Joanne’s Table might be a newcomer to the Fairfield dining scene, but owner Joanne Monroe is no newbie to the hospitality industry. Monroe worked as a server for years, and when opportunity knocked, her vision of opening her own restaurant became a reality. Revealed in 2023, Monroe, accompanied by her daughters Asher and Cassidy are committed to giving guests a “seat at the table.” Joanne’s Table is a place to gather for food and drinks in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
In the back of the house, Executive Chef James Agoglia and his team execute dishes with precision and passion. Agoglia, the man behind the magic lives by the saying, “do what you love.” Agoglia always knew that he wanted to become a chef. He pursued his dream while attending school at Connecticut Culinary Institute, “What I love about cooking is that you can always learn more. That’s probably why I work all the time. Even on my days off I work at local restaurants.”
Agoglia began his culinary journey as a freshman in high school. He took an interest in how the meals were prepared. Every chance he got he would watch the chef studying his technique. Agoglia decided that he wanted to learn how to cook. “I would always ask the chef questions about cooking. When I finally told him I was going to culinary school he laughed and said I was crazy. Years later I know why he said that.” The restaurant business is not for the faint of heart, so a career that spans nearly three decades shows dedication to the trade. “Watching the controlled chaos of putting out three hundred dinners and how hard people work to get it done fascinates me,” says Agoglia.
Chef gets the most enjoyment from customer feedback. “All the hard work is worth it when people say they had a great time, and the food was the best.”
Rightfully so, the food at Joanne’s Table is some of the best Italian I’ve ever tasted. On my last few visits, I was able to try a variety of dishes to confirm why this hidden gem is quickly becoming a popular mainstay in Fairfield, CT. Some of my favorites: Sea Scallops with Wild Mushroom Risotto, Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Goat Cheese and Local Honey Glaze, Rigatoni ala Vodka and Grilled Octopus with Crispy Potatoes, Broccoli Rabe and Hot Cherry Peppers. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything you order. The main menu is supplemented with weekly specials inspired by seasonal ingredients and Chef Agoglia’s artistry.
For more information visit their website: https://joannestable.com/ or on Facebook @Joanne’s Table and Instagram @joannestableffld
Reservations recommended. Danalicious approved!
