Welcome to Metro’s Best 2009. Tampa Bay hosts spectacular businesses and services and we’ve compiled a list of our favorites: dining, arts & entertainment, shopping and health & beauty. Here’s our guide to the best, we’re lucky to call
the Bay area home.
Arts & Entertainment
The Mahaffey Theater
Best Theater with a View
Outstanding waterfront views in the lobby and European style box seating set the stage for performances of The Florida Orchestra, music, dance and comedy. Call (727) 892- 5767 or visit
www.mahaffeytheater.com.
Patel Conservatory
Best Venue to Discover your Talents
For the fifth year, children and adults will shine in Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center’s Conservatory classes in
disciplines ranging from performing arts to design and production.
Call (813) 222-1002 or visit www.patelconservatory.org.
Museum of Science and Industry
Best Place for Future Scientists
There’s nothing like the IMAX Dome Theater, high wire bicycle, planetarium and other exhibits to encourage your kids’ scientific exploration. Call (813) 987- 6100 or visit www.mosi.org.
Tampa Theatre
Best Theater to See an Old Favorite
Tampa’s landmark theater sets the scene for classic films and new independents. Arrive early to hear a live performance on the Wurlitzer. Call (813) 274- 8981 or visit www.tampatheatre.org.
St. Pete Times Forum
Best Multi-Use Venue
Whether hosting a rock concert or a home game of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Forum transforms. Earlier this year, they played host to Cirque Du Soleil’s Saltimbanco. Visit www.sptimesforum.com.
The Florida Aquarium
Best Place to Interact with Aquatic Animals
In addition to hosting more than 20,000 aquatic species in four galleries, the Aquarium offers several opportunities to get closer by feeding sharks, meeting penguins and swimming with fish. Call (813) 273-4000 or visit www.flaquarium.org.
Baisden Gallery
Best Art Glass Gallery
Baisden Gallery features a wide variety of art glass, from sculpture and wall art to vases from more than a dozen artists, including Dale Chihuly. The Gallery also features paintings and photography.
Call (813) 250-1511 or visit www.baisdengallery.com.
Morean Arts Center
Best Place to Explore the Creative Side
Go for the wide variety of exhibitions, stay to learn how to make what you see. Visual arts classes are offered for children and adults, and summer camps and programs are available. Watch for the new building next year with more space, including a glassblowing workshop. Call (727) 822-7872 or visit www.moreanartscenter.org.
Salvador Dalí Museum
Best Single-Focus Museum
St. Petersburg’s Salvador Dalí Museum not only hosts the largest Dalí collection outside of Spain but also caters to all things Dalí. Check out events like Double Takes Dalí look-a-like contest, S’Real Fridays and ever changing exhibits. Call (727) 823-3767 or visit www.salvadordalimuseum.org.
Museum of Fine Arts
Best Comprehensive Collection
Take in a collection with everything from ancient Roman marble sculptures to Georgia O’Keefe’s blooms. Traveling exhibitions fill in, with the addition of pop-art and modern prints including this years Andy Warhol exhibit. Plan a trip at lunch and try the new Museum Café. Call (727) 896- 2667 or visit www.fine-arts.org.
Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
Best Dinner and a Show
Dine under the stars overlooking the Hillsborough River or Tampa skyline in one of the Performing Arts Center’s three restaurants before enjoying a performance or Broadway show. Call (813) 229-7827 or visit www.tbpac.org.
The Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College
Best Community Theater
Discover scene-stealing art and theater programming including emerging artists and the Side Door Jazz series. Call (727) 822-3590 or visit www.mypalladium.org.
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
Best Place to Interact with Animals from Around the World
Feed a giraffe, white rhino, budgie or lorikeet; ride a camel or pony and pet stingrays and goats. The zoo attractions offer year-round fun for the entire family. Call (813) 935-8552 or visit www.lowryparkzoo.com.
Nova 535
Best Hybrid Nightlife Space
Both historic and modern, art gallery and venue for live music, entertainment and anything else, this space is also in the running for best restrooms in the USA. Call (727) 821-6682 or visit www.nova535.com.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Best Place to Pull an All-Nighter
It will be tough to choose between steak, sushi or fusion before dancing or playing the night away. Call (866) 502-PLAY or visit www.seminolehardrocktampa.com.
Skipper’s Smokehouse
Best Southern Fried Music Venue
Enjoy grouper, alligator, conch and don’t forget the mojito. Work it all off dancing in the sand in the Skipper Dome. A Shout Out for bringing in the best variety of musical talent. Call (813) 971-0666 or visit www.skipperssmokehouse.com.
(back to top)
Dining
Bern’s Steakhouse
Best Classic Dining
Begin an evening at Bern’s with a kitchen tour before enjoying a world-class steak dinner or lighter fare in the Cave Du Fromage, then follow up in a private dessert room for drinks and sweets too rich to pass up. Call (813) 251-2421 or visit www.bernssteakhouse.com.
