May 19, 2024
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Dining
Golden Spoon Awards 2010: A Far Better Thing
The worst of times for restaurateurs is spurring ingenuity and innovation.
Chris Sherman | 12/1/2009
 Bites, a remake of the Lobby Bar at the Ritz-Carlton Naples, offers sautéed chicken livers with apples, onions and bacon for $6.? [Photo: Vanessa Rogers] |
Chris Ponte, who made Cafe Ponte a gourmet star in Clearwater, still has a fine flagship, but he has taken his spare talents to improve everyday eating another way. He’s helping the Melting Pot group in Tampa to spice up its GrillSmith concept and launch more affordable ones serving crusty pizza and saucy burgers Ponte style.
If thrift and imagination are kitchen must-haves, Florida has another ingredient Susser uses with delight: Mangoes.
"I still love them, and this year was a bumper crop on the trees," the chef says.
 Clearwater chef Chris Ponte has partnered with the Melting Pot on two ventures: Peel will feature thin-crust pizzas with light salads and sandwiches. The second, still unnamed, will feature hamburgers.? [Photo: Joe Patronite] |
The 2010 Florida Trend Restaurant Guide includes Florida's Top 500 and these award-winners: |
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Golden Spoon Awards |
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Golden Spoon Hall of Fame |
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Best Newcomers |
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NEW: Golden Brands |
