LAFAYETTE, La. (NEWS 15) — Authentic Italian cuisine is making a comeback in Acadiana. Gene Todaro, the founder of the beloved Lafayette restaurant Marcello’s, is preparing to open a new Italian eatery, Cugino’s, in mid-October.
Cugino’s will be located at the former Mid-City Barbecue site on South College Road in Lafayette. Todaro, known for his previous culinary ventures, is eager to bring his new concept to life.
“Well, they’re gonna see me first of all. Well, that’s a good thing. That’s a good thing,” said Gene Todaro, owner of Cugino’s.
Managing partner, Hunter Moody, is enthusiastic about the new venture and is ready to welcome guests.
“Prego! Welcome to Cugino’s!” Moody stated.
The name Cugino’s carries a special meaning for Todaro.
“I say in Italian it means ‘cousin.’ You know, you and me are cousins, even though you call me ‘papa.’ In Sicilian, it means ‘cook with Gene,’ so they’re coming here to dine with me,” Todaro explained.
Made in Acadiana presented by Butcher Air Conditioning
Moody is particularly proud of the restaurant’s offerings.
“Our cocktails excite me very much. Our purees are made from scratch. I’m very proud to say we make our cannoli from scratch,” he noted.
The restaurant spans 2,600 square feet and can accommodate about 120 guests. The menu will feature both traditional and new Italian dishes.
“We’re just doing our own thing, basically. Like the parmigianas, the spaghetti with meatballs, the lasagna. But we also have new things, like cacio e pepe, and we do a matrigiana. We do a lot of dishes, all that any want is,” Todaro added.
Moody also highlighted the restaurant’s unique design elements.
“Gonna lead us into our Corleone room. We left these walls bare on purpose. The mud and the Venetian plaster is just beautiful,” Moody described.
Todaro shared why he decided to return to the restaurant industry after years of running Marcello’s and the Wine Market.
“I felt like something was missing in my life. And I’ve gotten a great reception since I got back to the point to where it makes me feel like why did I ever leave?” Todaro stated.
Cugino’s is set to open its doors on Wednesday, October 15.
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Dining and Cooking