‘Eclectic’ Lunch Counter Planned for Vitti Street

Robert Milano says the eatery he has planned for a vacant building at 31 Vitti St. will offer town residents something different from New Canaan’s already stellar lunch options.

The soups, sandwiches and salads concept at ‘Eclectic’ will include influences from Latin and Indian to classic French, according to Milano, a 2003 Trinity Catholic High School graduate and Stamford resident who worked most recently as sous chef at the Royal Green Restaurant at Sterling Farms.

“It’s a higher-end lunch concept that’s unique—something similar to Witchcraft in the city—and everything will be cooked in-house,” Milano said.

“There are some great places in New Canaan for lunch,” he added. “I don’t think anywhere is doing quite what I’m doing. I’ve checked out the market. I think the name ‘Eclectic’ says a lot. I’m taking these different influences and putting my own spin on it.”

Right now, Milano’s applications with Planning and Zoning are in and he’s looking at an approximately 3-month construction period that could put an opening at late July to mid-August.

An extensive, full interior demolition and renovation is planned as well as exterior work that Milano says is designed to increase parking and clean up the property, located down the road from New Canaan Veterinary Hospital and across the street from the New Canaan Advertiser.

Here’s what is listed in the approximately $179,000 renovation in Milano’s building permit application: “Interior renovations for deli/food service area approximately 1,448 square feet; front seating area, service counter, handicapped toilet, kitchen, employee toilet, walk-in fridge/freezer and offices.”

Eclectic will not offer table service—as that would bring a restaurant designation that complicates the approval process, Milano said—but will offer “ample” seating, he said, and hopes to do a brisk take-out business.

Stay tuned to New Canaan Patch as we check in with Milano periodically on his progress and home in on a grand opening date.