Nine Tampa Grandmothers Help Create New Menu at Ybor Restaurant

At Bernini restaurant in Ybor City, a special menu known as "Nonna Nights" brings traditional Italian cooking to the table. Nine local grandmothers came into the kitchen, sharing cherished family recipes that have been passed down through generations. The idea came about when owner Jason Fernandez watched "Nonnas" with his mother Vivian.

"We didn't throw food on each other like they did in the movie, but we came close to having it done," said Vivian Fernandez to Tampa Bay 28.

The kitchen now comes alive with cooking expertise from Bologna and Santo Stefano di Pusschina. Every dish has its own unique story, handed down through countless family dinners. "Being a Nonna is special because it carries family traditions from years past," Marilyn Messina told YouTube.

The staff worked alongside these cooking experts until each recipe was perfect. Chef Moses learned techniques he hadn't seen in all his cooking years. Through careful testing and tweaking, they put together something unique.

Save the date: The next dinner is happening October 16 at 7 p.m. They're switching it up with "Nonno Nights" - where the grandfathers take over starting October 26 at noon. Another dinner is set for November 13 at 7 p.m.

Since 1896, the Bank of Ybor building has stood on this street. Now Bernini's home for 30 years, you can book a table by calling 813-242-9555.

"I am excited about sharing my family recipes with people who may have never tried them before," Shirley Iavarone explained to Tampa Bay 10.

The restaurant keeps its Tampa heritage alive. Fernandez's family history goes back four generations, with grandparents who traveled from Sicily and Spain to build a new life in this city.