The current pandemic has shaken the restaurant industry. In spite of the myriad challenges, local restaurateurs and business owners have worked tirelessly to protect their employees, serve their customers, and provide a brief respite from the difficulties we are all facing today. One of the most well known chefs in the Sunshine City, David Benstock, has pivoted his current restaurants to meet the needs of now.
Both Il Ritorno and Greenstock on the 400 Block of Central Avenue remain open for delivery and takeout. Greenstock has even begun offering special produce bags featuring local fruits and veggies for delivery. The fresh salad concept is one that he launched with his wife, Erica, and Pete and Brooke Boyd.
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Il Ritorno in turn is now selling fresh spaghetti, and pasta meal kits. The restaurant also just launched a special giveaway which you can see on their Facebook page.
Benstock has also crafted family meal deals as well to provide a bit of comfort for local residents. The $65 packages include everything to satiate a family hungry for an at-home gourmet experience.
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Here’s a recent package Benstock assembled:
-Burrata with roasted candy cane beets and smoked shishito peppers
-Lamb spaghetti with charred brussels
-Bucatini pomodoro
-Porchetta with spring risotto
-Half pint of chefs choice of gelato
Benstock and crew have also found ways to give back to the community in its time of need. Greenstock restaurant, along with Boyd Construction, Il Ritorno, Hype Group alongside Taylor & Fulton Packing House, donated nearly 400 pounds of tomatoes to the St. Petersburg Free Clinic.
As more residents become reliant on local food banks and pantries, donations like this are absolutely critical.
Where does it all begin? Back in December 2019 we decided to ask David Benstock a few questions about his history working in the restaurant industry, what it’s like running Il Ritorno and Greenstock, and questions about his life in St. Pete.
What’s the strangest request you’ve ever received from a diner?
One year, a guest attended our Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner but didn’t eat seafood.
If the city of St. Petersburg were an entree, what would it be?
I think St. Petersburg would be my Pork Pompanella dish. This dish is fun, flavorful and has a variety of cultural and national influences, which I think relates to the city and community of St. Pete.
What’s your favorite restaurant in St. Pete (besides your own, of course)?
Do you have a favorite dive bar in Tampa Bay?
I can’t remember the last time I had enough free time to go to a dive bar.
It’s a beautiful day outside, do you hit the beach or the park? Which beach/park do you go to?
My family and I go to the park, our neighborhood park.
What’s the best spot for people watching in St. Pete?
I’d say the best spot for people watching is late at night on Central Ave.
You just got back to St. Pete after a long trip, what’s the first spot you visit that isn’t home?
I go to Il Ritorno to make sure it hasn’t burned down.
What’s one piece of etiquette all diners should observe?
I think guests should always respect a restaurant’s service staff and employees. Everyone is human and therefore, they deserve to be treated in a respectful way.
Benstock is also cooking up an Italian restaurant for Sparkman Wharf in the city of Tampa.
“We are thrilled to welcome Semolina as our newest retail tenant and to enhance Sparkman Wharf’s already impressive options for casual gathering and dining,” said James Nozar, CEO of SPP. “Water Street Tampa is bringing exceptional new lifestyle options to the city and we look forward to continuing to announce new restaurants and retailers at Sparkman Wharf in the months ahead.”
Semolina’s menu will offer a wide selection of made-to-order signature pasta dishes, as well as freshly-baked breads, salads, wines by the glass and a variety of local beers, according to a release.
You can keep with all that’s happening with both restaurants by following them online:
Greenstock | Facebook; Instagram
Il Ritorno | Facebook; Instagram
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