Integrate This: Demystifying the Asian market
Asian market shoppers should take their time, have fun, ask questions and experiment.
Drink More Wine: Of wood and wine
Barrel-aging can produce a variety of results.
Covert cuisine: Tales from the first Illumineati dinner
Illumineati’s first mystery meal brought nine courses, what felt like endless wine and more.
Scott Orsini says he won’t be a “lockstep Democrat” if elected in HD 69 in November
St. Petersburg-based attorney Scott Orsini says he's used to people asking him why he wants to be a member of the Florida House of Representatives, since Democrats are vastly outnumbered by Republicans in the Legislature. "Nothing changes if nobody tries," says the Titusville native, who moved to St. Pete some 18 years ago. "If Democrats…
Mitch Perry Report 9.25.14: Are Jeb Bush’s view discordant with the GOP base?
According to a report in the Washington Examiner, Mitt Romney is a lot closer to considering another run for the White House than you might think. But it depends about what another Republican — Jeb Bush — opts to do that will predicate his decision. All eyes remain on the former Florida governor, who won't…
Tampa’s surf soul tiki artist gone rogue
Today, at what he considers one of Tampa’s Cuban cultural and historical epicenters, Tampa native and local Surf Soul Tiki artist Jeff Chouinard told the story of how he fell in love with carving tikis and why he has decided to transform dead and forgotten palm trees into pieces of art for the community to…
Primp My Ride — Carmada rolls up to St. Pete’s Bayfront
A unique art-car project pulls into the driveway between the Dalì and Mahaffey.
Tampa cabbies lash out at Uber and the govt. officials who they say enable them
David Bean is pissed. It's never been easy being a cabdriver, but for seven years he's toiled for Yellow Cab in Tampa, and he doesn't dig the fact that drivers for ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft haven't had to undergo the same regulations that he has in order to provide transportation for local residents…
SCENE BREAKER: USF playwright makes the grade, Nurse Ratched solos and Blake students put career before graduation
Here’s what’s behind the curtain this week in Tampa Bay theatre… USF PLAYWRITING MAKES TOP 5, NATIONWIDE: Class of 2000 USF Theatre grad Matthew Lopez’s The Whipping Man is the fifth-most-produced play (in a four-way tie) nationwide this season, according to an article in this month’s American Theatre magazine. The play about race, family and war…
Transit panel talks about how Uber & Lyft can work with existing transportation options
During a panel discussion regarding modern transit technology this morning in St. Petersburg, HART interim CEO Katharine Eagan was anxious to correct state Senator Jeff Brandes when he said that within the next few years, share-riding services like Uber and Lyft will be competing directly for business with Eagan's transit agency in Hillsborough County. "They're…
Foodies rally: More mobile eats in store for St. Pete
Downtown St. Pete will get two new food truck events.
Wordsmiths are asked to assist Tampa in getting “UpLit”
The city of Tampa has issued a call to local wordsmiths, songwriters, poets, and writers, to have their words featured in UpLit, a 2015 Lights on Tampa project. Provide a simple phrase that captures the essence of something or some place; nothing too literal but not so far removed that it bears no relevance whatsoever.…
Restaurant review: Annata has the mark of Mazzaro’s
Beach Drive’s Annata is heaven for charcuterie lovers.
Help Florida Craftsmen Gallery with its makeover
Many exciting changes are afoot at Florida Craftsmen Gallery. The mainstay for high-end handmade craft art will be holding a painting party this Saturday, Sept. 27, to paint their brand new space. If you help out, they will feed you a free lunch, too. Call Liz at 727-821-7391 for more details and to RSVP.
Photo review: Tom Petty doesn’t back down at the Amalie Arena
The recently re-named Amalie Arena was full of boomers when Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers landed in town this past Sunday evening. Special guest opener Steve Winwood warmed and wooed with strong vocals, impassioned piano playing and guitar strumming, and a pair of luxurious white muttonchops. Petty sparked an instant connection during his own headlining performance, pausing often to…
Kathleen Peters says she wants to focus on mental health issues if re-elected
After her unsuccessful bid to succeed the late Bill Young for Congress earlier this year, state Representative Kathleen Peters (R-South Pasadena) is working hard to get re-elected to her House District 69 seat, which she won back in 2012. Spotted on the USF-Tampa campus on Tuesday speaking at Voter Registration Day, the Pinellas County legislator…
Mitch Perry Report 9.25.14: New Q poll: Scott 44%, Crist 42%, Wyllie 8%
A new Qunnipiac University poll out this morning shows the Florida governor's race almost too close to call, with Rick Scott barely leading Charlie Crist 44-42 percent, and Libertarian Party candidate Adrian Wyllie in third place with 8 percent of the vote. Although statistically a tie, the Q poll is in line with many others…
Tonight in live music: Joyce Manor lands at Epic Problem
Video included.
Live and Local Spotlight: Paul Moroz Memorial Show
A beloved local musician is remembered this Sunday afternoon at New World
Eat & do good: Perkins flips free ‘cakes for a cause
Perkins’ Give Kids The World Pancake Day will help a nonprofit and feed diners free short stacks.
Tequila cocktails fit for autumn revelry
Mix up your next go-to fall drink using these tequila-infused cocktail recipes.
