Restauranteur Massimo Tullio, center. with chef Zach Hinman and RTM member Matt Mandell – File photo
WESTPORT–Massimo Tullio, owner of restaurants The Whelk and Don Memo, is flying from Oxaca to Naples: his Mexican restaurant Don Memo will close in August. In September, Massi Co will begin serving authentic Italian food.
“I’m very excited. I spent a good deal of time in Naples where I learned how to cook true Naples-style pizza,” Tullio said.
According to Tullio, he is the only restauranteur in Connecticut with certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, the Naples-based organization that trains chefs in true Naples pizza-making. Massi Co will feature not only authentic southern Italian pizza and other oven-baked dishes; several different kinds of pasta will also be on the new eatery’s menu.
Don Memo’s last day of operation will be August 16; Massi Co’s opening is scheduled for September 9.
“The transition is more of a face-lift than a reconstruction. The new place will have a distinct Italian vibe.” Tullio said.
Though Massi Co will be quite different from Don Memo, Don Memo’s patrons can expect two things to stay the same: every one of Don Memo’s staff of 28 will make the transition from Don Memo to Massi Co.
And Massi Co will continue to stock and serve a large array of tequila.
Don Memo / Massi Co
90 Post Rd E
Westport
(203) 557-6198
Don Memo reservations