UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma applies the same philosophy to his growing restaurant business as he does to his iconic coaching career.
“The people around you help you be successful,” says Auriemma, 60, who recently opened another of his Geno’s Grille restaurants, this one in Southington. “I have a standard, and we work on that standard every day to make sure we reach it. When you surround yourself with the right people, it can be done.”
And like the nearly unbeatable basketball machine he has created over the past three decades, Auriemma is guiding a string of restaurants that he insists are not about his celebrity, but rather about what is being put on the table.
“They might come the first time because it’s my restaurant,” admits the internationally acclaimed coach who, with partners, also owns Geno’s Grille in Storrs, as well as Geno’s Fast Break and two takeout businesses at Mohegan Sun. “But like any restaurant, they aren’t going to come back a second time if the food isn’t good.”
No worries so far it seems, because the restaurant has quickly become one of the area’s most popular since opening across from the Southington green last month. Chef Nicola Maggioni oversees the kitchen for good reason: his menu and his expertise.
Boasting fresh and seasonal, the choices go far beyond the popular Geno’s Meatballs and the other dishes inspired by Auriemma’s Italian American heritage.
A recent special included a generous roasted beet salad with dressed, pea shoots, sweet strawberries and gorgonzola was a delectable, fresh treat in the middle of winter.
The farm board displayed each night lists a nice mix of specials in categories including bruschetta, pasta, pizza, risotto, entrée, sandwich and dessert. While the regular menu is diverse and interesting, such specials as beef and caviar bruschetta, baked pici (thick, hand-rolled pasta) béchamel with pesto, green beans and cheese, will pique the culinary curiosity.
But the regular menu is not to be ignored. Auriemma eats out a lot and knows what he likes, so he and his restaurant team make sure the menu reflects high quality and good taste.
Auriemma is a fan of good veal, and the restaurant’s veal parmesan and veal Marsala are best sellers. Chianti-braised short ribs are fork tender and rich, a welcome taste of comfort.
But Auriemma is proud of his Italian heritage, and it shows on the menu.
Pasta choices are such classics as cavatelli saltimbocca, ground free range chicken with sage, dried tomato and vin cotto; and house lasagna with well-stuffed layers of sausage and chicken ragu, ricotta, béchamel and mozzarella cheese.
Geno’s Meatballs, a tasty home recipe of seasoned beef and sweet sausage, are offered as one of several small plates. If you are into sharing, try the piled high antipasto della casa: prosciutto, cacciatore sausage, parmesan, Crotonese roasted red pepper salad, sott’aceti (housemade pickled vegetables) and fig compote.
Pasta e Fagioli is a standard soup offering. Also on the menu are burgers, paninis, pizza, salmon and steaks, as well as mushroom and lobster risottos.
Located in space that was the former Bonterra Restaurant, Auriemma and company have created a casual yet sophisticated space with soft shades of golds and browns, honey oak and dark hardwoods, glass tile and a reworked bar area that has already become a popular spot for late afternoon drinks and causal socializing, especially as basketball’s March Madness approaches. There are several big screen TVs, which of course on UConn game nights are all tuned into the same station. By the way, if you want to drink like Auriemma when the day is done, his wines and his favorite, Sibona Camomilla Grappa, are part of the well-stocked bar.
There is a children’s menu, and desserts, of course.
“That’s why we are so sweet,” jokes Auriemma, referencing out-of-the-ordinary Italian sweets like syrup-poached pasta baked with custard and creme Englaise, and Neopolitan torta with pancetta.
Entrees range from about $17 to $28, with burgers and paninis offered at $11 and $12. Pizza is $12 to $16 and small plates from $8 to $17.
And, yes, don’t be surprised if you see Coach at his favorite banquette in the back left hand corner of the place that seats about 140 and also includes a private small banquet room. Lunch and dinner are served, and plans are to offer some al fresco dining when the weather is right.
Veteran general manager Dave Sorgenti and manager and Michael Auriemma, Geno’s son, make sure guests are welcome, a Coach Auriemma directive.
“When you have a restaurant you want your guests to feel like they are in your home, and that’s the way you treat them,” says Coach, who seems to have a stellar knack for success, whether it be on the basketball court or the restaurant front of the house.
“Southington has been wonderful to us, and we want people to visit us as often as they can. … I want our diners to enjoy what I enjoy, good food with a great social experience. It’s reflective of who we are.”
>>Geno’s Grille serves food Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Information: 860-863-5207 or genosgrille.com