Do This: Cult Classics screening at the Dalí
The Dalí is celebrating influential classic films in what it has dubbed an anti-movie theater experience on its patio in the Avant-garden. Doors open at 7 p.m. Screening of the grisly 1999 classic Fight Club starts at sunset. Cash bar. Food trucks. Games. Event takes place on the museum patio. (Museum will be closed.). Free.…
Pro disc golfers sling their wares at Bright House Field
With the baseball season winding down (except for the few teams lucky and talented enough to make the playoffs), stadiums across the country will go into a stage somewhat like hibernation for the next six months. Sure, there will be a smattering of football played in some venues — like the Bitcoin Bowl at Tropicana…
On Voter Registration Day, a new report looks at how states restrict voter registration
You're forgiven if it didn't dawn on you that today is Voter Registration Day, sponsored by a coalition of voter advocacy groups such as the League of Women Voters, Rock the Vote and Voto Latino. Hundreds of events were organized today to concentrate on getting people registered to vote in this November's midterm election, and…
Judithanne McLauchlan calls RPOF ad claiming she wants a state income tax “repulsive”
Depending on whom you talk to, the State Senate District 22 race between Republican incumbent Jeff Brandes and Democrat Judithanne McLauchlan may or may not be one of the closest races in the Senate this fall. Although heavily outgunned financially, McLauchlan, a USFSP political science professor for the past decade, has attacked Brandes hard via…
New Music Tuesday! (September 23): Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett, Alt-J, SBTRKT, Leonard Cohen & more
Releases out this week; audio & video included.
Concert review: Experience Hendrix at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
A look back at the traveling tribute show, with photos.
Tampa hip-hop mainstay DJ Fader burglarized, community rallying to help recover losses
“I am at a loss for words right now and feel totally helpless.”
HART board hears possible solution to first mile, last mile dilemma
In transportation circles, one of the conundrums is how to answer the "first mile/last model" situation. That deals with getting a would-be public transit rider from his or her home or office to their bus/transit stop, and makes that potential rider want to take public transit in the first place. Is MetroBee the answer? Possibly,…
Mitch Perry Report 9.23.14: Only technology can ultimately prevent alcohol-fueled wrong-way crashes
Forget ISIS or Ebola. The biggest existential crisis for a Tampa Bay area citizen these days is driving on I-75 or I-275 after midnight. The Times' Zachary T. Simpson and Caitlin Johnston report this morning on the latest wrong-way crash on an interstate in the Tampa Bay area, bringing to 11 the number of people killed…
David Jolly wants Congress to actually work in their jobs
One of the many, many reasons why Congress has plummeted to record-low approval rankings in recent years is its atrocious collective work ethic. For instance, in early August, Congress broke for 5 weeks of vacation, not returning back to Washington until eight days after Labor Day. Then after voting on such matters as giving congressional approval…
Second Cali Tacos celebrates debut, serves up freebies
Tampa gained a new San Diego-style California Tacos To Go along Dale Mabry.
Kathy Castor bashes Rick Scott for Tampa Bay’s economic slide
There have been some troubling economic statistics published in the past week about household incomes in the Tampa Bay area. With this being an election year, it shouldn't be surprising that state Democrats would seize on that intelligence and blame Rick Scott for all of it. On Friday it was announced that the Tampa Bay…
Do This: The Two-Character Play at FSU Asolo
The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training brings Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tennessee Williams’ later-career play-within-a-play, which follows two sibling actors as they confront their past by staging a play where they relive — and attempt to alter — their traumatizing childhood. As the plot pushes forward, the separation between memory and reality blurs,…
Awkward Age offer limited free downloads of brand new LP, warm up for Pre-Fest on Saturday
Punk rock was well represented at Creative Loafing's Best Of The Bay awards last week (so not punk). One of the accolades went to Pre-Fest. The day-long music event capitalized on the abundance of existing shows already happening in advance of The Fest in Gainesville and rounded them all into Ybor City. There aren't too many…
Construction of new Walmart Supercenter well under way in East Tampa
Although opposition to big-box retailers like Walmart have become commonplace in some regions of the country, the reaction by the majority in the Seminole Heights/East Tampa area towards a new Walmart Supercenter to be constructed at 1720 E. Hillsborough Avenue hasn't risen to a significant level since the project was first announced a year and…
Comedy goddess Jane Lynch to headline Ruth Eckerd Hall
If I could make a list of people I'd love to see in person, Jane Lynch would be among my Top 10. Imagine my "glee" when Ruth Eckerd Hall emailed their announcement that the comedic goddess is coming to their oyster shell for her Clearwater solo concert debut on Sun., March 29 at 8 pm.…
The Laugh Tract — who’s bringing the funny
Godfrey will be spending the weekend in Ybor City telling jokes at Tampa Improv. Another week, another full lineup of shows at clubs across the Tampa Bay area. There's a lot of diversity in this weekend's shows, from the comedic styles to the performers themselves. Here are your best bets this week: Comedy Clubs Godfrey…
Mitch Perry Report 9.22.14: Now there’s a group worse than ISIS?
