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Life in the Kitchen: Puente chef/owner Luis Vasquez

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.

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Valley Happenings

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or in advance at AVFD Headquarters, 25 Darling Drive, Avon (Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon 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

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.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; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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