Kojak’s
Best BBQ
At Kojak’s everything is homemade from the Forney family recipe. Enjoy your meal on the veranda with a side of ice tea and don’t forget to save room for chocolate cake. Call (813) 837-3774 or visit www.kojaksbbq.com.
Five Guys
Best Presidential Pit-Stop
With multiple locations in the area, this burger joint is easy to find. The quick stop burgers are made using fresh ground beef and are available in more than 250,000 variations. And hey, the President likes them too. Call (866) 345-GUYS or visit www.fiveguys.com.
717 South
Best Worldly Cuisine
Masterful culinary selection of the best of Italy and the Pacific Rim, in an art deco setting. Spice it up with exotic fare, like miso and sake cured catch of the day, or indulge in comfort food, like chicken pesto pizza. Call (813) 250-1661 or visit www.seven17south.com.
The Table
Best Fusion
“Atlantic fusion,” featuring the lively flavors of South America, the Caribbean, and South Florida, served in a contemporary atmosphere. Call (727) 823-6372 or visit www.tablestpete.com.
AquaKnox
Best New Seafood
Now located in Tampa as well as Las Vegas and Atlanta, water is the theme, the décor and the menu at this hotspot where the freshest catches are flown in daily. Call (813) 675- 8700 or visit www.aquaknox.net.
Byblos Café
Best Mediterranean
Named after one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, this café features spicy home-style Lebanese dishes and belly dancers. Stop by the international market to bring the flavor home. Call (813) 805-7977 or visit www.bybloscafe.com.
Datz Deli
Best New Deli
Breakfast, lunch and dinner, Datz makes it from the best ingredients from around the world with the freshly brewed coffee, boutique wine or specialty beer to match. The sandwhiches are extra large and the homemade chips are topped with a delightful blue-cheese drizzle. Call (813) 831-7000 or visit www.datzdeli.com.
Cupcake Spot
Best Small Sweet Treat
Tampa’s original specialty gourmet
cupcake-only confectionery. Baked daily, these delicious and adorable treats are sure to please any sweet tooth. Call
(813) 839-7077 for Tampa location
(727) 825-0572 for St. Pete location or visit www.thecupcakespotinc.com.
The Venue
Best Nightlife Restaurant and Bar
Experience the newest leader in entertainment and culinary excellence. Located inside are two unique restaurants perfect for any night out. Takara serves up sake and sushi in an upscale atmosphere and Viaggio caters to a menu that goes beyond traditional Spanish cuisine. Call (727) 571-2222 or visit www.thevenueclub.com.
Pané Rustica Bakery & Cafe
Best Cafe for Baked Goods
Whether ordering scones for breakfast, pizza for lunch or focaccia with dinner, Pané Rustica’s baked goods are sure to tantalize. Call (813) 902-8828 or visit www.panerusticabakery.com.
Undertow
Best Beach Bar Value
Located on St. Petersburg beach, this right-on the water spot offers covering from the hot sun plus ice cold drinks and great fried seafood and wings. Visit www.undertowbeachbar.com or call (727) 368-9000.
Fly
Best Rooftop Deck
A great place to kick back at the end of the work week in downtown Tampa. Enjoy fresh and unique bites in a trendy hot spot. Call (813) 274-5000 or visit www.flybarandrestaurant.com.
Salt Rock Grill
Best Seafood
A sure bet when seafood lovers want fresh, local catches. One of the best wine cellars on the beach and a stunning waterview. Call (727) 593-7625 or visit www.saltrockgrill.com.
The Grape
Best Wine Bar
No whining with more than 150 wines to choose from at The Grape located at Bay Street at International Plaza. Sit at the bar or enjoy the café seating along with the perfect glass of wine. Call (813) 354-9463 or www.yourgrape.com.
Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro
Best Waterfront Dining
Enjoy a great view of boats sailing by and all the activity on downtown St. Pete’s waterfront from the outside deck while sipping a cool cocktail or feasting for lunch or dinner. Call (727) 894-4429 or visit www.frescowaterfrontbistro.com.
Ocean Prime
Best Ahi Tuna Tartar Appetizer
The newest place to be seen is in the lounge at OP. The food is fresh and prepared to order, but it is the Ahi Tuna that steals the show. Offering a large selection of fresh seafood, prime steaks, handcrafted cocktails and savory wines. Call (813) 490-5288 or visit
www.ocean-prime.com.
Red Mesa
Best Mexican This Side of the Border
Specializing in Southwest and Mexican cuisine with gourmet flair. Try the white sangria and decide your culinary fate while munching on chips and fresh salsa. Call (727) 527-8728 or visit
www.redmesarestaurant.com.