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-bacevich-isis-strategy-20140916-story.htmlCritics of President Obama's plan to "degrade and ultimately destroy" ISIS by employing air strikes in Iraq and Syria with support from our Arab allies on the ground say that it's not a comprehensive strategy of dealing with the terror threat, but more of the whack-a-mole method used in Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen over the…
This weekend in live music: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, DieAlps! CD Release Party and more
A giant weekend of live music ahead. Here's a breakdown. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20DieAlps! CD Release Show with Rec Center, Radarmen There’s something very tender and charming about the lightly-accented dulcet-toned vocals of Austrian-born guitar-strumming DieAlps! frontwoman Cornelia Calcaterra. She enchants, implores and laments with seeming ease in her bands new five-track self-titled EP of baroque-flavored melody-rich…
Mock video of Hitler addressing Greenlight Pinellas supporters ignites a firestorm
The intense battle regarding the Greenlight Pinellas transportation tax initiative that Pinellas County voters will decide on in November took a decidedly fouler turn on Friday, when Dr. David McKalip penned a post on his blog titled, "The Friday Funnies: Hitler LOSES it Over Greenlight Train Fiasco." The video featured edited footage of a character meant to…
Do This — The Weekend Top 10
The weather has been dreary, but, hey, it's not sweltering outside for a change. A few outdoor fests are soldiering on, and if they get too wet, there's plenty to do indoors as a plan B. Talk about blond ambition. Two big-time, fair-haired comedians/actors will be headlining Saturday night. Actor, former co-host of The View,…
Best Best of the Bay post-party pic
If we gave Best of the Bay awards days after our big event, we'd have to give Best Facebook Posting of a Best of the Bay Pic honors to Chad Mize, co-owner of Bluelucy Gallery, for his cleverly edited photo with TIGLFF director and Kerouac in Paradise organizer Margaret Murray. Mize, with Murray face, holds up…
Festival del Sabor: Clash of the arroz con pollo
Amateur chefs set to show off chicken and rice stylings at the annual Festival del Sabor.
Off the radar art and theater in Clearwater and at USF St. Pete and Tampa
The closing reception for Mark Gonzalez's solo show Navigating the Kaleidoscope will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight at USF-Tampa's Centre Gallery. Visit the gallery to meet the artist, see his colorfully compelling works and enjoy some free food. The Centre Gallery is located on the second floor of the Marshall Student Center…
Spathose Top 10 finalist in Martha Stewart competition
Their designs, upcycled from palm tree spathes, are uniquely earthy, tribal and futuristic. Spathose, a St. Petersburg based company headed up by Scott Durfee and George Medeiros, creates wearable sculpture accessories from local organic materials. The duo recently celebrated a six-year milestone and is celebrating another big coup — they're now eligible to win one…
Movie review: A Walk Among the Tombstones stumbles along
Audiences won’t be Taken with Liam Neeson starring in Another Liam Neeson Movie.
German eatery to replace historic St. Pete cateteria
Downtown St. Pete’s Tramor Cafeteria will reopen as a Hofbräuhaus restaurant.
Tonight in live music: The Pretty Reckless, High on Fire & more
Concerts this Fri., Sept. 19
Open swim: RumFish Grill extends snorkeling to all
One dish, two fish, redfish …
Mitch Perry Report 9.19.14: Nelson and Rubio approve Obama’s ISIS plan
It's not being billed as momentous as the votes in January of 1991 or October of 2002, but the U.S. Senate yesterday did vote to give President Obama authorization to pursue a plan to train and equip moderate Syrian rebels in the battle to take down ISIS. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio both approved the…
East Tampa park honors civil rights leader Clarence Fort
In honor of local civil rights activist Clarence Fort, Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Tampa community leaders announced the opening of the Clarence Fort Freedom Trail this afternoon. The park is located in East Tampa on Osborne Street. It includes a half mile decked trail around what just a year ago was an abandoned, barb wired…
Transforming Tampa Bay: A park is born
Everyone would agree that putting an oil lube garage on the banks of the Hillsborough River was not a swift move — think environmental degradation. But when the Tampa Police Department made that decision, they were not the first group to mess with the riverbank. Starting in 1907, shipyards, electric equipment manufacturing and streetcar repair…
Poet’s notebook: Poets and scientists unite
Hermann Helmholtz said the problem facing the scientist is this: reduce a creek a kiss a flaming coal from this random tracing to some irreducible final text dancing to the air of the inverse square and we are left with the question: what next? After the past presidential election, it was widely noted that President…
At Tiger Bay debate, Pat Gerard & Ed Hooper take it easy on each other
One of the most hotly local contested races on the ballot in Pinellas County this November is the open District 2 Countywide seat between outgoing state representative Ed Hooper and Largo Mayor Pat Gerard. The two (or their surrogates) have been exchanging strong allegations against each other through the press ever since Hooper defeated Norm…
The Colbert Report and a $1.8 million deal with Sony, all before getting to high school.
Most 8th grade boys spend their hours counting all the new armpit hairs that've sprouted through the day. Not the case with Malcom Brickhouse, Jarad Dawkins, and Alex Atkins. The Brooklyn-based trio make up the metal band Unlocking The Truth. Earlier this year, the boys signed a $1.7 million recording contract with Sony. They played…
Concert review: Ab-Soul at Orpheum, Ybor City
Kendrick Lamar’s labelmate hits the stage in Ybor
Statement against domestic violence to be announced at all Hillsborough County football games starting on Friday
The National Football League remains in free fall this week. Early Wednesday morning the Minnesota Vikings suspended start running back Adrian Peterson following his indictment in Texas on child abuse charges, while the Carolina Panthers announced the same with linebacker Greg Hardy, who has been appealing his conviction on domestic violence charges. The latest shoe…
Film with local connections Mantervention at AMC Westshore tonight
Mantervention and it was written and executively produced by Tampa Bay’s own filmmaker / ER Doctor, Juan E. Gallego.
Don’t Stop St. Pete announces its festival lineup, Plan B Block Party adds more bands to its own
October might as well be music festival month in Tampa Bay
Best Place Not to Bring Your Dog
The Emerald Bar on a Saturday night
Best Synergy
Bands and Breweries
Best theater humanitarian
Garry Allan Breul
Best “Opa!”
