Today we’d like to introduce you to Aurelio Metohu.
Aurelio, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Tirana, the capital of Albania! At 14, I went to professional culinary school ( high school), graduated at 18. From then, I started working in different restaurants in the area to gain my skills and later on, to become a chef on my own at the age of 22! I was lucky to work with some of the best chefs at the time, whose legacy continues to this day. After many years crafting my skills in culinary arts, I moved to USA in 2002,where Worcester became my second home away from home. In 2005, after a few years in America, I had the opportunity to seek the dream to run my own place. And that was Cafe Espresso Trattoria. I’d say, combining European experience in America was a thrill and still is. It really felt like a dream that I own a business and lots of unknown and challenges ahead… but I was committed and that’s where I am today.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never a smooth road, especially in new England (lol)… just like life itself that throws you in different directions and you try to catch that momentum of you, where you belong and be stable. In my personal experience, I had the challenge of changes of lifestyle and adoption in the new world… mentality, language, all was different. As I’m trying to adopt myself in every aspect, I’m also facing difference in cooking styles as far as Italians go. I’m specialized in Italian food… mostly northern part such as Tuscan kitchen. Therefore, there was different approach and elements that were confusing when it came down to cooking giving that is a big Italian community. But, I can take those challenges any day… I appreciate and always will the help of apprentices, friends and family all these years. Also, a big challenge when I remember and laugh sometimes when I had just started Cafe Espresso and besides the cooking part, there’s a new world out there for me to face with insurance, books, taxes and so much more. At the end of the day, it’s the challenges that drives us to unknown and known, good and bad, which also help craft your character and become solid.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Cafe Espresso Trattoria – what should we know?
Cafe Espresso Trattoria has been a long time restaurant in the Worcester area. It was a BYOB Italian flare with mostly Southern Italian food, which has in my opinion lots of Mediterranean influence of the regions around. I’ve been able since I took cafe to put classic original Tuscan food and deliver this simple, yet mouthwatering food. Combining the worlds of different influences from the Apenin land and sea. Cafe Espresso is known for fresh homemade cavatelli, a pasta made with ricotta cheese. Also, I love game… like wild boar, rabbit served with papardelle or tagliatelle. Seafood is one of my favorite. From branzino as whole fish (including the head) to cold seafood antipasto. Also, the veal has a broad range from Italian-American veal parmigiana to stracottini Gorgonzola, which is veal stuffed with roasted red pepper, proscuitto, basil, gorgonzola. Taking pride in food is all it takes to give others what you’re capable of and nurture it. What sets and makes the difference is providing customer always with fresh ingredients and live up to their expectations. As we become more and more driven by modernism, simple fresh food will make a big difference in along run.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Sharing your knowledge to co-workers that want to grow and taking care of them by taking care of your family first, I think is a virtue I hold dear! It kinda separates who is on your side and not. It’s very important the discipline and hard work and being an example by nature. Circling yourself with trusted people I believe is a key running the business. Being who you are is in my opinion, the core and fundamental with being successful. Leadership is necessity. I tell friends that running a restaurant is like a rock and roll band. You can make great music, mediocre or bad… and you will be remembered, lol!
Pricing:
- Appetizers start from $7 to $12
- Entrees from $15 to $30
- Deserts made in the house$7
- Wines start at $6 a glass and mostly$8-$10
- Martinis and different cocktails $8-12
- Catering platers $80 to $120
Contact Info:
- Phone: 508-767-1818
- Email: contactcaffeespresso@gmail.com
- Facebook: Yes
- Yelp: Yes
- Other: Hanover theatre
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
