One of the best parts of being a food writer are the restaurant recommendations I get from readers. I love hearing, “Oh my gosh, I know a place you have to try!” Or better yet, when readers tell me exactly where I need to go and what I should order.

Some of my favorite eateries fell onto my radar simply by word of mouth. (And any small business owner will agree that word of mouth is the best advertising.) A friend of mine (and an absolute authority on all things sugar) recently raved about La Casa del Pane, an Italian bakery in St. Pete Beach. She said their desserts were sublime and their coffee top notch. I had to check it out for myself.