City of Tarpon Springs’ Night in the Islands
Best new reason to read the Trib
Paul Guzzo
Best Visual Art Festival
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
Best fashion event
Wearable Art
Best New Guilty-Pleasure Addiction
Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter
Best local architect
Greg Glenn
Best barber shop
Tim’s Barber Shop
Best Concert (Small)
Kishi Bashi at New World Brewery
Best local hero
Bob Buckhorn
Best Place You Wish Had Never Gone Out of Business
St. Pete Brasserie
Best beach town
Clearwater Beach
Best Museum Art Exhibit
Andy Warhol at Dali
Best local zero
Dave Bautista
Best Burlesque Performer
Vita DeVoid
Best Hip-Hop Ensemble
The Real Clash
Best Book by a Local Author
Small Professional Murder
Best place to discuss seashells
St. Petersburg Shell Club
Best tattoo studio
Atomic Tattoo
Best Las Vegas infusion
DiGioia Creative
Best home furnishings
Home Goods
Best All-Around Restaurant
The Refinery
Best Gulf Beaches Restaurant
Salt Rock Grill
Best Place to Get Authentic Haitian Food
Alez Haitian Cuisine
Best Chef
Greg Baker, The Refinery
Best Neighborhood Bar, Pinellas
Old Northeast Tavern
Best Steakhouse
Bern’s Steak House
Best studs
Crystal-encrusted heels by Shola Designs
Best local and Florida regional live music trend
Reunion Shows
Worst local politician
Rick Scott
Best Downtown St. Petersburg Restaurant
Bella Brava
Best Indian Restaurant
Gateway to India
Best Cajun Restaurant
Cajun Cafe on the Bayou
Best Waitstaff
Pinky’s
Best combination of bicycles, books and booze
Kerouac in Paradise
Best TV political reporter, male
Noah Pransky, WTSP
Best Auto Dealership
Lokey Automotive Group
Best Shop Dog
Macey at City Bike Tampa
Best Blues
Selwyn Birchwood
Best Museum, Cubed
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
Best Reunion Show
Grecian Urns
Best Pediatrician
Dr. Lori Mcauliffe
Best Cabaret Act
Scott & Patti
Best Pinellas Republican
U.S. Rep. David Jolly
Best Hair Salon
Sophisticated Styles Salon
Best sunshine for sale
Strands of Sunshine
Best spectacle
Kanye West at Tampa Bay Times Forum
Best Columnist
Tim Nickens
Best local sportswriter
Tom Jones
Best Local Stand-Up Comic
Steve Miller
Best Rock Band
Luxury Mane
Best view, Pinellas
Clearwater Beach
BEST MIXED MEDIA NECKLACES
Dollface
Best organized bike ride
St. Pete Tweed Ride
Best Hotel
Don CeSar
Best Local Brewery
Cigar City Brewing
Best Crepes
La Creperia Café
Best Late-Night Downtown Alternative
The Stinky Bunz at Anise
Best bike shop
Flying Fish Bikes
Best Greek Restaurant
Acropolis
Best Bar Staff
The Hub
Best Local Cover Band
Vodkanauts
Best place to take the kids
Busch Gardens
Best Collaboration
“My Generation: Young Chinese Artists,” Tampa Museum of Art and Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg
Best Dunedin Restaurant
Casa Tina
Best Restaurant Musician
Eddie G. at Black Palm Restaurant
Best Hollywood-Legend Breakfast Spot
Ted’s Luncheonette
Best Local Experimental Act
The Stoic
Best New Brewery, Pinellas
Green Bench Brewing Co.
Best excuse to show your undies in public
Risky Business Bike Ride
Best local Facebook page
I Love the Burg
Best Local Rock Act
Trigger City Trio
Best Real Estate Agent
Robert Gawel, Alexa Realty
Best gym
UFC Gym
Most Winningly Shameless Actor
Spencer Meyers
Best local newspaper reporter
Craig Pittman
Best thrift shop
Sunshine Thrift Store
Best place for wedding reception
Don CeSar
Best Karaoke
Octave
Best state park
Fort De Soto
Best MVP
Fil Pate
Best Place to Play Pool
Mad Hatters Ethnobotanical Tea Bar
Best reason to visit East Hillsborough
Firehouse Cultural Center
Best DIY Venue
Epic Problem
Best Happy Hour
The Bends
Best Grilled Argentinian Asado
Renzo’s
Best New Coffee Shop
Community Cafe
Best Southern Cooking
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
Best Coffee Shop
Kahwa Coffee
Best Local Chain Restaurant
Taco Bus
Best Local jam Band
COPE
Best Radio Show
Grand National Championships
Best Columnist
John Romano
Best Health Food Market
Rollin’ Oats
Best Culinary Magic-Making
Il Ritorno
Best Bargain Restaurant
Taco Bus
Best Local Hip-Hop Act
Infinite Skillz
Best personal trainer
John Kent, North Pinellas Adventure Boot Camp for Women
Best Artistic Director
Eric Davis, freeFall Theatre Company
Best dry cleaner
Sun Country Dry Cleaners
Best local TV weatherperson
Steve Jerve
Best Honest Mechanics in a Dishonest World
Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair
Best supermarket
Publix
Best place for runners to shoe-shop
American Running Co.
