By , Times Staff Writer
In Print: Friday, December 30, 2011
PALMA CEIA — In 1938, Italian immigrant Giuseppe Favata opened Joe and Son's Grocery in Ybor City. His son Johnny kept it running until 1976.
Now comes Johnny's granddaughter, Andrea Messina Gebbia, opening Joe and Son's Olive Press on Nov. 11. The shop offers 50 varieties of olive oil, including ultra premium, extra virgin and infused speciality oils, plus balsamic vinegars and an array of pestos, pastas and risottos.
She and her brother, store manager Michael Messina, honored their roots by decorating the Bay to Bay Boulevard shop with old family photos and advertisements from the original store.
At the Olive Press, oils are dispensed from stainless steel containers, "protection from light and heat,'' said Gebbia. Shoppers sample and make selections, "then we pour, cork and seal the bottles right here." Infused olive oils — try the blood orange — start at $10.99 for 200 milliliters. Specialty oils, such as truffle or butternut squash seed, start at $14.99. Fresh ultra premiums start at $11.99.
"There is a huge difference in the taste because of freshness,'' said Gebbia. Her husband, Chris Gebbia, a former U.S. Army Ranger who works at MacDill Air Force Base with U.S. Central Command, helps out in the store frequently.
Many of the balsamic vinegars are aged for 12 years, then infused with herbs and fruits. Sicilian lemon, cinnamon pear, dark chocolate and Tahitian vanilla are popular choices. For the purist, they sell an 18-year-old balsamic vinegar.
Joe and Son's Olive Press, 3401 W Bay to Bay Blvd., is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m.; visit joeandsonsolivepress.com or call (813) 831-5600.
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