MONROE, Conn. — Monroe’s annual Restaurant Week begins this Saturday and will run through Oct. 17, and 25 restaurants, delis and coffee shops are eager to share their culinary talents with patrons coming to their establishments for the very first time.
This year, the Monroe Economic Development Commission has a passport theme, encouraging residents to: “Support local” and “Discover something new.” Those taking on the challenge of collecting three stamps in their passport booklet for qualifying purchases and completing a short survey, can turn it in at Town Hall by Oct. 23 for the chance to win a Monroe tote while supplies last.
During this Friday’s Monroe Farmers’ Market, 100 early edition passport booklets will be available on a first come, first served basis, and any purchase will earn a stamp. Then passports can only be collected at participating restaurants.
Among this year’s participants is Bella Rosa Ristorante in Gaslight Square, 500 Monroe Turnpike. Dave Rodrigues, a town resident since 1982 and a member of Masuk High School’s Class of 1990, opened the restaurant in 2011.
“I think people who live in town should support local businesses,” he said of Monroe Restaurant Week.
Rodrigues said a newer offering on his menu, Dave’s Super Thin Pizza, a 12 inch bar pie, has been a top seller.
“That’s very popular, that and our regular Italian food,” he said one recent afternoon, “and we’re also known for our Portuguese food.”
Shrimp Mozambique, four shrimp sautéed in a spicy white wine sauce served over rice, is a favorite, as well as the Pork & Clams: marinated pork and fresh clams sautéed in a white wine sauce, topped with crispy potatoes and finished with giardiniera.
“We make our fresh baked bread every day,” Rodrigues said of his restaurant.
Since opening at 494 Main St. in November of 2016, Monroe Social has been a destination for nightlife with a bar area, live music, trivia nights and karaoke. It is now celebrating its 10th anniversary.
“I’m excited about it every year,” owner, Constantin Crama, said of Restaurant Week. “Every town does it and it’s a great thing that they do it in Monroe as well. It brings in a lot of people. Otherwise, you wouldn’t see some of these people. They travel from all over. I’m excited to see these new faces.”
He praised the Monroe Economic Development Commission and town officials for organizing Restaurant Week.
This year, Monroe Social will have a prix fixe menu for $29.95, which will include a three course meal with an appetizer, entree and dessert.
“I’m still working on it,” Crama said. “It’s my most popular items on the menu, so people can try the items I’m known for.”
Monroe Social’s fried chicken, fish and chips, pasta bolognese and burgers are among patrons’ favorites.
“I’m getting the beef from a farm in Columbus, New York — about three hours from here,” Crama said of the meat for his burgers. “The owner of the farm is a friend and I trust him that he does everything right.”
Aside from Restaurant Week, Monroe Social has a weekly deal for steak lovers. Every Sunday night, a 12-ounce New York strip steak is $20 and can be paired with a half-price bottle of wine.
Jaime Zuniga, one of the owners of Osteria Romana, 89 Main St., said his restaurant created an Italian Passport experience for diners during Restaurant Week, taking them on a journey through different regions of Italy.
“We want them to experience the different flavors and traditions of Italy through our food and feel like they’re taking a little trip to Italy right here in Monroe,” Zuniga said.
Zuniga said he hopes new customers will try Osteria Romana’s Steak Fatina, Monroe Favorite Dish, and Sole Prosecco — “dishes people come back and ask for again and again.”
He said Monroe Restaurant Week is special to him.
“A few years ago, when I first came to Monroe with Osteria Romana, I spoke with Terry Rooney, who at the time was not yet first selectman,” Zuniga said. “Terry has always cared deeply about Monroe and supporting the local community. I brought up the idea of having a Restaurant Week in town, and he and others were very supportive of it.”
“Since then, it has become something we look forward to every year,” he continued. “Restaurant Week is a great opportunity for local restaurants to introduce themselves to new customers, bring the community together, and encourage residents to support the small businesses right here in Monroe. That local support means a lot to all of us, and every year Restaurant Week has been very positive for our business and the community.”
