Geo Bunjaku was born into the restaurant business. His family owned four Italian restaurants in Manhattan before an opportunity to move to Tampa came along. Due Amici serves pasta and pizza made with real Italian ingredients like Sicilian sea salt. Several years ago, they began bottling their pasta sauces, and now you can find Due Amici sauce at retailers around the area.
What is your favorite small plate from another local restaurant?
The sushi from Ocean Prime. It is hand-made, and you can tell it’s fresh. I tried it for the first time five years ago when I first came to Tampa, and I keep going back.
What sets your pizza and pasta apart from others?
We make our pasta fresh on site with a $50,000 pasta machine and every ingredient in our pizzas and pastas are of the highest quality, like the San Marzano tomatoes in our sauces. We make the biggest pie in Tampa because we know bigger is better. I really can’t tell you how good it is, you have to try if for yourself and then you’ll understand.
Do you have a favorite among your pasta sauces?
About 2 years ago, we started selling our pasta sauces in Lucky’s, then Walmart and Whole Foods were next. We have our own factory and these are the same sauces you get at the restaurant. It is a gourmet sauce in a jar. The Arrabbiata sauce is spicy and has a kick to it. The marina is a favorite but when you want something a little spicier, the Arrabbiata is the one to use.
Due Amici
1724 E. 7th Ave.
(813) 443-0906
dueamiciybor.com
Ocean Prime
2205 N. Westshore Blvd.
(813) 490-5288
ocean-prime.com
