A Taste Of Europe Available Right Here At Tampa's 10 & 10 Enoteca

Hello, Patch readers. Tampa Bay Food Tours asked Heather Polk, one of our illustrious taste ambassadors, to join us at the new wine and tapas bar 10 & 10 Enoteca. Heather is contributing this week’s article as I wanted to be sure to highlight this local independent new business’ love of wine and high-quality ingredients.

Bora, a sommelier and the owner comes to the Tampa Bay area after more than 20 years of experience in fine dining and superior hospitality environments, including the Ritz Carlton in Miami. It is clear after speaking with him and experiencing the food and wine, that he is not just a businessman but someone who is sharing his craft and passion for wines and food with his customers. His hope is that you will leave his place feeling it deserves a “10 out of 10” and eventually he plans to have operating hours from 10 AM to 10 PM. (See current hours https://tinyurl.com/10and10Enoteca)

As wine drinkers become more interested in small producers, obscure styles, and even artisan-style farming, a new generation of wine bars are thriving. Enoteca fits this style and is on track to being a trendy new hot spot in Tampa. As local taste ambassador, we are making sure you know about it.

What is an Enoteca?

Although it can be translated as "wine library," in Italy as well as the United States, the word is used more often to describe a wine shop or wine bar than a private wine cellar.

Enoteca has seating for 120 but still manages to be a quaint space with indoor and outdoor patio seating options. The long interior is broken up by seating areas and eclectic furniture. This charming place is for both those who are just beginning their wine discovery and those who are experts. No one should be intimidated or afraid of botching a wine’s pronunciation or asking questions: you never know what you might discover.

In this case, the selection of wine is a collection from around the world that you will likely not find in your local grocery store. It’s an excellent opportunity for those who are enthusiastic or curious about wine to expand their palate and experience excellent wine pairings with the chef’s specially crafted menu. Wines are sold by the glass, by the bottle and through a small retail shop.

Most importantly, Bora looks for wines that are from high-quality and great-value producers, where their farming practices involve minimal manipulation and skilled winemakers dedicated to the art of wine growing. His wine list is still in progress, but what he offers currently is quite an impressive assortment of domestic and international wines. Here are a few we experienced.

The Wine

Castrum 2017, Tenuta Di Monte-Ficali: Red wine from Toscana, Italy. A blend of sangiovese, merlot and cabernet sauvignon: fruity, spicy, medium body.

Domaine la Grangette Saint Joseph Côtes-du-Rhône Vielles Vignes, 2019: Red wine from Côtes-du-Rhône, France.

Terre Vecchia Vermentino 2019: White wine, vines close to the east coast of Corsica give this bright, light and fruity wine a crisp acidity that is fleshed out with creamed apple and pear fruit.

The Tapas

The chef’s special menu is focused on local, fresh and delicious creations. Their fresh-made in-house dishes rely heavily on sourcing ingredients from local artisans. Notably, they get all their delicious sourdough breads from one of my favorite bakeries in Seminole Heights, Gulf Coast Sourdough Sandwich House.

Salad

Local Burrata Antipasto: Roasted Peppers, local burrata, olives, capers, anchovies, basil and balsamic Cipollini onions.

Toast

Caesar & Avocado: Mashed avocado, Baby Gem lettuce (very small Romaine but a bit more tender), Caesar dressing, white anchovies and Parmesan crisps

Nduja & Stracciatella: Calabrian style Nduja (cured meat), local Stracciatella (Stracciatella cheese is similar to mozzarella, but is softer and creamier) and roasted broccoli rabe (a member of the turnip family)

Appetizer

Baked Brie on a Skillet: Sautéed mushrooms, almonds, grapes and thyme

Deli and Dessert Offerings

The majority of their delectable desserts are made in-house and are an easy item to grab and go. Additionally, you can choose a few specialty items from their deli case to build your own charcuterie board, pick a few bottles of wine from the retail shop. Voilà, you are ready to host a gathering for a few close friends.

There are so many ways to enjoy the delights available at 10 & 10 Enoteca. Visit soon and please be sure to tell them that www.TampaBayFoodTours.com (food tours in downtown St. Pete, Tampa and Dunedin) sent you.

Join the delicious fun!

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