There are 22 more eateries in this year’s lineup, including:
Jennie’s Pizzeria
Jennie’s Pizzeria first opened in Bridgeport 90 years ago and it has been a mainstay since moving to 380 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe in 1999. The family restaurant is now the oldest pizzeria in Fairfield County and 17th oldest in the United States.
The eatery is currently run by brothers Al and Richard DeSimone.
“It’s the way we do things: quality, quantity, the reputation, our customer service,” Al said of the reasons for Jennie’s longevity.
“And we don’t sleep at night,” Richard added with a chuckle.
“We have a very loyal following,” Al said. “We have people who came here with their parents, who now bring their own kids. And we have some employees who have been here 35 years and past employees who were here for 45 years.”
Richard said all of Jennie’s dishes are family recipes.
The most popular pizzas, according the brothers, is the margarita and Pop’s Hot Oil, and the speciality is the No. 1. “That’s our super works,” Richard said. “It has cheese, onions, peppers, meatballs, pepperoni, bacon and sausage.”
The most popular dishes include chicken francese and chicken and eggplant parm.
Testo’s
Mario Testa opened Testo’s at 920 Madison Ave. in Bridgeport in 1976, and despite a change in ownership, a brief retirement and two different locations along the way, Testo’s continues to be a family operation 50 years later.
The current owner, Testa’s nephew, Ralph Giacobbe, who first started working in the kitchen of his uncle’s popular restaurant in 1987, ended a brief retirement and opened a Testo’s at 505 Main St. in Monroe two years ago with his wife, Lilly, daughter, Victoria, and son, Giovanni.
Testo’s earned a loyal following over the past decades with the quality of its Italian food. Its website describes its food and service:
Our heritage is rooted in genuine Italian-American fare and genuine hospitality. Known for our homemade pastas and extra-large portions, we serve generous meals that feel like a celebration of flavor. Delight in our signature dishes such as oversized stuffed shrimp, rich stuffed rigatoni, and tantalizing Delmonico cut steak.
Last Drop Coffee Shop
Last Drop Coffee Shop is a popular town hangout that’s usually packed at breakfast and lunchtime with patrons socializing over cups of coffee, while eating sandwiches and salads. It’s located at Stepney Crossing, 435 Main St.
“We are a women owned and operated business that prides itself on great tasting coffee and healthy, delicious meals,” the description on its website says. “We strive to grow our business with the same honesty and integrity we use to create our menu, with sustainability and great taste for all! We proudly look forward to serving the community for many years to come, we love you a latte.”
Last Drop offers a diverse menu of flavored coffees and lattes with breakfast sandwiches like the Omewich: a scrambled egg with peppers, onion, sausage and fresh mozzarella served on a bagel.
It also has traditional breakfast favorites, including French toast, pancakes and a variety of omelets.
Lunchtime includes a menu of salads and sandwiches like the Big Bubba (roast beef, fried onions, Russian dressing on a Portuguese roll), Asian Chicken Wrap (grilled chicken in Last Drop’s sesame ginger dressing with crisp Asian slaw and tomato) and the Hungry Man (roast beef, turkey, lettuce, tomato, onion, roasted red peppers, mayo horseradish and provolone cheese on a roll).
Mr. Mac’s Canteen
The McPadden brothers opened Mr. Macs Canteen in Monroe, then Milford when their father departed from his co-ownership at the Merritt Canteen.
Monroe’s restaurant, located in Tollgate Plaza, 838 Main St., is a popular destination known for its burgers and hot dogs. It won best hot dog in Connecticut multiple times among its accolades, and was featured on the “Chaz & AJ” radio show. Customers travel from all over the map for its infamous chili dog.
Its website bears the message: “Anything, Anytime!” Mr. Mac’s Canteen has a vast menu that includes breakfast sandwiches, grinders, fish and chips and other seafood, along with deli-style sandwiches.
The McPadden family has been serving the Fairfield County community for decades bringing fresh, quality food as well as great memories and support to families.
Monroe Diner
A local diner is the place to go for camaraderie, comfort food and breakfast all day. Many townspeople were heartbroken when the New Colony Diner closed its doors after a decades long run, before enthusiastically welcoming the new owners:Dimitri Alatakis and his wife Donna, Zenny Tziolis, Andy Tsilfides and Petrit Xhaho, who breathed new life into the business.