Best Local Producer You Haven’t Heard Of
Alma Contra
Best Late-Night Gas Station FroYo
Circle K at Hillsborough and Florida
Best mani/pedi
K Nails & Spa
Best doctor for a nip & tuck
Erel Laufer, M.D., FACS
Best Pet Boutique
Health Mutt
Best Tacos
Taco Bus
Best live look-book for home decor
Mis en Chic
Best clothing boutique (women)
The Shop
Best college hangout
The Tavern at Bayboro
Best Seafood Restaurant
Salt Rock Grill
Best nature trail
Pinellas Trail
Best character actor who can do anything (including Agatha Christie)
Ned Averill-Snell
Best Post-Concert Noshing
New York New York Pizza
Best Sandwiches
Schiller’s German Delicatessen
Best place to staycation
Clearwater Beach
Best LGBT organization
Equality Florida
Best use of tax money
Greenlight Pinellas
Best New Restaurant
Rooster & the Till
Best Sunday Brunch
Pinky’s Diner
Best Cheesecake
Yuzu Mascarpone Cheesecake from Mise en Place
Best Cuban
The Bodega on Central
Best garden store/nursery
Bloom Garden Shop
Best Doughnuts
Krispy Kreme
Best beach gym
Beachfront Fitness
Best record store display case
Microgroove
Best local politician
Bob Buckhorn
Best General Practitioner
Dr. Gary Holland, Seminole Family Health
Best Set Designer
Frank Chavez
Best Strip Club
Mons Venus
Best Indestructible Spirit
Animal Coalition of Tampa
Best Cocktails
Mandarin Hide
Best Festival Expansion
Florida Listening Room Festival’s Office Concerts
Best Show of Community Support
Seminole Heights Foundation & The Residents of Seminole Heights
Best local blogger
Xina Scuderi
Best Art Gallery (non-museum)
Duncan McClellan
Best Place to Put Your Dance Face On
Hyde Park Café
Best Karaoke
Octave
Best city
St. Petersburg
Best Club DJ
Monk – Filthy Richard, Czar
Best soap shop
Milagros
Best Auto Repair Shop
Big John’s Brake and Alignment Service
Best Thai Restaurant
Jasmine Thai & Sushi
Best new tour stop hotspot
Downtown St. Petersburg
Best Open Mic Night
(TIE) Cafe Hey/Hideaway Cafe
Best Artists Collective
QUAID
Best Service Industry Night
Red Mesa Cantina
Best Gourmet Market
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Best Hotel Bar
Tap Room at The Hollander
Best Place to Go Do-Nuts
Perk’s Donut Bar
Best Ob-Gyn
Molly Long, M.D.
Best farmers market
St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
Best mandals
Dean Rosenberger
Best TV political reporter, male
Mike Deeson, WTSP
Best Bar Food
Mermaid Tavern
Best Concert (Large)
Outkast at Big Guava
Best Bank
Suntrust
Best Drag Name
Traila Parks
Best vintage timepieces
Strickland Vintage Watches
Best Theater Company
freeFall Theatre
Best Country Bar
Dallas Bull
Best all-star team
Cast of “Cobb,” A Simple Theatre
Best Reason To Be In Ybor on a Monday
The Church Of Nintendo at The Bricks
Best family practitioner
Dr. Gary Holland
Best spiffy spinoff
Nouvelle BeautyBar
Best Concert in the Last 12 Months
TIE: Queens of the Stone Age / Dave Matthews Band
Best Director
Karla Hartley
Best interior designer
Andrew Winchell
Best beach
Clearwater Beach
Best Downtown Tampa Restaurant
Anise Global Gastrobar
Best Liquor Store
Total Wine & More
Best Breakfast
Pinky’s Diner
Best Juice/Smoothie Bar
Squeeze Juice Works
Best Local Brewery
Cigar City Brewery
Best hospital
Tampa General Hospital
Best PR prank
Visit St. Pete/Clearwater’s Manaphin hoax
Best View With Your Cocktail
The Sail Pavilion on the Riverwalk
Best New Beer Transport
The Crowler
Best Desserts
Dough
Best local social media sports personality
Caity Kauffman
Best Local Pop Act
Lavin
Best Local Brew-Infused Snack
The Urban Canning Co.’s Surrealist IPA Brine Pickles
Best Driving is the New Walking
First Friday Seminole Heights
Best Bucs player
Gerald McCoy
Best bizarro local news story
Two-headed gator
Best Jazz Ensemble
La Lucha
Best New Hip-Girly Gift Store
Plain Jane St. Pete
Best Public Artowrk
Sebastian Coolidge
Best clothing boutique (men)
Freshly Squeezed
Best Bay Area Breakout
Set and Setting
Best success story from a Best of the Bay alum
Benjamin Booker
Best ‘They Have Shows There??’
Tampa International Airport’s Friday Flight Series
Best New Immigration Activist
Raíces en Tampa
Best farmer market vendor
Worden Farm
Best new candle cove
Shannon’s Web
Best Place To See Upcoming Bands in Really Close Quarters
Mojo Books & Records
Best recording studio with a double life
Springs Theatre
Best massage therapist
Shelly Moye
Best Soup
The Stone Soup Company
Best Ice Cream/Gelato Shop
Paciugo
Best People to Talk to Before You’ve Had Your Morning Cup of Joe
Brew D Licious baristas
Best Draft Selection
World of Beer
Best Unexpectedly Fun Date
The Melting Pot
Best Writing is Fighting
Lucha Libro
Best local website
ilovetheburg.com
Best New Brewery, Hillsborough
Coppertail Brewing Co.
