Chef Domenica Macchia Has a New Roost: Three Birds Tavern

Growing up in Queens, Domenica Macchia knew one thing: Homemade food was the only food. Macchia is first-generation Italian; her parents hailed from Sicily and Bari. 

“I have to tell you, because of my upbringing, food has always been such an important part of life,” said “Donnie” Macchia. She is simply not satisfied until her guests say so with a full belly and a clean plate.

Macchia's talents as a chef are well known in St. Petersburg. From MJ’s Restaurant to Bella Brava to Diner 437, Macchia has made her way through the 727’s eateries.

Now Three Birds Tavern is the new roost for her creative and deceptively simple approach to cooking. “It was kind of a funny thing for a while, but the timing just wasn’t right,” said Three Birds Tavern owner Robin King.

After months of casual conversations about working at Three Birds, the idea became a reality. Macchia is in the kitchen, and her followers are abuzz with the possibilities.

Three Birds Tavern strives to offer “feel good, upscale, comfort food.” King is fully entrusting Macchia with this goal, and Macchia is getting what she envisioned for herself: free reign in creating her own menu of delectable eats. Her new menu will be introduced on March 21.

“Whether I know you or not,” said Macchia, “I want you to eat good food.”

Macchia's determination and passion to be a chef are not to be deterred, no matter the obstacle.

She decided to attend culinary school as a young woman. Her father, being the conventional parent, was not a fan.

“He said, ‘your mother cooks, your grandmother cooks. You know how to cook. You don’t go to school to cook,’ ” explained Macchia.

Macchia ended up getting her degree in engineering and landing a job at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. But she never gave up on her dream.

While her mother battled lymphoma, she told her daughter to pursue her lifelong goal. “When I knew she wasn’t coming out of the hospital, I told her ‘I’m going to go to culinary school,’ ” Macchia said. “And she said, ‘Follow your dream.’ ”

Arriving on the scene in St. Pete in late 2006, Macchia was a gem to the ‘Burg from the get-go. Although she fell in love with the area, she says St. Petersburg lacked diversity in its restaurants. “You’ve got the museums, you’ve obviously got culture; we just need better food,” said Macchia.

Last year, Macchia had a bout with cancer that left her yearning to “find a home” and settle. She’s got the location she loves and the job she’s always imagined. Macchia encourages the public to come to Three Birds Tavern on March 21^st and put her skills to the test. Check out the website for updates on menu changes and
weekly events at www.ThreeBirdsTavern.com.

Visit Chef Domenica “Donnie” Macchia at the Three Birds location at 1492 4^th
St. North.