Drawing its name from an old Ricky Ricardo tune, Babaloo is the newest restaurant player in town, moving into space on Danbury Road left empty by Bistro Seven.
Serving authentic Latin American comfort food from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and other countries, Wilton-native Matt Criscuolo’s newest restaurant seeks to fill a void in the Georgetown market.
“What this area needed was something different, and Latin American soul food was different, but was a style that is also embraced by the community,” he said.
“All I’ve heard from patrons so far is ‘we don’t have anything like this in the area.’ The kitchen is kicking out some really flavorful food. It’s become my own favorite place to eat,” Criscuolo said.
The restaurant boasts 12 beers from an assortment of South and Central American countries, an extensive wine list, and a list of custom cocktails.
But the real draw, the owner said, is the food.
“At this point, right now, the chefs are killing with the food. They’re highly trained and talented, and they have been producing some amazing flavors.
Babaloo is like a mutual fund of popular foods from different Latin countries,” he said. “The food isn’t even R-rated, it’s X-rated.”
Regardless of its MPAA rating, the restaurant remains family-friendly, Criscuolo said, and on Sundays it will feature a Latin brunch with patio dining.
‘We’ll have certain things, like eggs Benedict, omelets, burgers, and burritos, all done with a Latin, Babaloo flair.”
While it is not a farm-to-table establishment like Bistro Seven, Babaloo still sources some of its products from local producers.
In addition to traditional entrée offerings, Babaloo will feature a 12-item tapas tasting menu, and six varieties of inexpensive tacos. Plus, everything on the menu is vegetarian-friendly.
Babaloo, which is currently open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for dinner, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday all day, is as much an experience as it is a restaurant, Criscuolo said.
“We’ll have live Latin music once a week, most likely on Thursday. But any time someone comes in here, the music we’re playing will be authentic Latin music, and the vibe and energy of the experience is a jubilant and fun vibe.
“People will have a good time when they come here. It’s like a little sanctuary, a little Latin oasis.”
Of all the items on the menu, the owner is partial to a few, including the deep-fried shishito peppers, served with sea salt.
“A lot of this food has a little spicy kick to it, and the wines and the beers paired with the flavors of the food is just dynamite.”
Criscuolo owns two other restaurants in Wilton, Toozy Patza Pizza, and Wilton Pizza, and Piccolo Pizza in downtown Ridgefield.
Information: babaloo wilton.com.