Columbia
Best Spanish Cuisine Through the Generations
An institution for over 100 years, the family-run restaurant is run by 4th and 5th generations. A nightly show of Flamenco dancers and delicious choice of Spanish staples include chicken and yellow rice, roast pork, and the famed 1905 salad. Call the original Ybor location at (813) 248-4961 or visit www.columbiarestaurant.com.
Marchand’s Bar & Gril
Best Special Occasion Dining
Enjoy the celebration with flavors of the Mediterranean inside the historic Renaissance Vinoy Resort. Try the 3-course tasting menu or choose from a selection of delectable beef, seafood or pasta. Call (727) 824-8072 or visit www.marchandsbarandgrill.com.
SideBern’s
Best New World Cuisine
Chef Chad Johnson changes the menu daily based on finding the freshest ingredients in season. The sleek newly remodeled dining room offers a relaxing and soothing spot for the creative dishes.
Call (813) 258-2233 or visit www.sideberns.com.
Pelagia Trattoria
Best Venetian
Under the direction of Chef Farizio Schendari, Pelagia serves up only the finest and freshest in Mediterranean cuisine including beef, seafood, veal and lamb. Call (813) 313-3235 or visit www.pelagiatrattoria.com.
(back to top)
Shopping & Style
Deborah Kent’s
Best Styles for the Sole
This shopping destination features a shoe boutique full of styles from designers like Bloch, Chie Mihara and Vicini. Find a pair to complete even the most distinct outfit. Call (813) 259-1150 or visit
www.deborahkents.com.
The Shop
Best Fun, Flirty Fashions
Known for its playful styles, this boutique carries the newest brands and trends seen in cities like LA and NY at great prices. Fashion never looked so good. Call (727) 821-6905 or visit www.enjoytheshop.com.
Kit’s Well-Heeled & Well-Dressed
Best Ageless Fashion
Accessories, separates and dresses in both casual and eveningwear for the young sophisticate and young at heart – with shoes to match. Call (813) 250-1253 or visit www.kitswelldressed.com.
Suitcase
Best Ahead-of-the-Trends Boutique
This local stylista secret, Suitcase packs unique styles from the designers you love and the designers you haven’t heard of – yet. Call (813) 333-5098 or visit www.suitcaseboutique.com.
Meredith Haws
Best Local Jewelry Designer
The statement pieces created by
Haws uses natural stones and colorful gems that are custom-crafted. The new coin collection is a must-have. Available in Tampa at Deborah Kent’s.
Georgette’s Boutique & Shoe Salon
Best Red Carpet Dress
Short or long, contemporary or classic, Georgette’s has the dress for the next grand entrance. Discover gowns, shoes and accessories and one-on-one service to prepare for your next event in their new location on South Dale Mabry Ave. Call (813) 254-1141 or visit www.georgettesfashions.com.
The Pink Palm
Best Selection of Lilly Pulitzer
This boutique carries the full line of Lilly Pulitzer, from the newest collection as well as home décor. Other selections are available from Jack Rogers and Lacoste. This boutique is perfect for all ages and everyone who likes preppy-chic. Call (813) 259-9780.
Paris Isabella
Best Unique Designer Boutique
Features designs by: Hale’ Bob, Christian Audigier, Paige Premium Denim, Custo Barcelona, Milly, Hudson Jeans, Otazu, Bejeweled, Blue Cult and many more. Call (727) 545-4900 or www.parisisabella.com.
Paradise Island
Best Haute Couture
Known for its fashion, vogue and couture with featured designers like ABS, Bishop, Frankie B., Majestic, Project E, Skin, Velvet Rose, etc., you’re sure to find an outfit for any occasion. Call (813) 805-2060 or www.paradiseislandboutique.com.
Love That!
Best Stylish Accessories
Designer jewelry, apparel, handbags, belts and accents for the home make this the best place to find the perfect gift for yourself or that special someone. Call (813) 902-0500 or visit www.lovethatonline.com.
Maison Rouge
Best Local Lingerie Boutique
Looking for something lacey, sexy and fun requires a stop at Rhonda Sheers’ intimate apparel shop in downtown St. Petersburg. Call (727) 898-8400 or visit www.maisonrouge.com.
(back to top)
Health & Beauty
a3 institute
Best Fresh New Look
Wish away and prevent signs of aging with The Anti-Aging and Aesthetics Institute’s non-surgical treatments for inside and out to improve appearance, health and longevity. Call (813) 251-5772 or visit www.a3institute.com.
Glow Day Spa
Best Spa Skincare Line
Luxuriate in facial treatments featuring Hungarian line, Eminence Organics, made weekly from organic ingredients. Post-facial, try the cinnamon paprika body lotion to treat cellulite or the eight greens phyto masque for firming, hydrating and lifting. Call (813) 832- 8000 or visit www.glowdayspatampa.com.
