Local chef brings a touch of Italy to Palmer dining

July 21, 2022 | Miasha Lee

Figlio Owner and Chef Robert D'Agostino and his daughter Kristin Trauschke, who serves as restaurant manager.
Reminder Publishing photo by Miasha Lee

PALMER – Figlio, a small fine-dining Italian restaurant serving fresh-cooked, authentic Italian cuisine opened in Palmer on July 12.

The restaurant features daily specials they put on a blackboard outside and have five pastas on the menu with three salads and a soup of the day.

Owner/Chef Robert D’Agostino shared, “The opening was very good. I received a lot of positive feedback from the town. The day went smoothly, and I was very satisfied with everything.”

East Longmeadow resident Mike Shields owns a business in Palmer. He and four of his co-workers were there on Figlio’s opening day.

“We always try a new spot in town with hopes that it remains and is successful,” Shields responded. “The atmosphere was very nice, homey and comfortable. I had the Penna alla Vodka and it was very tasty. I have no doubt they have the capability to boost the restaurant options here in town. For a first day, it was a very good impression.”

Palmer resident Missy McCall feels that more restaurants like Figlio would be amazing for Palmer. “We don’t have many places in town,” she replied. “This place could be a date night, family night or company parties. Figlio is going to give this town a mom-and-pop feel with comfort and homemade food.”

D’Agostino has been in the restaurant business his entire life and has owned 12 different restaurants. He’s a third generation Italian and started cooking at the age of 16.

Victor Dynak, an East Longmeadow resident has known D’Agostino for several years. D’Agostino was a chef at two of his favorite restaurants, Villa Napoletana and Bond 124. “Robert had been talking about opening a place for quite a while and it’s finally come to fruition,” Dynak said. “I’m very proud of him and he’ll bring a positive addition to Palmer.”

D’Agostino loves to cook but wanted to do it on a smaller scale – that’s why he created Figlio. Right now, he’s focused on getting acclimated, and his goal is to be booked three months ahead for their dinners and have a steady lunch of 40 to 50 people a day.

“Palmer is a great little community,” D’Agostino responded. “There’s great eating establishments like Steaming Tender, Angel’s 1376, Yummy Asian Cuisine and Tailgate Tavern. Figlio is just going to add another dimension of eating establishments.”

So far, D’Agostino said the most rewarding part of the business is the response from people. The restaurant has had favorable feedback on Facebook from the people that had their meals there. “That’s what I enjoy,” D’Agostino added. “I love making people happy and enjoying themselves through my food.”

Figlio is located at 1366 Main St. Lunch is served on Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. and dinners are Friday and Saturday reservation only. For more information, call 283-6140 or follow them on Facebook to see their specials.

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