The building at 568 Main St. was reopened as the Monroe Diner in December of 2012.
During a grand opening celebration, then Monroe Economic Development Commission chairman, the now late Lee Hossler, said in a Monroe Patch article, “you’d get out of a meeting at 9 o’clock and there was no place to go for a coffee and dessert. That’s what the diner is here for. Diners are a great thing. It’s a part of Americana and it’s a great thing to see a part of Americana in Monroe.”
The diner quickly gained a foothold in town and has thrived ever since. According to its website:
Monroe Diner has become a staple for a wide range of guests to enjoy breakfast all day, lunch & dinner. Whether it is a family outing, business lunch, or local sports team celebration, we are always here to provide a high-quality experience.
At Monroe Diner, we are proud to have become the go-to diner for residents in Monroe, and all other surrounding communities.
We are dedicated to the community and love to show additional support to the town of Monroe, whether that’s local school systems, arts & entertainment, sports programs, and more.
Takumi Ramen & Grill
Takumi Ramen & Grill, 435 Main St., offers a variety of noodle dishes with chicken, beef and seafood, as well as meals prepared in a hibachi kitchen for its patrons. The restaurant, which also has a selection of Boba teas, recently opened at Stepney Crossing.
Alan Yang learned the business, while working for 20 years as a hibachi chef at his brother Guang Jin Yang’s restaurants in Mississippi, before finally opening his own place.
“He just bought his house here and wanted to open a restaurant in Connecticut,” said Vivi Lin, Yang’s cousin, who owns Fusion 25 in Newtown with her husband, Danny Huang.
Among the options are Stir Fri Ramen and dishes that pack the heat, like the Volcano Ramen. The boba teas include flavor options like Brown Sugar, Coconut, Taro, Strawberry and Thai.
Flames
Meta “Michael” Rugova broke into the restaurant business as a 17-year-old busboy at The Dolphin in New York, but it only took him two weeks to earn a promotion to waiter, starting a long career as a server which led to partnerships at two restaurants, including Mulino’s of Connecticut in Fairfield. Now, he’s going it alone.
Four years ago, he opened Flames bar, restaurant and lounge at 262 Main St. in Monroe. Rugova runs his restaurant with his wife, Susan, and the help of their two sons, Petrit and Jeton.
“This is Northern Italian cuisine,” Rugova said. “I have a lot of Portuguese friends I played soccer with for years, so there is also some Portuguese flare. We have about four dishes.”
“We’re here to stay,” Rugova added. “I want Flames to be a place where people say, ‘oh, you must go there and try it.’”
J1 Sushi & Japanese Kitchen
Sushi lovers dining at J1 Sushi & Japanese Kitchen can feast on a wide variety of fresh rolls and special rolls like the American Dream. The restaurant also serves other Asian dishes, including General Tso’s Chicken and Pad Thai.
Wayne Jiang opened J1 Sushi late last year with his wife, Lynn Chen, sister Vicky Jiang and her husband, Yongping Qiu after renovating the space last occupied by Dunkin’ Donuts at 447 Monroe Turnpike.
“It took us a long time to renovate this space — almost a year,” Chen said during the grand opening. “We appreciate the Monroe community. They support us.”
“People like it so much for everything from the interior design and quality of the food, to the service from our crew,” Wayne Jiang said. “It’s our honor to serve the Monroe community.”
Jiang learned the restaurant business from his father, while working at the family owned Mr. J Asian Bistro in Guilford for 13 years. Since age 21, he has worked in the front end of the business, as well as the kitchen.
“Consistency is our top priority,” Jiang said. “I learned a lot of things from my father. He’s strict about providing good quality and service for our customers. He taught me by his actions.”
“We want to bring the delicious food here to share with everybody,” Chen added.
