Restaurants throughout the state, from Pensacola to Key West, took home another bundle of Golden Spoon Awards, which Florida Trend magazine grants to Florida's finest eateries each year. And Tampa Bay walked away with at least five honors in each category (Golden Spoons, Best New and Hall of Fame).
Last year, Tampa newbies Anise Global Gastrobar, Cena and Cigar City Brewpub earned Best New accolades, along with downtown St. Pete's Meze 119.
This time around, Castile and Annata from Pinellas alongside Hillsborough's Ulele, Roux and Rooster & the Till, were recognized as the Bay area dining scene's best newcomers.
Golden Spoons went to downtown St. Pete's Parkshore Grill, as well as Pinellas waterside spots Caretta on the Gulf, Rusty's Bistro and Salt Rock Grill. Pelagia Trattoria, Pane Rustica Bakery & Cafe and edison: food+drink lab, all in Tampa, rounded off the category's winners.
Naples' Sea Salt, which will debut at St. Petersburg's Sundial in January next year, received a Golden Spoon award for its "innovative seafood," too.
As for what sorts of dishes diners can expect on restaurant tables next year, Florida Trend restaurant editor Chris Sherman predicts more (and better) vegetarian and vegan options, more small plates and more farm-to-table grub.
Here are the nosheries that made the awards' Hall of Fame:
Hillsborough
Bern's Steak House - Steakhouse (Tampa)
Columbia Restaurant - Spanish/Cuban (Tampa)
Mise en Place - New American (Tampa)
Pinellas
Cafe Ponte - New Continental (Clearwater)
Bob Heilman's Beachcomber - American (Clearwater Beach)
Marchand's Bar & Grill - Contemporary (St. Petersburg)
Maritana Grille - Seafood (St. Pete Beach)
