Most current restaurant owners were barely born when Bern Laxer traipsed worldwide to fill his treasure-laden list. But in the past few years, wine-friendly restaurants have gained on Bern's lead. Island Way Grill places a very close second. This seafood mecca, the second restaurant for chef-guru Tom Pritchard, has been quietly amassing a competitive collection of excellent wines. Sommelier Brad Dixon reigns over the best of the best the wine world has to offer — from unknowns to hyper cult wines. Check out Island Way's wine list on its website and explore before you go. Well done, gentlemen.
Island Way Grill, 20 Island Way, Clearwater Beach, 727-461-6617 or www.islandwaygrill.com.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 1, 2003.