Lobster Pot wins “BEST ENTREE” at Taste of Clearwater
Congratulations to our team of employees who worked together to win at the 2013 Taste of Clearwater!
Best Lobster in Tampa Bay
The Lobster Pot in Redington has won this award for 20 years and now the Lobster Pot Bistro is following in its footsteps!
Lobster Pot Wins Tampa Bay’s “Best Lobster”
July 17, 2012
The Lobster Pot never fails to rise to the occasion to delight Tampa Bay residents. Recently owner, Fran Bartlett, was handed the coveted award for Tampa Bay’s “Best Lobster” for her new Clearwater location. Patrons can experience this award winning lobster at both locations. “We try very hard to keep the bar raised,” says Bartlett “awards like this just push us to be better”. The Lobster Pot is no stranger to the awards podium. They also recently won “Best Chef” for the March of Dimes Annual Benefit, where some of the area’s best chef’s compete for the “black coat” award.
The Lobster Pot Bistro
Upscale Flair with a Taste of Jazz
As seen in “Destination Tampa Bay“
March 30, 2012
Andre Lewis plays with Eric Darius.
It’s a Friday night and the Lobster Pot Bistro on north Clearwater Beach is getting its groove on.
In the martini lounge Andre is tickling the ivories. He starts off nice and easy, but as the regulars drop in he knows what they like and the big smile flashes, the rhythm machine heats up, and an instant dance floor emerges. Head bartender David whips up a few more blueberry martinis as the conversation goes from the latest Rays game to the stock market.
In the adjoining dining room, the ambience is casual bistro sophistication. Vignette tables along the walls are separated by sheer curtains to offer privacy, while large storefront windows offer great people watching along busy Mandalay Boulevard. Lobster Pot Bistro owner Fran Bartlett opened the Clearwater Beach location in October in the Shoppes of Sandpearl as a sister to the popular Lobster Pot restaurant in Redington Shores. She brought in interior designer Suzan Decker Ross to create a sophisticated ambiance.
“I wanted to create an upscale yet relaxing atmosphere that would reflect the beach and attract locals both for the fine dining and the music,” Bartlett explains. “And I wanted to give local musicians a place to perform. I have a musical background so it was important for me to bring in the best jazz performers around.”
Live jazz is offered Wednesday through Sunday, and each night brings in top-notch entertainers: veteran musician Ron Rhinehardt Sr. performs on Wednesdays, Mike MacArthur and Dani team up on Thursdays, Andre Lewis plays piano on Fridays and Saturdays, and on Sundays Peggy Morris and Kevin Wilder team up on sax and piano.
Many of the same excellent dishes served at the Lobster Pot Restaurant from seafood to steak and pasta are featured on the Bistro menu, says Bartlett, with a few specialties added. Executive Chef Steve Callander, who oversees both kitchens, has added a Lobster Mac & Cheese which has become a house favorite. (“It’s not your kid’s mac & cheese,” quips Bartlett. “It’s addictive!”)
Chef Callander and the Lobster Pot have won many awards, including Best Appetizer in last year’s Clearwater Beach Restaurant Week and more recently winner of the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Challenge. The Bistro will be one of nearly 40 restaurants participating in this year’s Clearwater Beach Restaurant Week May 13-15, with event chair Fran Bartlett at the helm.
Since opening, Lobster Pot Bistro has become a favorite of locals – a place to enjoy intimate fine dining, special occasions, or hang out in the lounge and enjoy late-night jazz. Martini lovers will appreciate the martini menu, with a different special each night. And, don’t be surprised if you spot a celebrity or two. Musicians who perform nearby have been known to drop by for a late night jam session, especially during festivals such as Clearwater Jazz Holiday.
Lobster Pot Bistro is just what North Clearwater Beach needed
As seen in the Examiner
The bar was classy and the piano player, Andre’ Lewis is simply phenomenal! Taking request and getting people to sing old classic tunes with him. He took the time to sing Happy Birthday to our friend when we told him it was his birthday, giving the visit a personal touch. The manager Butch was friendly and interested in how to make Lobster Pot Bistro on North Clearwater Beach a spot to draw a regular crowd not just a tourist destination.
The menu looks awesome and has some very unusual picks on it that are sure to please every appetite.
For more information visit www.LobsterPotBistro.com or stop by and see for yourself what a gem of a find this place is. Lobster Pot Bistro is located at 478 Mandalay Avenue. At the shops of Sandpearl, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767