MAY/JUNE 2019 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 55
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 Time Saver –– Better Than Grass
This business is for those of us who are tired of mowing,
fertilizing and watering our lawns and are willing to try high
quality artificial grass for our home or business. It wears well
and lasts a long time. 1490 Donegan Road, Largo,
(813) 734-7277.
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 Water Attraction –– The Florida Aquarium
The aquarium’s “Heart of the Sea” exhibit in its reimagined
Waves of Wonder Gallery is a 100,000-gallon habitat with
more than 400 animals, including bonnethead sharks,
southern stingrays, endangered sea turtles and more.
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, (813) 273-4000.
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 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. 9
Best Modern Italian Cuisine -
Ava
NORAA
BEST 2019
OF
GRAM