Roberto Vigilucci started his career in the restaurant industry as a dishwasher. Today, he owns seven restaurants in San Diego County, including Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana on State Street in Carlsbad.
After coming to the United States in 1986, Vigilucci found that he not only had a talent for creating great food and sharing it with people, but for restaurant management. With hard work and a little luck, he moved up the ranks from dishwasher to busboy to server, and eventually, to manager before opening his first restaurant in 1994 in Encinitas.
The restaurateur is passionate about food. Vigilucci, who resides in Carlsbad, grew up in Italy, spending his childhood winters in Milano and summers in Tuscany.
“In Italy, food is a big part of our culture. You grow up in someone's kitchen, whether it's your mother's, grandmother's, uncle's or aunt's,” he said.
Vigilucci learned about quality Italian food from his mother and grandmother, and his understanding of the importance of using superior ingredients is apparent when sampling the menu items at the Cucina. The restaurant's authentic Italian cuisine and award-winning wine list provide a memorable escape to the flavors of the Tuscan countryside.
“I love to eat,” Vigilucci said. “My restaurants use the freshest ingredients and the top produce that I can buy.”
Although high quality ingredients are pricier, Vigilucci said the additional cost is worth it to him, even in this economy.
“Simple dishes are made great by the ingredients you use,” he said. “Some people wouldn't know the difference, but I know the difference. It's like being Starbucks and not selling the best coffee possible.”
All of the Cucina's fresh pasta is homemade, including the ravioli and gnocchi. The restaurant also uses heirloom tomatoes, top of the line olive oil, the freshest basil, de Checco dry pasta, prime corn-fed beef from the Midwest and real buffalo mozzarella imported fresh from Italy.
The menu features many fabulous appetizers, salads, paninis, desserts and entrees, but the most popular dish is the Pappardelle con Funghi Porcini e Capesante. The mouthwatering entr?e includes homemade wide-ribbon pasta with porcini, shitake, Portobello and field mushrooms, as well as pan-seared scallops in a white truffle and brandy cream sauce.
The Cucina offers catering services ranging from a party of eight with a private chef to a 250-guest wedding, and everything in between. Vigilucci said the restaurant can meet any budget and also schedules private events in-house for up to 150 people.
Inside the Cucina, hardwood floors, lofted ceilings and a stunning mahogany bar offer a cozy dining experience. Al fresco dining on the heated patio makes for a romantic evening or tranquil lunch setting.
Vigilucci said he plans to continue to expand his presence in San Diego County next year by opening a restaurant in Coronado and an Italian market in Carlsbad. The market, located next door to the Cucina, will offer fresh Italian pastas, sauces, meats and produce, along with a vast wine selection and full-scale catering services.
Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana:
2943 State St., Carlsbad
(760) 434-2500
www.vigiluccis.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
After coming to the United States in 1986, Vigilucci found that he not only had a talent for creating great food and sharing it with people, but for restaurant management. With hard work and a little luck, he moved up the ranks from dishwasher to busboy to server, and eventually, to manager before opening his first restaurant in 1994 in Encinitas.
The restaurateur is passionate about food. Vigilucci, who resides in Carlsbad, grew up in Italy, spending his childhood winters in Milano and summers in Tuscany.
“In Italy, food is a big part of our culture. You grow up in someone's kitchen, whether it's your mother's, grandmother's, uncle's or aunt's,” he said.
Vigilucci learned about quality Italian food from his mother and grandmother, and his understanding of the importance of using superior ingredients is apparent when sampling the menu items at the Cucina. The restaurant's authentic Italian cuisine and award-winning wine list provide a memorable escape to the flavors of the Tuscan countryside.
“I love to eat,” Vigilucci said. “My restaurants use the freshest ingredients and the top produce that I can buy.”
Although high quality ingredients are pricier, Vigilucci said the additional cost is worth it to him, even in this economy.
“Simple dishes are made great by the ingredients you use,” he said. “Some people wouldn't know the difference, but I know the difference. It's like being Starbucks and not selling the best coffee possible.”
All of the Cucina's fresh pasta is homemade, including the ravioli and gnocchi. The restaurant also uses heirloom tomatoes, top of the line olive oil, the freshest basil, de Checco dry pasta, prime corn-fed beef from the Midwest and real buffalo mozzarella imported fresh from Italy.
The menu features many fabulous appetizers, salads, paninis, desserts and entrees, but the most popular dish is the Pappardelle con Funghi Porcini e Capesante. The mouthwatering entr?e includes homemade wide-ribbon pasta with porcini, shitake, Portobello and field mushrooms, as well as pan-seared scallops in a white truffle and brandy cream sauce.
The Cucina offers catering services ranging from a party of eight with a private chef to a 250-guest wedding, and everything in between. Vigilucci said the restaurant can meet any budget and also schedules private events in-house for up to 150 people.
Inside the Cucina, hardwood floors, lofted ceilings and a stunning mahogany bar offer a cozy dining experience. Al fresco dining on the heated patio makes for a romantic evening or tranquil lunch setting.
Vigilucci said he plans to continue to expand his presence in San Diego County next year by opening a restaurant in Coronado and an Italian market in Carlsbad. The market, located next door to the Cucina, will offer fresh Italian pastas, sauces, meats and produce, along with a vast wine selection and full-scale catering services.
Vigilucci's Cucina Italiana:
2943 State St., Carlsbad
(760) 434-2500
www.vigiluccis.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.