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Life in the Kitchen: Puente chef/owner Luis Vasquez

  • jfitts0
  • Sep 1, 2022
  • 5 min read

By Natalie K. Pollock

Staff Writer

Luis and Kerry Vasquez opened Puente in Unionville in June, near a historic bridge.

“Puente” in Spanish means bridge. Luis and Kerry Vasquez picked the name for their new American-Latino pub on the corner of South Main Street and New Britain Avenue in Unionville because it is adjacent to the town’s historic bridge. But more than that, the name reflects the couple’s commitment to connecting with the greater community.

The new tenants of the space bought the former Taprock business and opened Puente on June 14, after a few cosmetic touches of their own, like hanging Kerry Vasquez’s painting of a red Flamboyan tree to welcome guests at the entrance. She used her artistic eye to select fabric for reupholstering chairs, new paint colors and other small decorating projects. They both did all the work themselves in just three weeks. Although the exterior of the building looks much the same, the interior sparkles with a large circular bar and lighting that draws the eye, and the new concept offers comfortable seating options.

The couple recently moved to Canton with their two sons, ages 10 and 12, where her father and stepmother have been living. Kerry always loved the neighborhood and wanted to raise her children there. Now the commute to their business is very short.

The interior of Puente sparkles with cosmetic touches by the new owners.

Kerry splits her days between the restaurant, where she focuses on keeping the operation running smoothly and creating new cocktail concoctions. She has experience working the front of restaurant as a server and bartender. The other half of her day is devoted to their children and two dogs. She has also written and illustrated a children’s book which she looks forward to getting published.

Both husband and wife have each worked in the restaurant business for many years. But soon after they got together, they began sharing the dream of owning their own restaurant someday.

Luis began learning about cooking at age eight at the side of his two grandmothers, one Spanish and one Puerto Rican. Over time he learned that Puerto Rican cuisine has regional differences and there is a European influence in Spanish methods, but there is also a lot of crossover between the two. Puente’s menu reflects those lessons. And Kerry has integrated the menu with New England tastes, like the burgers and mac and cheese.

Puente combines Latino cuisines with American touches.

When Luis announced to his father that he wanted to work as a chef, he faced some resistance. So he enlisted in the Navy, where he served on active duty for seven years. He was last stationed in Puerto Rico at the Roosevelt Rose Base and attended culinary school at night. He soon began working in kitchens around the island and then as the sous chef at the Puerto Del Ray Marina.


When he inquired at the culinary institute if there were any other positions available, he was sent to work at the Governor’s Residence in the city of San Juan, where he began as a cook and then rose to sous chef. He took a year off and took a job at Scoozi Trattoria & Wine Bar in New Haven, where he and Kerry met. They realized they both shared a passion and creativity for food and moved back to Puerto Rico together.

Puente carne asada with sirloin steak and chimichurri

Their first son was born there when Luis returned to serve as the executive chef at the Governor’s residence, cooking for the family for four years in their three homes on the island. He earned a reputation for imbuing his dishes with creative new twists.

When they returned to Connecticut, Luis was presented with an opportunity to serve as the executive chef for Michael Jordan’s high-end Mexican restaurant Sol Toro at the Mohegan Sun Casino. Meanwhile Kerry worked as a server at Apricot’s restaurant in Farmington until its closure.

The Vasquez’s two boys spend time with them at Puente. The younger one in particular enjoys being involved.

Puente’s menu reflects the range of the chef’s talents and interests in cooking, and the owners believe diners will be curious enough to come in and sample both the American and Latino options.


Q. Luis, how long have you working in the industry?

A. I have worked in the industry for 23 years.

Q. What is your most popular dish at Puente?

A. The Papi Chulo Plate is the most popular. I am trying to replicate the “paisa” plate from Columbia, with sirloin steak, grilled sausage, pork rinds, rice and beans, plantains, fried egg, and a pico de gallo garnish. It is a large plate of food.


Q. What is your personal favorite dish that the restaurant offers?

A. Lucy’s Plate Licking Chicken and Sausage Rice. Lucy was my mother. It’s made with sofrito, tomatoes, achiote, chicken thighs and Italian sausage.


Q. What do your sons like to eat at the restaurant?

A. I am trying to have fun with food. I make them my grandmother’s chicken pot pie croquets with smoked ham and leeks because that’s their favorite.


Q. What is your secret ingredient?

A. My heart. Some chefs think they know everything, but no one does. It feels good to be in a kitchen where I can cook with my heart and not have to follow a standardized recipe. Cooking has been good to me, but it can be hard. Now I cook what I love to cook. I can do a great barbecue and good fish.


Q. What is the one cooking technique that everyone should know?

A. Everyone should know how to make rice. People also don’t know about butchering, like grinding meat for example. I worked with the butcher at Kane’s Market for a while.


Q. If you could take any celebrity chef out to dinner, who would it be and where would you take them?

A. I would invite Jose Andres (World Central Kitchen). He had a restaurant in San Juan called Mi Casita Miramar, so Puerto Rico is personal for him.


Q. Do you have a favorite cookbook or online series?

A. I like Anthony Bourdain’s “A Cook’s Store,” and “Taco Chronicles,” a series on Netflix.


Q. What herb or spice best describes your personality?

A. (Kerry Vasquez replied for her husband) Saffron. You just need a pinch. (Luis added) A little bit lasts a long time.


Q. What do you like to cook at home for guests?

A. Paella. People overthink it. You just need a pan, short grain rice, pimenton, saffron, good stock, and a good source of heat. We are planning to offer Paella on the Patio sometime in the fall with sangria. I want to keep a connection with people. You can’t fake it in a restaurant. You have to execute so people keep coming back. VL

Puente American-Latino Pub is located at 81 South Main Street in Unionville. For reservations call 860-404-2074.