Vein Center
Best Non-Surgical Treatments
Be rid of rough edges with The Vein Center of Tampa Bay’s cosmetic non-surgical procedures like skin tightening and smoothing treatments and laser hair removal, offered in addition to vein treatments. Call (888) 434-9192 or visit www.veincentertampa.com.
Salon Jack
Best Place for LA Style Cut
Stylists at Salon Jack can give you a great wash and wear style and the Bumble and Bumble products to maintain it, but they can also give back. The salon has participated in the Susan G. Komen Cut-A-Thon for four years. Call (813) 831-8955 or visit www.salonjack.com.
Pia’s Esthetics Day Spa
Best Spa for Waxing
Forget shaving, waxing is the way to get smooth and stay smooth. Wax experts at Pia’s specialize in Brazilian waxing, but can keep every inch of your skin ready for the beach. Also try spa services, including chocolate scrubs, massages and nail treatments.
Call (813) 831-2418 or visit www.bypia.com.
The Grand Beauty Spa
Best One Stop Spa
The Grand has it all, from relaxation treatments like water therapy, bath ritual, and Tempus Fugit Express Treatment to weight loss and acupuncture, even a medical doctor of nutrition, internal medicine, acupuncture and advanced aesthetics is on staff. Between treatments have lunch and relax on the rooftop garden. Call (813) 874-7674 or visit www.grandbeautyspa.com.
Somers Salon & Spa
Best Place for a Makeover
Whether you win the monthly makeover at the spa, or go for a day of primping with friends, get a new look at Somers from head to toe from hair treatments and styling to nourishing pedicures.
Call (727) 726-8181 or visit www.somerssalonandspa.com.
After Hours Pediatrics
Best Late Night Kid Care
Kids don’t hold doctor’s hours but After Hours Pediatrics fills the gap with late hours, 365 days a year. Call (877) 538-0005 or visit www.afterhourspediatrics.com.
Spa Jardin
Best Relaxation Spa
A peaceful environment indoors or alfresco -- in addition to need-it massages, pedicures and facials, enjoy a Thai ceremony massage or hot stone pedicure. Call (813) 835-9549 or visit www.spajardin.com.
Spa Moritz
Best European-Style Spa
You’ll think you’ve crossed the Atlantic, with the latest luxurious European treatments like permanent makeup to chocolate indulgence massage and caviar treatment. Call (813) 971-4772 or visit www.spamoritz.com.
(back to top)
Home & Garden
BoConcept
Best Urban Design Furniture
Interior design consultants guide customers through the design process to ensure each room in their homes is sleek and chic as the modern furniture they put in it. Call (813) 287-0400 or visit www.boconcept.us.
RocoTraders
Best South of the Border Furnishings
Ay, ay, ay, the owners of this St. Petersburg shop take frequent buying trips to Mexico and return with the best Mexican furniture, pottery and other conversation pieces. Call (727) 895-8922.
being
Best Stylish Home Designs
Find simple, modern furniture and distinctive accessories to compliment it to turn your pad into a sleek retreat, or a unique gift for that person that’s hard to shop for. Call (727) 822-6252 or visit www.shopbeing.com.
The Silver Queen
Best Place to Complete the Set
Replace those missing pieces of sterling, china and crystal and discover a new tea service or estate jewelry piece in the process. Bridal and gift registries are also available. Call (727) 581-6827 or visit www.silverqueen.com.
Magnolia
Best Place to Add Charm
Unique pieces for home and garden that are classically modern by Jonathan Adler, Mariposa, Elegant Earth and more.
Call (813) 254-3337 or visit www.magnoliastyle.com.
Casa Nova
Best Eclectic Furnishings
Old and new items styled in the traditions of near and far. Pick up local artwork or eco-friendly upholstered furniture. Call (813) 837-8282 or visit www.shopcasanova.com.
Good Night Moon
Best Linens for the Bedroom
Sleep tight with luxurious bedding from Good Night Moon who recently celebrated 10 years in business. If you’re looking for a great baby gift, visit the newly expanded baby boutique.
Call (727) 898-2801.
Coming Cultural Attractions
Tampa Museum of Art
This long awaited update, designed by San Francisco architect Stanley Saitowitz is scheduled to open in 2010 and will be 68,000 square feet of museum envy overlooking the Hillsborough River. Call (813) 274-8130 or visit www.tampamuseum.org.
Glazer Children’s Museum
Scheduled to open in spring 2010, the museum will focus on art, activities, commerce, cultures, safety, communication and science for children 10 years and younger and will feature permanent and traveling exhibits. Call (813) 277-3199 or visit www.glazermuseum.org.
– Compiled by Ronda M. Parag, Christine Labit and Krystal Vereb
(back to top)
|
