The District Magazine Volume 1 Issue 1, 2016 | Page 17

leave the Hard Rock after five years and was
actively looking for a new job when two of
my friends, Susan Bianchi and Romeo Patron,
started consulting and this was going to be
one of there projects. Owners Ken Stolenberg
and Frank Bombeeck had a vacant space at
Grand Central at Kennedy and we all formed
a relationship to start CENA.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Hunnington, NY, and lived
there for 18 months. We came to Florida
and settled in New Port Richey, Florida.
How long have you been in the Tampa Bay
area?
I been traveling to the bay area for at least 15
years. I never lived close to where I worked
and always had some sort of commute.
How do you feel about the current
urban living transformation happening
throughout Downtown and the Channel
District?
The area is really such a diverse group of
people ranging from young to active.
The amount of growth and how fast it’s
happening is really great to see for this area.
More businesses and restaurants will only
make this a destination for the future.
Besides CENA, what is your favorite
restaurant in Tampa Bay and why?
I can’t name just one. There are several
spots on my list all throughout the Tampa
Bay area. The many friends and chef
colleagues make dining fun to go out when
you are in the biz.
Who is your favorite chef and why?
Mario Batali for his simplicity. I remember
watching his show when he would travel to
Italy visiting every little city and he would
just give you so much information. He really
captivated me.

What is your favorite or in your opinion
best dish at CENA?
I have three favorites, one being the tomato
braised oxtail and potato gnocchi, two
would be the bolognese and three would
be the bronzini. Not in any order. They all
rock!
When cooking for yourself, what is your
go-to meal?
I’m really not picky, whatever is made and
ready to go. We try to eat as healthy as
possible but that doesn’t always happen.
What one food is your guilty pleasure?
Sweets. As a kid I wasn’t a really big sweet
eater but as I’m getting older they are
definitely harder to stay away from.
THE DISTRICT - TAMPA’S URBAN DWELLING MAGAZINE

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