photo by Valerie Murphy
BEST THING ABOUT MOVING TO TAMPA BAY FROM THE D.C. AREA
First, the traffic — I don´t know how people can complain about the traffic, I mean, you ain´t seen traffic until you´ve sat on the Belt parkway. It´s much better here than up north, that´s for sure. Second, I really enjoy the Southern hospitality. It can´t be beat — the people down here are super nice.
BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
The Lobster Pot
I´ve gone there a couple of times when I visited Siesta Key Beach with my husband and daughter; the seafood is so good, especially the lobster — it´s all so fresh.
The Lobster Pot, 17814 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores, 727-391-8592.
BEST AREA ATHLETE
Joey Galloway
Because I´m a huge Dallas Cowboys fan, I have to go with Joey Galloway, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers´ Wide Receiver. I know, it´s biased, but I think he´s the best and he´s my favorite.
BEST TOURIST TRAP
The Pier
I love the St. Pete Pier because it has tons of small stores, like a flavored wine store (Pier Winery) and this place that offers different relishes and seasonings (Peppers on the Pier). I love checking out the different spices and getting ideas for cooking. There´s also a hat store that´s the bomb, it offers all kinds of different hats, and I´m a hat addict.
The Pier, 800 Second Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-821-6443.
BEST PLACE FOR A DATE
Salt Rock Grill
This place has really great ambiance, and the seafood is excellent as well.
Salt Rock Grill, 19325 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, 727-593-7625.
BEST THING ABOUT WORKING FOR CLEAR CHANNEL
Free to be me — this is my first time working with Clear Channel and I like it so far because I can be myself.
BEST BEACH
Siesta Key
Hands down, it can´t be beat — it´s clean and quiet, the white sands make it feel like you´re on the islands, you don´t have to fight for parking, and it´s kid-friendly.
BEST SPA
Bleu Salon & Spa
I like this place because it´s convenient (it´s very close to where I live), it has a calming, pleasant atmosphere, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is professional and friendly. The service is excellent.
Bleu Salon & Spa, 3472 Lithia Pinecrest Road, Brandon, 813-651-4020, www.bleusalonandspa.com.
BEST MUSEUM
Salvador Dali Museum
This place is so cool and the art is incredible. My brother is coming to visit next week and this is one of the places I´m taking him.
Salvador Dali Museum, 1000 Third St. S., St. Petersburg, 727- 823-3767, www.salvadordalimusum.org.
BEST PLACE TO GET A STEAK
Charlie´s Steakhouse & Fish Market
I usually go for the smallest cut because I´m not a huge beef eater. The service is good, it´s less expensive than other restaurants of its caliber (like Ruth´s or Landry´s) and the food is just as good. The last time my husband and I were there, the manager was going around shaking people´s hands, asking about the meals — very hospitality-oriented.
Charlie´s Steakhouse & Fish Market, 4444 W. Cypress St., Tampa, 813-353-9706.
BEST VINTAGE SHOPPING
La France
I can´t even tell you how much money I´ve spent there; they have so much great stuff, a large and varied selection of purses, hats and jewelry. I bought a couple of dresses from there, but I really love the hat selection. I love hats, can´t own enough. They have all kinds, even those big ol´ Kentucky Derby-style hats.
La France, 1612 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-1381, www.lafranceybor.com.
BEST PLACE TO BOARD YOUR PETS
Fuzzy Buddies
This place is a so great. It´s a converted warehouse and has all these air-conditioned rooms with televisions and beds — for pets! It has an outdoor pool and a large lawn area where dogs can run around. It´s set up almost like a hotel for dogs. There are itty-bitty dog rooms for those little dogs, with itty-bitty bowls and beds. The dogs live like people, better than people. And, everyone there is very nice and accommodating.
Fuzzy Buddies, 1212 N. 34th St., Tampa, 813-247-2111.
BEST ALL AROUND DINING EXPERIENCE
St. Bart´s Island House
I love the Soho setting and the owner of the place is so nice, he´ll come right out to your table to make sure you had a good meal. There´s live music and the waitstaff is off the chain! I took my grandma there for her 81st birthday and everyone was so great, they even brought her a cake.
St. Bart´s Island House, 1502 S. Howard Ave., Tampa. 813-251-0367.
BEST PLACE TO GET A DRINK AND SOCIALIZE
Blue Martini
I went there this past Sunday night and had a ball. I suffered the next day, of course, but really enjoyed myself and it was worth it. They played live music earlier in the evening and had a DJ later on. I was having so much fun and at some point, I turned and realized that the place was packed! Overall, a great crowd and fun atmosphere.
Blue Martini, International Mall, 2223 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-873-2583.
BEST NEWSCASTER/TV REPORTER
Trey Thomas, Bay News 9
We watch him all the time at work. He just seems like the hardest working man on television and he´s everywhere. I see that dude all over the place, so I´ve got to give him props.