Country Pizza
Country Pizza & Restaurant, 418 Main St., has stood at the corner of Pepper and Main streets since 1978. Its owner, Andy Vasiliou, said it prepares large dinner portions, so no one leaves hungry
“We’re known for our pizza,” Vasiliou said, adding the sausage pizza is Country Pizza’s most popular pie. “It’s homemade. We make our own.”
Country Pizza’s menu goes way beyond pizza, it also includes calzones and pasta dishes like Cavatelli with Sausage Campagnola, Gnocchi with Pesto Cream Sauce and Stuffed Rigatoni Ala Vodka to name just a few of the many options.
The restaurant also offers Greek specialties like a gyro sandwich and chicken souvlaki, chicken and veal dishes like Marsala and Francaise, as well as a wide variety of seafood options.
El Sol Deli
El Sol Deli is known for its Mexican-American fusion, serving its patrons cold cuts, sandwiches, traditional chicken cutlets and Philly cheesesteaks, as well as tortillas and chicken, beef and steak tacos made with fresh meats. The business opened its third location at 179 Main St. in Monroe two years ago.
“We are the creators of the taco empanada,” said the owner, Javier Rangel. “We cut it open and serve it with romaine lettuce, sour cream and a homemade avocado topping sauce. We’re different from any taco place within 100 miles.”
Rangel emigrated to the U.S. from Michoacán, Mexico, when he was 15-years-old. He and his wife, Rosa, have three daughters, Lisa, Ellen and Lizbeht who help them run the family business.
Rangel’s sister-in-law, Zoila, is among the family and friends supporting the deli with cooking and preparation, he said.
He said El Sol Deli has flourished due to the unique flavors of its food and the close relationship it has with its loyal patrons.
“We’re happy to be part of the Monroe community,” Rangel said. “Customers are not customers, customers are our family.”
Aldini’s Restaurant and Pizzeria
Tammy Giardini, who worked in the food industry for over 30 years, opened Aldini’s Restaurant in Village Square, 401 Monroe Turnpike, two years ago “to recreate the warmth, joy, and community of traditional Italian dining,” according to Aldini’s website.
Every dish on our menu is prepared using time-honored recipes passed down through generations. From a simple baked eggplant Parmesan to a mouthwatering shrimp and scallop Aldini, each bite transports you straight to Italy.
“At Aldini’s Restaurant, we serve home cooked Italian cuisine made with family traditions that will transport you back to your Nonna’s house,” Giardini says on the website.
Nonna’s Pizza & Pasta
Esli Molina, 37, worked at pizzerias in Norwalk and Greenwich in his 20s, learning the business in hopes of owning his own restaurant one day. Thirteen years later, he opened Nonna’s Pizza & Pasta at 140 Main St. in Monroe, next to Chuck’s Corner.
“I always wanted to have my own place,” Molina said during the grand opening celebration two years ago. “It’s a family dream.”
Molina and his wife, Dunia, co-own Nonna’s, an Italian term of endearment for grandmothers.
Molina said Nonna’s prepares Old World recipes in Italian cuisine.
“We’re always happy to take care of every customer and prepare the dishes everybody likes,” Molina said.
“We buy the best ingredients,” Dunia added.
In addition to popular Italian fare like pizza, calzones, pastas, chicken marsala, chicken parmigiana and chicken francese, Nonna’s offers salads, burgers, subs and wraps.
Honeyspot Pizza 5
Honeyspot Pizza 5, 605 Main St., is among Monroe’s popular options for pizza lovers, offering more than 40 different pies on its menu.
“We’re a local restaurant proudly serving all pizza lovers in Fairfield County,” the owners say on their website. “So, if you’re around the neighborhood, definitely give us a try.”
Honeyspot has regular pies and gourmet combinations.
Some of the regular pizzas include Mozzarella Cheese, Pepperoni, Bacon, and the Works. Among some of the gourmet options are White Shrimp, Hawaiian, Lasagna and Margherita.
Aside from pizza, Honeyspot’s menu offers fresh appetizers, salads, wraps, grinders, dinners, desserts and more.
“Our friendly staff will ensure you have a wonderful experience dining with us,” the business says. “But if it’s more convenient, you can also order us for pickup or delivery on Slice!”
