Mamma Teresa adds desserts, take-out

By Emily Sorensen

Thanks to the addition of a talented new chef, Mamma Teresa Ristorante Italiano in Poway is now serving up traditional, authentic Italian desserts, as well as entrees.

Now in its second year, Mamma Teresa, a family-run restaurant that focuses on traditional Italian dishes and authenticity, has expanded not only its menu, but the take-out and catering business, thanks to the arrival of owner and chef Teresa Buccolo’s brother, Fabiano Buccolo, three months ago from Italy.

Fabiano, a talented pastry chef, is now helping Buccolo in the restaurant’s kitchen, not only speeding up service, but providing a number of authentic Italian pastries and desserts for sale. “They’re traditional dessert recipes using local ingredients,” said Buccolo in Italian, translated by family friend Sergio Gurrieri. Some of the desserts on offer include a napoleon, with homemade pastry and homemade cream, and a roll cake made of chocolate and ladyfingers, with chocolate marscapone and raspberry syrup, coated in dark chocolate.

Mamma Teresa is also offering catering of cakes for birthdays, made by Fabiano Buccolo. The cakes are traditional Italian, similar in ingredients to napoleons, and can include rum if for adults, or be alcohol-free for children.

The restaurant has also worked to expand its offerings of traditional family recipes, many from Buccolo’s mother and grandmother. They have a number of new specials, with a few specials appearing every day, like veal port, served with artichokes and mushrooms, and a sea bass roll, stuffed with apple, shrimp, carrots, onion and more. “Every day we offer different specials from different regions [in Italy],” said Buccolo.

Most important to everyone at Mamma Teresa is authenticity. “Authenticity is the key,” said Buccolo, who is trained in both Northern and Southern Italian cuisines, and tries to work both into her menu. “It’s the best of both worlds.”

Buccolo also wants her customers to feel at home in the casual space. “For her, this is just like a home environment,” said Gurrieri, “and the people who come are family.”

Mamma Teresa Ristorante Italiano (858-513-3667) is open for lunch and dinner Tuesdays - Sundays (closed Mondays) at 13305 Poway Road in Poway Plaza, near Petco.