540 First St. S.E.,
St. Petersburg, (727) 823-7767.
Best Architectural Landmark –– Henry B. Plant
Museum at the University of Tampa
Henry B. Plant opened the Tampa Bay Hotel in 1891, and
hosted such guests as Teddy Roosevelt, the queen of England
and Babe Ruth, who signed his first baseball contract in the
hotel’s grand dining room. This landmark building topped
with its iconic minarets is home to the University of Tampa’s
Plant Hall and to the Henry B. Plant Museum, which features
original furnishings and artifacts from the hotel and objects
that were collected by Mr. and Mrs. Plant on their worldwide
trips. 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 254-1891.
Best Art Classes –– Dunedin Fine Art Center
Drawing, painting, pottery, calligraphy, jewelry, pastels and
other arts are taught by experienced artists and educators at
this well-established family-friendly institution that offers a
variety of programming, including a new food arts program
that is appealing to an entirely new group of students. The
staff is committed to making the center the premier place for
creative arts experiences. 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin,
(727) 298-3322.
Best Art Gallery –– Galleria Misto
The gallery has a great selection at all price points in all
mediums in a wide variety of styles. It also has work on
display and for sale at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg
besides its main location. 100 Indian Rocks Road,
Belleair Bluffs, (727) 559-7767.
Best Auctioneer –– Jason Alpert
No one can squeeze as much out of a crowd for a good cause
as Jason, who also helps organizations to raise funds and to
organize their events, (954) 658-9465.