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
Byblos Café
Best Mexican Restaurant
Red Mesa
Best Neighborhood Bar, Hillsborough
The Independent
Best neighborhood, Hillsborough
Seminole Heights
Best local TV newsperson
Reginald Roundtree
Worst change in Tampa Bay since last year’s Readers’ Poll
The Pier controversy drags on
Best Florida college team
Florida Gators
Best Perversion Diversion
SexXx Dreams
Best Gas Station for Craft Beer
Rally in Historic Old Northeast St. Pete
Best Actress
Tia Jemison, “A Raisin in the Sun,” Stageworks Theatre
Best Festival Closer
Trombone Shorty at Gasparilla Music Festival
Best Popsicles
Whatever Pops
Best Local Spoken Word Artist
R. MonaLeza
Best city park
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa
Best swim style
Allusions by A. Lekay
Best Local Lighting Designer
Mike Wood
Best local college or university
University of South Florida
Best Indie Music Haven
Crowbar
Biggest waste of tax money
The Pier
Best Local Punk Act
Saganaki Bomb Squad
Best St. Pete literary haven
Since 1971, the family-owned Wilson’s Book World has helped keep the written word alive in St. Petersburg. With a focus on used and antiquarian books, Wilson’s boasts an inventory of 250,000 hard covers, paperbacks and manuscripts — and there’s even a cool collection of comics to peruse in the back. Owner Jeff Morris is as…
Best theater comeback
Gorilla Theatre
Best Hummus
Meze 119
Best Steak Sandwich ‘n’ Suds
Big Jim’s Famous
Best Designated Driver
The Brew Bus
Best spa
Safety Harbor Resort & Spa
Best Bahn Mih
Restaurant BT
Best Music Festival
Gasparilla Music Festival
Best Rowdies Player
Lucky Mkosana
Best Local Soul/R&B/Funk Act
The Black Honkeys
Best Hotel Restaurant
Oystercatchers
Best Tapas
Ceviche
Best Weekly Metamorphosis of a Deli
Della’s After Dark
Best Local Roots/Alt-Country Act
Have Gun Will Travel
Best Local Concert Promoter
Brokenmold Entertainment
Best dose of Hollywood glam
The International Indian Film Academy awards
Best art supply store
Michael’s
Best local morning radio show
Bubba the Love Sponge
Best Comedic Performance in a Drama
Jack Holloway, “All New People,” Jobsite Theater
Best pilates studio
South Tampa Pilates
Best Run of Shows in 30 days
State Theatre
Best Local Dance Company
Moving Current
Best Hotel Art
Amy Martz’s “Discovery Moments” at Le Méridien
Best Free Shows
Ale and the Witch
Best Record Store
Daddy Kool
Best Movie Theater
Tampa Theatre
Best local filmmaker
Kitefliers Studios
Best Homage
“Wu Tang is for the Children,” David Cardossa
Best Ob-Gyn
Dr. Molly Long, St. Petersburg Obstetrics & Gynecology
Best Singles Hangout
The Bends
Best sports columnist
Tom Jones
Best Safety Harborians
Todd Ramquist and wife Kiaralinda
Best holiday sweater
Florida Craftsmen
Best Roots/Americana
Boxcar Hollow
Best Cupcakes
Gigi’s Cupcakes
Best Exploitation of Orange
Castile at Hotel Zamora
Best Sandwich Named After Your Favorite Professor
The Dardenne from The Tavern at Bayboro
Best SoHo/Hyde Park Restaurant
Piquant
Best local radio personality
Mike Calta
Best Local Theater Production
Return to the Forbidden Planet
Best place to skate
Skatepark of Tampa
Best Splurge Restaurant
Bern’s Steak House
Best Kava Bar
Mad Hatters Ethnobotanical Tea Bar
Best local craft festival
Mainsail Art Festival
Best head shop
Purple Haze
Best Political News Story
Andrew Meacham, Tampa Bay Times, “Bill Young’s First Family”
Best pediatrician
Dr. Lori Mcauliffe
Best tattoo artist
Skip Sampson, 1603 Tattoo & Piercing
Best Folk Fusion
Jun
Best Live Show
Zulu Wave
Best “I’m gonna miss that guy”
Todd Kalas on the death of Don Zimmer
Best free clinic
St. Petersburg Free Clinic
Best sex shop
The Todd
Best Symbol of a New Era
The rainbow flag over St. Pete City Hall
Best Movers
Big Boys Moving & Storage
Best way to see downtown Tampa in a different light
Rent an E-Boat at the Convention Center
Best radio talk show host, weekdays
Rob Lorei, WMNF
Best Local Literary Event
Tampa Bay Times 16th Annual Festival of Reading
Best of the Bay 2014
Opinions are like… well, you know. But in Creative Loafing’s annual guide to the Best of the Bay, we celebrate that fact. Our writers and editors share their variously ecstatic, indignant and ironic opinions of everything from new restaurants to new political outrages, from tiny shops to towering achievements. And our readers share their views…
Best store staff
Pinky’s Annex
Best Actor
Kim Sullivan, “Two Trains Running,” American Stage
Best Apartment Complex
The Place at Channelside
Best Film Festival
Gasparilla International Film Festival
Best Husband-and-Wife Combo
Funny Bunny
Best-Kept Secret on the Beach
Sandbar Bill’s at Bon-Aire Resort
Best Italian Restaurant
BellaBrava
Best Breakfast Spot/Community Center
Stella’s Deli
Best Step Toward A Rural Foodie Empire
Local Public House and Provisions
Best local character
Hulk Hogan
Best local morning TV show
Good Day Tampa Bay
Best reason to take theater seriously
“4.48 Psychosis” at Jobsite
Best Breakfast for All
Cafe Hey’s Not Just for Omnivores Brunch
Best Ybor City Restaurant
Columbia Restaurant
Best Ribs
Urban Brew and BBQ
Best Food Truck
Taco Bus
Best Literary Event
Teenage Wasteland
Best turtle triage
The Florida Aquarium and USF Health’s CAMLS saving Freud
Best Performing Arts Center
Straz Center
Best Local Record Label
New Granada
Best bow ties
Ella Bing
Best Dance Club
Czar
Best Local Set Designer
Brian Smallheer
Best westward expansion
St. Pete’s EDGE District
Best New Library
Seminole Heights Branch Library
Best Free Clinic
St. Pete Free Clinic
Best Venue Makeover
Capitol Theatre
Best local activist
Joe Redner/Nadine Smith (TIE)
Best Rays player
Evan Longoria
Best Good News/Bad News For St. Pete’s Warehouse District
Venture Compound goes non-profit
Best Local Blues Act
The Betty Fox Band
