Bavaro’s

2 Reviews on “Bavaro’s”

• Charles

  The pizza crust was soft and slimy. The service was not good. Had to wait 5 mins before being recognized w only 4 other people. Overpriced, had to ask for napkins, refills, sugar for the tea, the bill, cheese for the pasta and the noodles were more than al dente. Everyone seemed to have the attitude of not wanting to be there.

  November 4, 2015, 11:29 pm

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• Amara G

  No. Not today. The Finicky Eater was annoyed Bamboozle changes to cafeteria style during the lunch hours. By now, we were beyond hangry. He had originally longed for Chinese food after crew camp, but the experience (see previous review) became unpleasant. He did not admit to it because he is quite proud. But I saw disgust in his eyes, as he read on my face that we were positively never eating there. So he pretended he was sacrificing himself for my sanity. Chinese food in Downtown Tampa is like going hunting for giraffes in Publix. It is like trying to buy a kiwi in a shoe store. So we decided to conquer the heat and walk to Bamboozle. A sure bet because I love their Pho soup boats. But my Finicky companion would not eat there unless he could have his usual Kaffir grilled chicken. By now we secretly thought about how to get away with murdering the other. Then Voil!I remembered his favorite pizza place was opened for lunch. Bavaros saved his life once more as before the place has saved him from starvation.When I was an Elementalist (search in Tampa Rican dictionary), I used to go to Bavaros often. The place is unusual especially at night when the many nichos (little pedestals embedded in brick wall) are lit with candles. The brick-oven lights up with flames and the place glows orange and romantic. It is quite small and intimate too. One must speak softly or whisper loudly if one does not wish to partake in the conversation of others or have others eardrop into yours. I love those places that seem sacred. Bavaros reminds me of many of the missions found in California or New MexicoArizona Tall ceilings and brick walls there is an actual crucifix and sepia pictures hanging. Mysterious, but familiar like a relative you happen to love, but know so little about. At night, you better have a reservation because many know about its magic and it gets rather crowded. During the lunch hour, you can walk in and be seated without much fuss. Today I had the special. A six inch pizza four slices all different. One slice mushrooms, another artichoke, one more of prosciutto, and the last one soppresatta. Lovely. The service was amazing today. As I have said when busy, you are likely to wait. Just order a nice bottle of wine and enjoy the anticipation. Impossible to be constant when serving many breathtake in the momentact leisurely. The pizzas are the main attraction even when their sauces are famously sold in Costco or the supermarket. Wood-fired; they are thin and crispy light. The Bianca is without sauce and I have tasted it adding Prosciutto di cotto and salami. My favorite is Carciofo con Uovo (prosciutto di cotto, artichoke, basil, one over easy egg and extra-virgin olive oil.)Then again, an over-easy egg or a poached one is my favorite sauce so you better love eggs if you are to order this one. If you choose a Panini, you will love the bread since it is a light, wood-fired pizza dough like an Italian version of a burrito. The Salumi is over-stuffed with meat, but be aware that the meat is cold. It does surprise you since the pizza bread is so hot from the oven. The Pork Ravioli in Vodka sauce is memorable. Not as heavy as an Alfredo or a Carbonara, but not as light as a marinara either. As dessert, Bavaros serves a Nutella pizza huge to be shared with everyone and anyone. Leave space for it or you will be forced to carry a box to your car.Yes. Today was one of those days in which you plan something and end up doing something completely different Yes, one should become mute when one is hangrybut one does not. Hunger becomes anger often. Nothing better than apologizing over fantastic pizza and a glass of wine.

  October 11, 2015, 5:05 am

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