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Bernardo's Has 'Best Corner' In Town

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By MARK HOLAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 13, 2008

TAMPA - Bernardo Agostino is back in the restaurant business after about eight years.

He previously owned Focaccia Mia on West Azeele Street and other restaurants over a 35-year career.

His new restaurant, Bernardo's Ristorante & Lounge, opened two weeks ago at 2221 W. Platt St.

"We're in the best corner in Tampa right now," Agostino said. "The food is tops, and the presentation is 101 percent."

Tony Bruno, formerly of Mise en Place, is the executive chef.

The predominantly Italian menu also offers seafood and steaks. Prices range from $11.95 for spaghetti and meatballs to $29.95 for the grilled beef tournedos.

The restaurant seats about 50, and Agostino said the outdoor seating will increase to about 30 seats within a month. A lunch menu is being developed.

Bernardo's, which is offering a five-course "all aphrodisiac" Valentine's Day dinner for $59.95, is open from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

For information, call (813) 253-5900.

JJ Smoothy Owner Plans National Expansion
Joe "JJ" Kozlar says he's planning to franchise his JJ Smoothy Cafe nationally in the coming year.

In October, Kozlar opened his fifth store at 704 S. Village Circle in Hyde Park Village.

His other stores are at 11256 W. Hillsborough Ave. and in St. Petersburg, Seminole and Valrico.

The Hyde Park store is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For information, call (813) 251-4086.

Web Site Honors Local Restaurateur

IndiaOn.com, an online community for Indians in the United States, has named Tun-Du-Ree Indian restaurant owner Sravana "Pat" Bhava its Entrepreneur of the Month.

Since opening in March, Bhava has developed a loyal clientele at his colorful trailer at South MacDill Avenue and Interbay Boulevard. He added a second location, 4004 W. Neptune St., in the fall.

"We have such faithful regulars who are downright obsessive about the food, and most of them had never heard such thing as Indian food before," Bhava told the Web site.

He said he plans to open two more locations but hasn't settled on sites.

For information, call (727) 678-1262.

Downtown Dogs Crosses Street

Why did the dog cross the street? To shop at Downtown Dogs' new location in Hyde Park Village.

The upscale doggie boutique has moved to 1631 W. Snow Circle (next to Coco Brazil) from 1604 W. Snow Ave.

The new store is about 100 square feet larger, owner Rene Neff said.

"The most square footage went to healthy treats," she said. "We also have room for a lot more products."

Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For details, call (813) 250-3647.

Opening a new business? Expanding or relocating? Contact reporter Mark Holan at mholan @tampatrib.com or (813) 835-2102.

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