Best Chef: Chris Cresanta at Cafe Dufrain 707 Harbour Post Drive
[map]
813-275-9701
Runners Up: Marty Blitz at Mise en Place, Christ Ponte of Café Ponte
***EDITOR'S NOTE: Christopher Cresanta is no longer the chef at Café Dufrain.
He left the restaurant as the Readers’ Poll was going to press.
Best BBQ: Sonny's Real Pit Barbeque
Various Bay Area locations, www.sonnysbbq.com
Runners Up: Kojak’s House of Ribs, Fred Fleming’s
Best Sushi: Samurai Blue 1600 E. Eighth Ave., # 2208
[map]
813-242-6688
http://www.samuraiblue.com
Runners Up: Yoko’s, Hook’s
Best Seafood Restaurant: Bonefish Grill 3665 Henderson Blvd.
[map]
813-876-3535
Runners Up: Shell’s, Salt Rock Grille
Best Waitstaff: Cafe DuFrain 707 Harbour Post Drive
[map]
813-275-9701
Runners Up: Bern’s, Thai Coconut
Best Non-Chain Italian: Bella's Italian Cafe 1413 S. Howard Ave.
[map]
813-254-3355
Runners Up: Spartaco, Bella Brava
Best Outdoor Dining: Cafe DuFrain 707 Harbour Post Drive
[map]
813-275-9701
Runners Up: Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, Rattlefish Grill
Best Asian: PF Chang's
219 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, www.pfchangs.com
Runners Up: TC Choy’s, Jasmine Thai
Best Vegetarian: Evo's
Various Bay Area locations, www.evos.com
Runners Up: Rollin’ Oats, Sweet Tomatoes
Best Cuban/Spanish: La Teresita 3248 W. Columbus Drive
[map]
813-879-4909
Runners Up: Columbia Restaurant, Ceviche
See La Teresita in the Hall of Fame.
Best Soul Food: Atwater's Cafeteria
895 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-823-7018
Runners Up: LeeRoy Selmon’s, House of Soul
Best Cheap Eats: Taco Bell
Various Bay Area locations, www.tacobell.com
Runners Up: La Teresita, Taco Bus
Best Beer Selection: New World Brewery 1313 E. Eighth Ave.
[map]
813-248-4969
Runners Up: The Independent, Mellow Mushroom
Upcoming Events at New World Brewery – Yappy Hour – Every other Sunday, 4-7 p.m. – DJ Zman – Tuesdays
Best Martini: Blue Martini 2223 N. West Shore Blvd.
[map]
813-873-2583
Runners Up: Dan Marino’s Martini Bar, Bonefish Grill
Best Pizza: Westshore Pizza
Various Bay Area locations, www.westshorepizza.com
Runners Up: Cappy’s, Mellow Mushroom, Sally O’Neals
Best Liquor Store: ABC
Various Bay Area locations, www.abcfinewineandspirits.com
Runners Up: Total Wine & Spirits, Lueken Liquors
Best Gourmet Market: Fresh Market
Various Bay Area locations, www.thefreshmarket.net
Runners Up: Mazzaro’s, Wild Oats
This article appears in Sep 20-26, 2006.
