City: Tampa Bay, FL

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (727) 824-8072

Description: The entire resort was named to the Golden Spoon Hall of Fame in 2003, so we’ll also mention Fred’s, a surf-and-turf steakhouse open for dinner only; Alfresco’s, a more casual indoor-outdoor bistro; the Promenade Lounge and Coffee Bar, which serves breakfast in addition to lunch and dinner; and Marchand’s Bar, the dress code for which is “No bathing suits.” Then there’s Marchand’s Bar & Grill, featuring the Floribean-accented dishes of Executive Chef Mark Heimann, who oversees all the Vinoy’s restaurants and their banquet department. You’ll find an eclectic combination of tastes and textures at Marchand’s. The Vinoy’s crab cake appetizer, for instance, is served with an avocado-tomatilla salsa and plantain puree. Entrées include a New York strip steak served with mushroom and bacon hash, sturgeon presented with a black lentil risotto, and pasta dishes such as Bolognese Tagliatelle. You’ll find the wines and liquors you’d expect at a Golden Spoon Hall of Famer. You’ll also find Heimann’s cookbook for sale in the hotel shop. Dinner isn’t the only meal featured at Marchand’s. Breakfasts receive the same careful attention—especially the Sunday Brunch—and Afternoon Tea is an occasion. Marchand’s serves lunch Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner every day from 5 to 10 p.m. Reservations are strongly suggested.