Best Local Fashion Designer
Bunny Couture
Best Large Concert Venue (2,000-plus capacity)
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Best place to volunteer
Metropolitan Ministries
Best neighborhood, Pinellas
Old Northeast
Best vintage clothing store
La France
Best Pastry That Dare Not Speak Its Name
The croissant doughnut at Piquant
Best Place to Get Vegan Dishes that Taste Like the Real Thing
Loving Hut Tampa
Best Hillsborough Democrat
City Councilwoman Yolie Capin
Best Concert (Medium)
Queens of the Stone Age at Mahaffey Theater
Best prickly pals
O’Berry’s Succulents
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar
Georgie’s Alibi
Best Deconstructed Tiramisu
Il Ritorno
Best Neighborhood Reopening
Casita Taqueria
Best Arepa Sandwich
El Chuzo BBQ
Best Pho
La V
Best Hip-Hop Artist
Jinx
Best Random Acts of Fun Stuff
The Bends
Best local columnist
Daniel Ruth
Best yoga studio
Bella Prana Yoga and Meditation
Best Local Metal/Hardcore
Set and Setting
Best county
Pinellas
Best Gallery (non-museum) Show
Files and Film at The Oleson Gallery
Best Local Visual Artist
Theo Wujcik
Best Pet Sitting
Little Lady Pet Sitting
Best Activity for Ex-Band Nerds
The Second Time Arounders Marching Band
Best Holy Shit This Guy Is Everywhere
Sebastian Coolidge
Best dentist
Dr. Paul L. Caputo
Best North Tampa literary haven
Book Swap of Carrollwood
Best Food Blogger
Logan Crumpton
Best local designer
Bunny Couture
Best Champions of Equality
The “activist judges” of Florida
BEST New(ish) BOOKSTORE OWNER
Inkwood Books’ Stefani Beddingfield
Best Lightning player
Steven Stamkos
Best local TV sportsperson
Chip Carter
Best makeout spot
Clearwater Beach
Best New Restaurant
Rooster & the Till
Best Day Drinking
Salty’s Gulfport
Best Coffee House Renovation and Expansion
Buddy Brew Coffee
Best consignment shop
Revolve Clothing Exchange
Best handcrafted jewelry
Mavilo Jewelers
Best Restaurant Row
Beach Drive
Best Costume Designer
Saidah ben Judah
Best Sports Bar
Ferg’s
Best Marilyn Monroe-Themed Diner
Central Coffee Shoppe
Best Place to Pretend You’re In Paris
Bizou Brasserie at Le Meridien
Best Vegetarian Pizza
White Spinach pie from Papa Angelo’s
Best Use of Butter Since “Last Tango in Paris”
edison: food+drink lab
Best Sushi Restaurant
SoHo Sushi
Best ‘Yes! We Got A Second Date!’
The return Of Pre-Fest
Best Hospital
Tampa General
Best Food Festival
Ribfest
Best Hillsborough Republican
County Commission Chair Mark Sharpe
Best Pinellas Democrat
County Commission Chair Ken Welch
Best Chef
Ferrell Alvarez
Best Theater Company
Stageworks Theatre
Best roaring bike ride
St. Pete Tweed Ride
Best Punks
Wolf-Face
Best Local Stand-Up Comic
Al Romas
Best nicely bizarre community bazaar
Keep St. Petersburg Local’s Localtopia
Worst sports coach
Joe Maddon
Best bookstore
Haslams
Best theater rockers
Jobsite Theater
Best New Gallery
Workspace
Best Fare Fighters
Uber and Lyft
Best show that no one saw
EMEFE at New World Brewery
Worst Local Band Name
Pitbull Toddler
Best Drag Performer
Matt McGee
Best Transit Activist
Kevin Thurman
Best Barbecue That Makes You Want to Get Your Hands Dirty
Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que
Best Indian Supermarket
Patel Brothers Indian Marketplace
Best Seminole Heights Restaurant
The Refinery
Best Cuban Coffee
Bodega on Central
Best Cupcakes with a Side of Beefcake
The Cupcake Spot
Best Album
Poetry n’ Lotion, “Electric Acres”
Best local knob turner, beats maker, and barista
Spies on Bikes (Nathan Scott Cochran)
Best Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtology
Best Gumbo East of Commander’s Palace
Roux Tampa
Best Outdoor Dining
Salt Rock Grill
Best Lobster Roll on the Water
Bon Appetit
Best Diner
Three Coins Diner
Best Adult Playground
3 Daughters Brewing
Best Vegetarian Restaurant
Meze 119
Best Comic Actor
Matthew McGee
Best Political Wunderkind
Cesar Fernandez
BEST T-SHIRT BRANDING
“Furry Patch” by The Mink Clothing Company
Best man of steel
Dominique Martinez of Rustic Steel Creations
Best local rumor
Rays moving to Tampa
Best view, Hillsborough
Bayshore Boulevard
Best Jukebox
The Hub
Best Hometown Swag
BlueLucy and Venture Compound T-shirts
Best Weekly Club Night
Filthy Richard at Czar
Best local Twitter personality
@eataduck
Best entrepreneur
Bill Edwards
Best super-heroic comics shop
Heroes’ Haven Comics
Best place shop green
Rollin’ Oats
Best Museum
The Dali
Best Local Actor
Spencer Meyers
Best Martini
Oystercatchers
Best World Beat
The Hip Abduction
Best history lesson on wheels
History Bike Tampa
Best local pro sports team
Tampa Bay Rays
Best Burlesque Act
Vita DeVoid
Best Pizza
Cappy’s
Best Barbecue Restaurant
Holy Hog Barbecue
Best Bakery
Dough
Best Wings
Eats American Grill
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Taco Bus
Best Safety Harbor Restaurant
Whistle Stop Grill
Best eyewear
Oakley
Best Local Dancer
Vita Devoid
Best New Ybor Restaurant
Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza
Best Tea Shop
Hooker Tea Company
Best Secret Hangout
Duckweed Urban Grocery
Best Transformations Since Eliza Doolittle
Tuna “Fish & Chips” and Hanger Steak at Élevage
Best Jamaican Food Pairing
Cephas Gilbert’s grub and his crazy-ass stories
Best wellness center
Thank You Mama
Best Burger
El Cap
Best Local Photographer
Xina Scuderi
Best Political Blogger and Starbucks Scrooge
Peter Schorsch
Best doggie boutique
Downtown Dogs
Best Musical
“Return to the Forbidden Planet,” Jobsite Theater
Best florist
The Flower Market at Bayshore
Best place to worship
Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Tampa)
Best Trivia Night
Queens Head
Best surf shop
Reno Beach Surf Shop
Best Local Band
The Black Honkeys
Best Local Literary Journal
Saw Palm
Best Decade
The Studio@620
Best Coffee Shop Without An Actual Shop
Commune + Co.
