Experience the taste of Italy right in Bridgewater! There’s nothing quite like it in the area! EAT IN OR TAKE OUT!
Joey Richard, is the friendly, animated owner of La Casetta, the “little house” situated on Bridgewater’s historic King Street. The restaurant, which had its official re-opening on November 5 offers authentic Italian food.
Joey was born and raised in Montreal, but made Bridgewater his home only five months after vacationing here, four years ago. He says, “I fell in love with the place!” The first thing you’ll notice when entering La Casetta’s doors is “that it feels like coming home.” Joey cooked for large groups of friends in his home for 30 years before opening the restaurant. He wants it to reflect the warm “family and friends” atmosphere of the get-togethers he hosted and for guests to immediately feel comfortable, relaxed and welcome, when they walk through the doors. “People love the lounge” says Joey. “When they say they don’t want to leave; I feel like I did my job!”
During the day you’ll hear Italian music as well as tunes from the 30’s to the 50’s. In the evening it transforms to a place for adults to unwind. Relaxing, classical, jazz and opera is played and the oil lamps are lit. The wood beams, paneling and home-style traditional furniture add to the rustic charm.
Why Italian cuisine? “Who doesn’t like Italian?”, says Joey. This creative entrepreneur grew up in the multi-cultural city of Montreal. He studied classical music and as a tenor, he learned the Italian language…and enjoyed the food. He also was a server and manager in restaurants for many years, including Italian restaurants.
The menu is short, but filled with favorites. There are several pastas and sauces, all made with delicious “homemade” recipes that originated in Italy and are made with top quality ingredients. You’ll also find Caesar salad, a soup of the day and extra items like garlic bread. “The menu will change periodically, but Rigatoni Manzo is a keeper”, says the owner. Tiramisu, a coffee flavoured Italian dessert adds some extra wow factor to the end of your meal. The restaurant also has a breakfast/brunch menu with delights including a smoked salmon bagel, French toast and croissants.
Looking for some Christmas gifts? La Casseta sells items such as bottled caramelized onion oil, tins of smoked herring and mussels and packaged Italian treats including Trancetto, apricot filled sponge cake and Mix Max snack cakes with cocoa cream filling.
Has Covid-19 been challenging? Yes, it has, but Joey believes, “there are no reasons for failure. You just have to continue… and keep going.” Refurbished windows help separate diners, in an effort to keep customers safe. He also gives credit to the great staff behind him for his success in 2020. Andrew Methven is the restaurant’s chef and Alicia Methven is the Sous Chef. They bring the recipes to life and are adding some ideas of their own. Joey’s a creative guy. Music, acting and dancing are part of who he is. I think we can be confident in saying that he will continue to find a ways to be successful!
La Casetta is open:
Thursdays, 11:30 am-8:30 pm
Fridays, 11:30 am-8:30 pm
Saturday, 9:00 am-8:30 pm
Sunday, 9:00 am-7 pm
The restaurant is located at 513 King Street. You can find La Casetta on Facebook at @kingstreetfreshpasta or call (902) 530-5320 or email lacasetta724@gmail.com for more info.
Photo Credit: Food photos provided by La Casetta.