MacDaddy’s Macaroni & Cheese Bar
MacDaddy’s Macaroni & Cheese Bar opened a location at 650 Main St. in Monroe around 15 years ago. The eatery puts a gourmet spin on traditional mac and cheese — served up in heated cast-iron skillets.
Its website describes a road trip from the Northeast, down past the Mexican border:
MacDaddy’s is taking your childhood favorite to the next level in our casual style macaroni & cheese bar. Feel like you are home again with the taste of a childhood favorite like our Mac USA. Or send your taste buds on a little road trip and try our Lobster Mac for a taste of down east lobster bake.
Head farther south and taste the brotherly love with our Mac Philly Cheesesteak. Or spice things up even more with the south of the border taste of our Mac Mexican. Watch out for those jalapeños! Mac Daddy’s will have your taste buds running all over the map for another bite of our Mac and Cheese.
Vazzy’s Osteria
Vazzy’s Osteria, 415 Main St., first opened its doors in Monroe in 2004, offering a diverse menu of popular Italian dishes.
“We created Vazzy’s so that families and friends can come together, enjoy a tasty beverage, a delicious meal, and leave with both body and spirit satisfied,” the description on the restaurant’s website reads.
Vazzy’s is a go-to place for friendly gatherings and celebrations.
“We devote ourselves to what we do, because we know that our customers have plenty of options available to them, so we work hard to make sure they come back.”
Aside from a wide variety of pasta options, Vazzy’s prepares chicken dishes, steaks, veal, lamb chops, Short Rib Ragu and Pork Chop Milanese — among many options. Its also offers a diverse selection of seafood, salads, pizzas and paninis.
El Gallo De Oro
El Gallo De Oro, 115 Main St., is known for its wide variety of Mexican food, from chimichanga and enchiladas to burritos, tacos and quesadillas.
“We use the freshest ingredients in preparing our food to provide the best quality and taste,” the restaurant’s website says. “Try our delicious food today!”
In addition to the traditional bacon, egg and cheese sandwich in the morning, breakfast options also include Huevos Rancheros, Jamon Con Huevo and Chorizo Con Huevo.
Starters include chips and salsa, tamales, chalupas and more.
Bill’s Drive-In
Bill’s Drive-In, 431 Monroe Turnpike, is a Restaurant Week participant that needs no introduction. According to its website, it is one of Monroe’s longest-running restaurants and a true local landmark:
Established in 1942, it has proudly served the community for more than 80 years, remaining a classic roadside drive-in while preserving the nostalgic charm generations have come to love.
Bill’s Drive-In was founded in 1942, serving burgers, hot dogs, fries, breakfast and milkshakes to travelers and local families. It quickly became a favorite gathering place for the Monroe community. It was originally called Ligouri’s Drive-In, before William “Bill” Boyko bought the business.
Boyko created a welcoming neighborhood spot where everyone — from construction workers to local business owners — felt at home, according to the website.
The restaurant changed hands two more times, from the Yiannoulis family, who added Greek specialties and breakfast all day, to a new family who continues to carry on its legacy, preserving the traditions that have made Bill’s a Monroe town favorite.
Lake Zoar Drive-In
Lake Zoar Drive-In, 14 Roosevelt Drive (Route 34) is the place to go for The Zoar Burger, a chocolate milkshake or for another favorite highlighted on the homepage of its website, The Hangover Buster, “a hearty, no-nonsense breakfast built to get you back on your feet.”
Founded in 1993, Lake Zoar Drive-In is billed as “A local favorite since day one, serving up classic American fare to hungry families, road-trippers, and loyal regulars.”
“Our no-fuss approach means every burger is grilled to order, every hot dog is snappy, and the coffee is always fresh,” the owner says. “Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite on your way through town or spending a summer evening at the picnic tables, we’re glad you’re here. Come hungry, leave happy.”
Thai Mi Noodle
Thai food lovers come to Thai Mi Noodle, 440 Main St., for pad Thai, pineapple fried rice, spring rolls, crab rangoon and other favorites. Thai Mi Noodle has curry dishes with chicken, salmon and other seafood, as well as dishes with duck and pork among its vast menu.