Best veterinarian
Bayshore Animal Clinic
Best Musician Incubator
MIRA Program at SPC
Best antique shop
Brocante
Best Artistic Banker
Stacia Schrader, Regions Bank Downtown St. Petersburg
Best group fitness training
North Pinellas Adventure Bootcamp
Best independent retailer
Pinky’s Annex
Best New Community Activists
Coordinated Active Neighborhoods for Development Organization (CAN-DO)
Best Play
“The Normal Heart,” freeFall Theatre Company
Best Menu Update
Flavor Deluxx Tacos at Crowbar’s Ol’ Dirty Sundays
Best Place to Learn How to Salsa After Hours
Bodega on Central
Best New Rooftop Bar
Edge Social Drinkery at the Epicurean
Best Sandwich Shop/Deli
Schiller’s German Delicatessen
Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant
The Refinery
Best TV political reporter, female
Lauren Mayk, WFLA
Best library
Seminole Heights Library
Best Local Singer/Songwriter
Geri X
Best Surprisingly Kick-Ass Porch Food
Urban Brew and BBQ
Best Barista Staff
Kahwa Coffee
Best New Brewery, Pinellas
Green Bench Brewing Co.
Best New Gay Bar
Enigma
Best Chinese Restaurant
Yummy House
Best Cuban Restaurant
Bodega on Central
Best Local Choreographer
(TIE) Kristen Jansen/Peter Stark
Best Art on the Runway
Wearable Art X at Dunedin Fine Art Center
Best bait shop
Alafia Bait & Tackle
Best sports coach
Joe Maddon
Best greeting cards
Domain Home Accessories & Gallery
Best Local Playwright
Natalie Symons
Best hair stylist
Judy Thomas, Sophisticated Styles Salon
Best local nonprofit
Keep St. Pete Local
Best handmade crafts gallery
Florida Craftsmen Gallery
Best local traffic reporter
Chuck Henson
Best Performing Arts Festival
Tampa Improv Festival
Best environmental organization
Tampa Bay Watch
Best Local Fiction Writer
Christopher Buehlman
Best Local Stage Director
David Jenkins
Best Stand-Up Comedy Venue
Tampa Improv
Best physical therapist
Tarpon Total Health Care
Best Surreal Volunteer Opportunity
The Dalí Museum
Best Margarita
Red Mesa Cantina
Best radio talk show, weekends
The Daniel Ruth Show, WWBA 820 AM News
Best Art Party
SexXx Dreams
Best New Restaurant Decor
El Gallo Grande
Best Omelet
Florida omelet from Beverly’s La Croisette
Best Mac n’ Cheese
Urban Brew and BBQ
Best Non-Barbecue Joint Pulled Pork
Little Tommie’s Tiki
Best Old Florida meets the New Hip
St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club
Best Instrumentalist
Nate Najar
Best Bagel Shop
St. Pete Bagel Co.
Best Boba Tea Shop
Green Mint Asian Grill
Best Waterfront Dining
Oystercatchers
Album review: Karen O, Crush Songs
“They are the soundtrack to what was an ever-continuing love crusade,” Karen O commented in her statement about the lovesick tracks found on her debut solo outing, Crush Songs (out Sept. 9 via Cult Records). In comparison to her more bombastic sounds as frontwoman of the Grammy-winning Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Crush Songs finds the art-punk artist practicing a…
Best Local Improv Troupe
Post Dinner Conversation
Best Local Poet
Gloria Muñoz
Best Local Actress
Roxanne Fay
Jackson Springs sets the tone with skate competition
Over this past weekend, a concrete state of perfect harmony existed for a few hours at a place called Jackson Springs; well, actually the Northwest Skate Park in Jackson Springs. While the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation celebrated its grand opening back in April, the skate park — the third of its kind in Hillsborough…
Live and Local Spotlight: The Apes present Release The Apes
Listen to “Boogie with the Taliban” and “Apes Take Miami,” then hit Skipper’s tonight for the release party
