GASTROPUB OPENS DOORS IN MONROE
Monroe’s restaurant scene is heavy on pasta — so restaurateur Frank Polovani said he is offering something different with his new spot, Republic Kitchen.
“I look at the town and whatever the town was in need of,” he said. “And in this town, there are a lot of Italian restaurants that are wonderful. I decided not to do an Italian restaurant because it would just be redundant.”
Though the Bethel resident opened the new American restaurant in the fall at 262 Main St., he said the location has begun to hit its stride as people welcome the added option when they dine out.
The gastropub-style spot offers a mix of items including tacos, burgers, and more.
Their top seller, Polovani said, has been the Tomahawk Ribeye, which offers a three-pound USDA steak cooked in duck fat and served with potatoes and asparagus.
“It’s basically our take on great comfort food that is fresh and organic,” Polovani said.
Republic Kitchen employs 20 people and is in a 5,000-square-foot space that once accommodated The Tavern. The newly renovated restaurant features a full-service bar, party room for events and offers catering.
Originally from New Jersey, Polovani has been in the restaurant business for 26 years, dating back to his childhood, he said.
He worked at his father’s New Jersey restaurant, Grotta Italiana in Washington Township, initially to earn needed cash.
“I wanted to buy a bike, and it was about $150,” he said. “I went one weekend and he put me on as a dishwasher, which is the hardest job in the restaurant. I worked three days — Friday, Saturday and Sunday — and at the end, he gave me exactly $150.”
Though he decided not to buy the bike, Polovani said he was hooked and continued working for his father until he got into the business on his own.
Since then, he’s been involved with roughly 15 restaurants in the northeast, including the Prime Pub in Danbury and Chef Luis in New Canaan, which he helped open. He’s also opened restaurants in New Jersey and New York.
“Once I got into it, that was it,” he said.
Republic Kitchen is open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. while the bar remains open until Midnight.