Circa 1921
* St. Petersburg
From the time she could talk
and
walk, Pia was mesmerized by the
preparation rituals for the flavorful
soups, antipasti, pasta, salads,
fresh fish, and panini (Italian
sandwiches).
But there is
much more to Pia's
than authentic Italian food. The
outdoor tiki hut, as well as the cozy
bar and indoor space, provide an
intimacy akin to visiting someone's
home. To Pia, customers are "like
having company. I like to
spoil my guests."
Their 12 year-old daughter works
part-time as a hostess, while their
son sells gelatos from the sidewalk
in front. Speaking of desserts,
their tiramasu is "to die for."
If you're in a hurry, try
somewhere
else. Pia's is a place to linger, to
savor, and to become part of Pia's
growing extended "family" of
Gulfport locals who stop
in regularly.
8/5/06
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Pia's Trattoria
Pasta & Panini
Cafe'
Yes, there is a Pia at Pia's, and
her beauty is surpassed only by the dishes she cooks. With no formal
culinary training, Pia relies solely on "what my grandma taught me,"
Growing up in Italy, her social life revolved around
frequent elaborate dinners attended by her extended family and
friends.
Today, they all can
be found on Pia's menu, in addition to 3 or 4 daily specials, which
are based on fresh local catches and produce. All of the cooking is
performed by Pia herself, along with the help
of a prep. cook.
Her husband
Tom, a Florida native
whom she first met in Venezuela,
selects the wines; Pia, who once
ran a beer garden in Germany, chooses the imported German
and Italian beer.
(727) 327-2190
3054 Beach Blvd.
S.
Gulfport, Fla.
Hours
OPEN for Lunch Tues thru Sat. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and for
Dinner Tues thru Sunday at 4:00 p.m. Closed Mon.
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