Taverna Toscana restaurant opens in downtown Bradenton. It comes from a celebrity chef
Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani plans to be in Bradenton on Monday and Tuesday for the grand opening of Taverna Toscana, 1301 Sixth Ave. W.
“I’ll be shaking hands and kissing babies,” said the jovial Viviani in a phone interview with the Bradenton Herald.
Taverna Toscana is an upscale Italian steakhouse and seafood restaurant, developed in partnership with Bradenton entrepreneur Steve Herrig and BABB Hospitality.
Viviani stirred a lot of interest a year ago when he confirmed plans for a 220-seat restaurant on the north side of the SUNZ Insurance building in downtown Bradenton.
In preparation for the grand opening, Taverna Toscana has quietly been previewing some of its food offerings to guests who signed up by text for a VIP list.
Viviani came to fame on two seasons of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” where he earned the title of “fan favorite.”
Celebrity chef opens Bradenton restaurant
He has made several visits to Bradenton to monitor progress on the new restaurant and gets video updates daily, he said.
“It looks beautiful. I love it,” Viviani said.
Viviani, based in Chicago, now has more than 30 restaurants in his portfolio.
“I am delighted to be bringing Taverna Toscana to Bradenton,” he said. “I love the feel of the Bradenton area.”
Initially, Taverna Toscana will be open at 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday for dinner, according to the restaurant’s website. Eventually, hours and offerings are expected to expand.
Taverna Toscana has ‘something for everybody’
“We want to be part of the community, the place you go for special celebrations as well as several times a week. Taverna is priced well enough we can pay for the quality that we are serving and you can have a pasta and beer and walk away for $35. You can also pay a lot more. There is something for everybody,” he said.
Asked about his success in the United States, Viviani said he did not come from money — far from it.
“I’ve learned to be successful you don’t make the same mistakes, at least not twice,” he said.
Humble beginnings helped provide motivation and see possibilities for a better life. He quickly understood that serving quality food with warm hospitality was essential in the restaurant business.
Viviani moved from Italy to the United States in 2005.
“I have a very long history with very good restaurants,” he said.
Vivani praised Steve Herrig, owner of SUNZ Insurance, a national worker compensation insurance company, as a powerhouse in the Bradenton business world.
In addition to the SUNZ high-rise building, Herrig also bought two acres adjacent, , ensuring plenty of parking for the new restaurant.
Valet parking will also be available.
Where to see Viviani on TV
Viviani is a recurring guest on national television shows such as Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, and numerous Food Network Shows, such as Cutthroat Kitchen: All-Star Tournament, which he won, according to his web page.
“Off-screen, Fabio is a regular headliner at global food events, and he has authored four successful cookbooks: Café Firenze Cookbook, New York Times Best-Seller Fabio’s Italian Kitchen, Fabio’s American Home Kitchen, and most recently Fabio’s 30-Minute Italian,” his web page says
“Fabio’s online presence draws millions of viewers yearly with his own cooking show, Fabio’s Kitchen, now in Season 5,” the web page says.
What to know
Name: Taverna Toscana
Address: 1301 Sixth Ave. W., Bradenton
Hours and days: 4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Closed Sunday
Online: www.TavernaToscana.com
Phone: (941) 357-7772
