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November 19, 2019 RESTAURANT ROW

In Stratford, a savory successor to Stella’s

By Michael C. Bingham

The Stratford restaurant scene is having a moment.

Popular Latin fusion bistro Cibus earlier this fall spawned an offspring, Cibus Dos, in Stratford Center to positive reviews.

This week sees the opening of La Fortuna, a purveyor of contemporary Italian fare in Oronoque Shopping Center on River Road. Co-owner Erald Xhafa says the space, which formerly housed Stella’s, was extensively renovated in preparation for its official Nov. 18 opening.

On Friday Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick, Bridgeport Regional Business Council President Dan Onofrio and other notables were on hand for the ribbon-cutting in anticipation of the big day (La Fortuna held no “soft” opening or dry run).

Xhafa is a member of a distinguished restaurateur family tree. He’s the cousin of Valentino, executive chef of New Haven’s popular Adriana’s (which itself earlier this year spawned a North Haven offshoot).

L-r: Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick, town Economic Development Director Mary Dean and La Fortuna’s Erald Xhafa at Friday’s ribbon-cutting. PHOTOS | New Haven BIZ

It’s a season to savor on River Road. La Fortuna’s Oronoque Plaza neighbor, Oar & Oak (= “Oronoque” — get it?), which opened a year ago, is similarly a family affair, helmed by Dan Kardos and Peter Massey (of the Knapp’s Landing Masseys). Another Oronoque Plaza eatery slated for an opening shortly is House of Pho, capitalizing on the current Vietnamese noodle fascination.

Beginning this week La Fortuna will be open for lunch and dinner seven days. The dinner menu features pasta, greens, starters/shares, ambitious pizzas and entrées in the $20-$30 range.

 

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