The Journey of a Passionate Chef
There’s nothing more important than our health, yet our busy lives make it difficult to prioritize nutritious, home-cooked meals. In a world where processed foods and fast options dominate, finding chefs who truly care about fresh, high-quality ingredients is refreshing. Today, we sit down with Tommy Pontolilo, the talented Chef/Owner of Romeo’s in Falmouth, to discuss his culinary journey, passion for food, and vision for his restaurant.
From Young Cook to Accomplished Chef
Tommy’s love for cooking began at just 15 years old when he worked at the Back Eddy in Westport. He later attended Johnson & Wales University and honed his skills under renowned chefs, including Chris Schlesinger at East Bay Grille in Plymouth. His career took him across the country, from Washington State to Alaska, before bringing him back to Boston, where he became a corporate chef for the Coje Group (Lolita, Cavo, and Coquette).
In early 2024, Tommy made a bold move—returning to Massachusetts to be closer to family and launching his own restaurant. When the former C Salt location on Davis Straits became available, with encouragement from his longtime friend Blane Toedt, Tommy knew he had found the perfect spot to bring his vision to life.
The Story Behind Romeo’s
Despite what the name might suggest, Romeo’s is not an Italian restaurant. Instead, it is named after Tommy’s beloved 12½-year-old rescue dog, Romeo—a charismatic, mostly blind Shepherd/Collie mix from New Orleans.
Romeo’s menu features modern American cuisine with a focus on social dining. Tommy describes it as “small shareables,” meant to create a fun and engaging experience without the traditional appetizer/entrée structure. His goal? To bring people together over bold flavors and creative dishes meant for sharing.
Cooking with Heart and Purpose
Tommy’s approach to food is deeply personal. He believes that vegetables should be the foundation of a dish, not an afterthought. When selecting a recipe to showcase, he chose one of his mother’s favorites, a testament to his belief in creating food with meaning and connection.
His passion for fresh ingredients, seasonal produce, and innovative flavors shines through in every plate at Romeo’s. The restaurant is built on the idea of bringing people together over great food—something that is sure to make it a community favorite for years to come.
What’s Next for Romeo’s?
Romeo’s isn’t just about great food; it’s about creating a memorable experience. Guests can look forward to upcoming wine dinners, monthly soirées, and a Sunday brunch series that promises to be a local favorite.
If you’re looking for a place that blends creativity, comfort, and culinary excellence, Romeo’s is the place to be.
Visit Romeo’s:
Address: 75 Davis Straits, Falmouth
Website: romeosfalmouth.com
FAQs
1. Is Romeo’s an Italian restaurant?
No, Romeo’s is a modern American restaurant focused on social dining and shareable small plates. The name comes from Tommy’s rescue dog, Romeo.
2. What kind of food does Romeo’s serve?
Romeo’s features bold, flavorful dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients and shareable plates. Expect a mix of regional influences and seasonal creations.
3. Does Romeo’s offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes! Tommy believes vegetables should be a central part of a dish, so there are plenty of delicious plant-based options on the menu.
4. Are there any upcoming events at Romeo’s?
Absolutely! Romeo’s hosts wine dinners, monthly soirées, and a special Sunday brunch series. Follow them on social media for updates.
5. How can I make a reservation at Romeo’s?
You can visit romeosfalmouth.com to check availability and make a reservation.
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