Despite having a food blog for over six years, and being married to someone who trained as a chef and works in the hospitality industry, I have never spent any quality time in a professional kitchen- except for the time I sat at the Chef’s table at L’Espalier in Boston for my wedding dinner.
Last week I had the privilege of going behind the scenes at Voc’s Dunn’s Corners Pizza & Pub. I was there to take photographs, but in the process couldn’t help but notice the amazing activity that was taking place before my eyes or more specifically, lens. I expected a typical pizza shop. I expected pizza, maybe grinders, the occasional calzone.
What I got to experience being in the kitchen though, was something much more. Yes, there was pizza. There were grinders. And, there were a few calzones. There was also some gorgeous pub food coming out of that kitchen, cooked by Chef Amy.
As I stepped behind the counter to the back of the fairly small kitchen, I watched her cook some onions and mushrooms to accompany the meals. This was my first glimpse into this kitchen- seeing the care with which she cooked those simple ingredients is reason enough for you to want to eat at Voc’s Dunns Corners. Mixed with peas, these vegetables accompanied many of the meals.
Chef Amy cooked up many specials that night, including some sausage and mussel aioli, an apple cranberry gorgonzola salad and a sea food macaroni and cheese with the most perfectly browned and crisp top.
My family was sitting in the dining room and told me that the service was friendly and helpful. The Old Bay chicken wings they ordered were seasoned perfectly- so perfectly in fact that my family did not save me one to try out myself! They also ordered the Hawaiian pizza, covered in ham and pineapple. I am a fan of sweet and savory combinations so was quite glad that I got to go home with one piece of this, which was delicious. The crust is very different than other crusts I’ve had in town. I am guessing that is one of the things that separates pizza places here in Westerly. It is, at least, one of the things I have noticed so far about the four of five pizza places I’ve eaten at.
The restaurant was absolutely buzzing- pushing out pizzas and grinders along with many specials for the few hours that I was there. The staff were in and out of the kitchen being called to pick up orders. They were laughing and friendly. They were joking and smiling. Every single one of them were working hard and making sure that each dish was cooked to perfection. The pizzas were gorgeous and cheesy. The fish dishes were breaded and cooked until golden and crispy. The grinders were gigantic and stuffed full with meats, cheeses and lettuce.
Deliveries and take out orders were flying out of the restaurant and pizza boxes were constantly being replaced. At the same time, the restaurant was filling up and the newly designed bar was packed. Although I was working, it looked like a great place to go sit and catch a meal while you enjoyed the company of friends or caught a game on one of the televisions over the bar. I couldn’t help but notice that the bar was stocked with top shelf picks. It truly felt like the sort of place you would always run into a friend. A bar that was close to home, cozy and modern.
What I noticed most of all, was that the staff and owners were so friendly to everyone that walked through the doors. They clearly have a regular following, and it is not a surprise to me. They take pride in their food and their space. They are sharing part of their family with all of you. Their restaurant feels like being in the home of good friends. You won’t leave hungry. And you will definitely want to go back again.
A special thank you to Voc’s Dunn’s Corners Pizza & Pub for letting me get a peek behind the scenes. I saw a business that is run by a family and puts love and care into each dish that leaves the kitchen.
View Voc’s Dunn’s Corners Pizza & Pub by clicking here
