Tampa's Top Chef Reveals Two Classic Italian Recipes on Live TV

Chef Paul Varsalona from Esposito's, Tampa's top Italian restaurant for three years running, recently shared two classic recipes on Dinner DeeAs. The show, which airs weekdays at 1pm on FOX13, featured his takes on Bucatini Amatriciana and Eggplant Parmesan Sorrentina. Both dishes draw on traditional Italian methods but are adapted for home cooks. Varsalona's Bucatini Amatriciana starts with 1 lb of bucatini pasta boiled in salted water for 8-9 minutes. The sauce combines 8 oz of guanciale or pancetta, olive oil, fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, Roma and San Marzano tomatoes, and pasta water. After draining, the pasta is tossed with the sauce for just 1 minute before finishing with Parmesan and cracked black pepper.

The **Eggplant Parmesan Sorrentina** reflects the flavours of Sorrento, a coastal town in Campania. The recipe calls for 2 eggplants, sliced and fried in olive oil after dipping in egg and flour. Layers of fried eggplant, 48 oz of San Marzano tomatoes, 14 slices of mozzarella, and 6 oz of grated Parmesan are assembled, topped with basil, and baked at 500°F for about 4 minutes. Varsalona's appearance on *Dinner DeeAs* comes as Esposito's maintains its reputation as Tampa's best Italian restaurant. Meanwhile, construction has started at the I-275 and I-4 interchange, while a local debate continues over a potential street purchase by the Church of Scientology.

The recipes shared by Varsalona offer a taste of Italy with accessible ingredients and clear steps. Viewers can catch Dinner DeeAs daily for more dishes or visit the show's website for additional recipes. Esposito's remains a go-to spot for authentic Italian cuisine in Tampa.