Valley Happenings

Summer Hours at Stanley-Whitman

FARMINGTON – The Stanley-Whitman House, a National Historic Landmark located in the heart of historic Farmington, has announced its summer hours of operation, in effect annually from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During this seasonal period, the museum will welcome visitors Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Group tours are available by appointment for groups of six or more. An adult must accompany children under the age of 13. For more information, call (860) 677-9222 or visit www.s-wh.org.

 

Avon Historical Society selected for fundraiser

AVON - The Avon Historical Society was selected as the July 2025 beneficiary of the program for the Big Y located at 255 West Main Street, (Route 44), Avon. The Society will receive a $1 donation every time the $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at this location during July, unless otherwise directed by the customer through the Giving Tag attached to the bag.

 

Simsbury Community Band concerts

The Simsbury Community Band invites you to our summer concert series! Bring your lawn chairs for evenings of great music and community spirit. Concerts will take place on the first four Wednesdays in July at 7 p.m. in the Simsbury Farms Ice Rink (100 Old Farms Rd). Free admission and fun for the whole family.

 

Canton Main Street Farmers Market

The Canton Main Street Farmers Market in Collinsville is open every Sunday with 21 full season vendors and another 12 who schedule appearances throughout the year. The market is open from 10 am to 1 pm every Sunday through Oct. 12 in historic Collinsville. Family-friendly with stunning views of the Collins Company and the Farmington River.

 

Book Collection at the Simsbury

Public library

The Friends of the Simsbury Public Library sponsors a Book Collection at the Simsbury Public library for their Annual Used Book Sale on Oct 4 & 5, 2025.

The book collection drop off runs through Sept. 13 on Tuesdays & Fridays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

in Tariffville Room on the ground floor of the library.

Accepted items for the collection are books, complete games & puzzles, DVDs, music CDs, records, and recent computer software.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING: magazines, textbooks, encyclopedias, VHS tapes, or any item in poor condition.

Drop off is in the LOWER LEVEL Parking Lot for carts and volunteer assistance.

 

Avon History Museum grand opening

AVON –  The public is invited to join in the grand opening celebration of the new Avon History Museum at 8 East Main Street in the center of Avon on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, July 5, from 1:-4 pm.  The Town of Avon and Avon Historical Society collaborated on an eight-year renovation to turn this 202-year old structure, once called Schoolhouse No. 3, into a modern museum about Avon’s history.

In honor of the new museum, it will be open daily July 4 – July 13 from 1-4 p.m. Thereafter, a sign out front will announce permanent opening days.  For more information on The Avon Historical Society, visit:  www.avonhistoricalsociety.org

 

65th Anniversary Exhibition

Gallery on the Green presents the 65th Anniversary Exhibition from  Friday, July 11 through Saturday, Aug 9. The Canton Artists’ Guild began in 1960 and has been continuously operating ever since, making it the longest running of any artist guild in Connecticut. The membership, which today draws on artists from 30 surrounding towns, is presenting work in celebration of this 65th Anniversary.  The reception is Saturday, July 12 from 6-8 pm and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free. The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org

 

Music at Greenwood: Summer Talent Exhibition

Avon: On Saturday, July 19, at 4 p.m., St. Matthew Lutheran Church is hosting a musical talent exhibition to collect donations for the Canton Food Bank. This coffeehouse-style event will showcase the musical skills of members and friends of St. Matthew and other local churches. Snacks, coffee, and other beverages will be provided. St. Matthew is located at 224 Lovely Street, Avon. For more information about upcoming events, visit us online at https://www.stmatthewavon.org/music-at-greenwood.

 

Avon Free Public Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203. Registration required where noted.

• If These Walls Could Talk: The Palace Theater Story. Tuesday, July 15 at 2 p.m. New this season, the Palace Theater takes the show on the road. As stunning as the theater is today, it has a dazzling past. Join us as we travel through the historic stages of the Palace from its inception, its heyday, its “seen better” days and its 21st century renovation.

• (Virtual Event) Relax Your Mind and Body Through Meditation. Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 7 p.m. Being relaxed can help ease stress and tension. It can also relieve anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Join Bruce Faithwick for this informative workshop. There will even be a short meditation sitting to try this out firsthand.

• (Virtual Event) Tea Travelers through China.Wednesday, July 16 at 2 p.m. Danielle Beaudette of The Cozy Tea Cart (TCTC)) and certified Tea Specialist will explain about traveling throughout China, from the tea fields of the Hunan Province to those of Anhui. We will present tea rooms in Shanghai and Beijing as well as historical ancient sites.

• (In-Person Event) Food in Connecticut History: An Archaeological Perspective. Thursday, July 31 at 2 pm. This lecture focuses solely on the food products that were found in Connecticut archaeological sites.  Specifically, it includes discoveries that have been made regarding seasonally exploited natural resources from the pre-contact period to the historical period, allowing archaeologists to determine the time of year sites were occupied. The effects of health, domestication of animals, and interaction with the natural environment all can be analyzed based on the archaeology of food.

 

Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival

The 10th Annual Farmington Valley Acoustic Festival is returning on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Winding Trails in Farmington. The festival headliner is Della Mae, a GRAMMY-nominated, all-women string band.

The Festival also features Buffalo Rose, Cold Chocolate, and The Tenderbellies. In addition, award-winning songwriters from local and nationally-touring acts will be performing. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $40 adults, and $10 children at https://windingtrails.org/music-festival or on Eventbrite.

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