Pucci’s Restaurante and Pizza

                         A Journey of Love, Style and Taste
                                                              By Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser
                                                                      Philadelphia, USA

This site ~ This Blog is your connection into my world, and the journey, love, style and taste of the culinary creations that are around us and abroad. I am hoping by the words that I write about different places I go, will give you access and bring not only a flow of salivating to your mouth but, refuge and tastes that will captivate you and place a permanent smile on your face.…

Pucci’s Restaurante and Pizza

                                                          728 Highland Ave
                                                      Waterbury, CT 06708
                                                    www.puccisrestaurant.com
                                                             203-757-4266

Today was a day of “ketchup” with great friends from high school.. And my memories were working in overdrive.. There are a lot of things that I wish I could have changed about myself if I knew better then what I know now.... Where is that time machine when you need it?.. I think I lent it out so much that I forgot who I gave the keys to last.. (-: oh well, I guess this is just a time that saying “It is what it is” works best.. You can not change the past BUT the future is ready and raw for the oven!!!.. Speaking of such;

As I was reliving my past, I took a trip with a great friend of mine “Eve’.. We went to have lunch at Pucci’s Restaurante and Pizza in Waterbury, CT.. Keith Gilbert, is Chef and Owner of Pucci’s. They have been the proprietors of Pucci’s for about 3 years now.. And it goes’ without saying that Chef Keith and his wife are doing very well for themselves.. They have put a lot of love into what is obvious, they are very passionate about.. And the food really comes out shining.

As, we sat down Eve, teased me that I had to touch the flowers on the table to see if they were real.. LOL …. I don’t really know why, I guess I was thinking on how far do they go on providing a loving and family atmosphere. I have seen a lot of fake flowers on tables, and you can see a lot in the small stuff. If they are serious about what they do?!

There was a complimentary Homemade Italian bread served. There are few foods that give me a memory spark but, I remembered as I was eating this that, it reminded me of a place that my Mom and Dad always took us when we were kids. It is not around anymore but, it was called the Arrow in Westport CT.. By the Train station in Saugatuck.. I like when that happens. I feel like I am at home where I am.. Even if I am far away..

I had the Eggplant Parmigiana . I choose that because, it is not a dish that just anyone can whip up easily.. It takes a lot of love to make.. It can be screwed up very easily. Eggplant is temperamental. It came with homemade, Cavitelli noodle pasta.. Cavitelli reminds me of Gnocchi.. But not made from potato. It was simply amazing.. Keith took the eggplant and sliced it thin. As you would for Prosciutto Italian ham. This enhances the taste and favor of the dish. Chef Keith did not bread it and, I think that was a great idea.. It was smothered with a lightly sweet Marinara more from the basil, and lemon from the Thyme. It had a over all balance to it and it was perfect.. The cheese was plentiful and gooing all over my plate ..Love that… The Cavitelli was divine. When making pasta from hand, It is all about time and temperature . Chef Keith hit the nail on the head with this one. It had a soft chew to it. Not doughy, It melted in your mouth..

My friend Eve, gave me a bite of her Chicken Parmigiana. Off the hook. Lavishly exquisite. The chicken was tender and seasoned perfectly.. I am a big foodie and I love all styles and cultures of foods but, my love… What I am a huge pushover for… Italian food. And chef Keith doe’s it so well.

I have a lot of friends in the southern CT area and a few in New York and New Jersey.. I really give a huge 2 thumbs up for Pucci’s.. it is not hard to get to. It is 2 minutes from RT 8 in Waterbury.. Go.. Be there, you will not regret it one bite..

 You have seen by now that all the places that I write about have great feed back.. Well.. There is a reason for that.. I have gone to a lot of Restaurants over time, and only the good ones stand out and are worth mentioning. Do you really want to hear the Bad things in life or the good things.. Yes, you are right.. The good things have more meaning, inspiration and impacted in your life..

There is nothing better then enjoying a great place to eat, except for having the company that you have, and bring with you.. I am hoping that I can get a few of you to join me in this adventurous journey and, experience it with me.. Just something to think about.. If you have a place in mind and want to join me.. Send me a message..

Now, Until we meet again~~ Many journey's into the Love, Style and Taste of food around you...
God Bless
Chef. Eddie A. Elsasser