According to Florida Trend Restaurant Editor Chris Sherman, 2016 was great for short ribs, poutine, craft Manhattans and octopus done up several ways, among other things. But it’s also been the year of restaurateurs and chefs launching new projects, especially locally.
In his introduction to the 2016 winners of the magazine’s Golden Spoon Awards, Sherman recognized Columbia Restaurant Group’s Richard Gonzmart as well as chef Chris Ponte and his partners for their Hyde Park Village newcomers: Goody Goody and On Swann. Frank Chivas of Baystar Restaurant Group, whose Salt Cracker Fish Camp and Marina Cantina opened to Clearwater Beach not too long ago, got a shout-out as well.
Ultimately, the annual awards — broken down by the Golden Spoons, Hall of Fame and Best New categories — went to 20 eateries around Tampa Bay, 27 if we’re counting Sarasota.
Rusty’s Bistro, The Black Pearl, Caretta on the Gulf, Salt Rock Grill, Parkshore Grill and Z Grille took home Golden Spoons for Pinellas, while Edison: Food+Drink Lab, Pané Rustica, Pelagia Trattoria and Rooster & the Till repped for Hillsborough.
Hall of Famers Cafe Ponte, Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber, Mise en Place, Maritana Grille, Bern’s Steak House, Columbia Restaurant and Marchand’s Bar & Grill prevailed again, while the Best New restaurant victors — Marina Cantina, On Swann and Goody Goody — further ensured Hillsborough and Pinellas were well represented.
This article appears in Nov 24 – Dec 1, 2016.