Five-star customer testimonials on its website say:
Inexpensive, large portions of delicious Thaí food. I ordered the classic pad Thaí chicken noodles and got a couple great meals outta one order. Highly recommend!! Super fresh veggies & ingredients in the meals. 👌🏼
This place is GREAT! I got the Pad See Ew with duck, and sometimes I get it with shrimp. Both are delicious … along with the Winter Shrimp. I’d give it a 10/10, I definitely recommend this restaurant. Prices are fair for the portion(s) that you receive, and it’s clearly higher quality ingredients than other Thai places I have tried in the past. THIS is the place to go! 😊
— Lissy B.
Food and service was amazing!!! Had the drunken noodle with chicken, coconut shrimp and beef noodle bowl. All of it was some of the best I’ve had and I love Thai food! And the girls at the counter were so sweet, courteous and friendly! Will definitely be going back!!
— Dr. Mackie S.
Terra Café
For nearly nine years, Terra Café, 150 Main St., has been a place where good food, culture and community come together. Founded by two Azoreans with a deep love for their roots, Terra Café was inspired by the flavors, traditions and hospitality of the Azores — while growing into a welcoming destination for a diverse community.
The owners’ heritage is reflected in their café’s traditional specialties and selection of Portuguese and Azorean products, from cheeses and olive oils to tuna, sardines, honey, jams, cookies, and other favorites from home.
Terra Café’s menu goes beyond Portuguese food. It is designed to offer something for everyone, with fresh breakfast and lunch options, locally inspired ingredients, smoothies, açaí bowls, coffee, homemade pastries, and nutritious choices for those looking for wholesome, health-conscious meals.
“We also embrace plant-based and vegan options and, whenever possible, the freshness and quality of farm-to-table ingredients,” said Débora Cabral, who owns Terra Café with her husband, Manuel Rocha.
Over the years, families, professionals, longtime customers, newcomers, Portuguese and non-Portuguese alike, have made Terra Café part of their daily lives.
At its heart, Terra Café is about bringing people together — celebrating where we come from while welcoming everyone to the table. It is a little taste of the Azores, a neighborhood café, and a place to enjoy fresh, thoughtfully prepared food in a warm and welcoming environment.
Mama Rosa Restaurant
Mama Rosa Restaurant, a family-owned business at 838 Main St., prides itself in preparing exceptional Mexican cuisine for its customers. The restaurant leaves the description of Mama Rosa to its customers in a long list of positive testimonials on its website.
“Good food, plenty of vegetarian choices,” says on reviewer. “Veggie fajitas were large. Salsa for chips was different than your standard restaurant salsa and definitely tasty and homemade.”
“Very nice place, friendly, great food, great service,” says another.
“Haven’t been here in quite a while and still as tasty as always,” a customer writes. “Traditional Mexican menu items that are cooked well and taste great. Salsa is a highlight. Not spicy but full of flavor. Thin not thick which is my personal favorite. Churrasco is delicious cooked perfectly with a deep flavor and beautiful chimichurri sauce. Jalapeño margarita definitely has some heat. Overall a very solid Mexican restaurant and will return.”
New customers can try Mama Rosa for themselves during Monroe Restaurant Week.
Monroe Fish Market
Monroe Fish Market offers a selection of fresh fish every day at its store in Clock Tower Square, 477 Main St. and its wide selection of prepared dishes can save its customers the time of cooking themselves.
Monroe Fish Market’s menu includes everything from steaming servings of lobster bisque and clam chowder to traditional favorites like fish and chips.
Among the sandwiches are lobster rolls, crab cakes, fish, clam rolls and salmon burgers.
The store prepares fried shrimp (including coconut shrimp), scallops, clam strips, oysters, whole belly clams, fried calamari, soft-shell crab and fish nuggets.
Grilled seafood options include salmon, swordfish, scallops, Ahi tuna and shrimp.
Monroe Fish Market also offers a combo platter with one piece of fish, two scallops, two shrimp, a stuffed clam and clam strips. It comes with a choice of fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, coleslaw or a can of soda.
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