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Baby, it's cold outside. But theres a new restaurant in Wilton that is determined to heat up the dining scene. Cactus Rose, a southwestern-inspired haven, is big on warmth. The restaurant is the culinary offspring of two generations of restaurateurs, Maria Pertesis and her mother, Katerina Pertesis.
The duo brings nearly four decades of food service experience to Cactus Rose. The mother-daughter team also called in the cb5 Restaurant Group, the visionaries behind other local hot spots such as Lolita and China White, to consult on development and help bring their vision to life. They describe that vision as Santa Fe meets Cabo.
Capturing the history and cultural hallmarks of the southwest was extremely important to the Pertesis women. From the terra cotta floors to the indoor/outdoor fireplace, they are striving for a hacienda feel.
The patio frames the restaurant and will be developed for use all year round, says Maria, We are fortunate to have active and interested landlords [Al and Ken Kleban] who are a part of the process of making the space the most stunning and enticing destination it can be.
The menu theyve put together is inspired by authentic southwestern cuisine and features natural meats, heritage pork, free range chicken and wild-caught fish. The Pertesis women consider dishes such roasted corn soup with smoked chilies, grilled tequila shrimp and pork carnitas an homage to Mexican and Native American gastronomic tradition.
Cactus Rose is ready to warm your winter nights, serving dinner seven days a week. It also offers Sunday brunch, which, with the addition of one of the restaurants signature mojitos, could double as a weekend getaway.
You can find Cactus Rose blooming at 5 River Rd. in Wilton.
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