Men from MacDill hit their favorite South Tampa lunch spot.
by David WarnerTGIF: The three Marines, all financial managers stationed at MacDill, have been coming to Pane Rustica every Friday for lunch for the last three or four months.
Why Friday? Because during the rest of the week, they wear camouflage, or “cammies,” which Marines (unlike any other branch of the military) are forbidden to wear off base.
Why Pane Rustica? Ortiz came here for dinner with his wife, who’s also a Marine, and they spread the word. He likes the portions and the affordability; Purnell likes the health-conscious menu. “I also think the ambience in here is excellent,” adds Meza, looking around at a typically bustling Pane Rustica lunchtime, a cross-section of South Tampa.
And there’s this:“They offer a military discount,” he says. “I’ve never had to ask, they just give it to me.”
Their favorite dishes: The pizzas, the pastries, and most of all the “Shut Up & Eat,” the chef’s daily surprise entree. “Whatever they bring,” says Meza, “we share.”
The lure of Tampa: LA native Meza, who’s been at MacDill the longest of the three (since 2009), likes the area enough to retire here someday. “It’s the East Coast version of San Diego,” he says. “Except for the weather.”
Also spotted: Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman, State Rep. Dana Young, and Gov. Rick Scott were among recent guests of the restaurant, says chef/owner Kevin Kruszewski.
Pane Rustica Bakery & Cafe, 3225 S. MacDill Ave., 813-902-8828, panarusticabakery.com.