Fihlo's Cucina

        If you ever find yourself in the area of Groton, Massachusetts it is simply impossible to pass through without stopping for a bite to eat at Fihlo’s.  To self-taught executive chef and owner Osvaldo "Ozzie" Fihlo, Fihlo's Cucina is more than just an Italian restaurant, but truly a dream come true.  At the young age of thirteen, Ozzie realized his passion and love for cooking while working in one of his father's restaurants.  Prior to opening his own restaurant, Ozzie worked as a head chef in one of the most premiere Italian restaurants in Boston’s North End where he gained invaluable experience.  Ozzie now has over 25 years of experience in the kitchen, although, for the last eleven years he has both operated and owned this establishment. 

        In order to create an attractive and appetizing menu, Ozzie relied heavily on his Italian- Brazilian heritage.  The menu at Fihlo’s is certainly original, containing several recipes that have been passed down through the generations in Ozzie’s family.  Unlike most other restaurants, all of the food prepared in Fihlo’s kitchen is freshly made to order that same day and is top quality. 

        Whenever I come home from school on the weekends, my family and I almost always go to Fihlo’s for a late lunch or dinner.  There is never really a dull moment at Filho’s as the restaurant is always packed full of hungry stomachs.  Of the countless enticing options on the menu, two of my favorite meals include the pollo piccata (chicken sautéed in garlic butter with fresh herbs, spices, and a lemon sauce) and the pollo parmesan (chicken sautéed in a seasoned breaded batter with a marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese).  I would certainly recommend either of these to dishes to a first time diner at Fihlo’s. 

        As a whole, the portions at Fihlo’s are superb and are more than a fair deal based on the quality of the food itself.  Fihlo’s is also uniquely set up as a counter service establishment allowing for its staff to quickly and effectively serve its customers.  Furthermore, Fihlo’s is attached to the local liquor store, the Groton Market and is a BYOB.  Fihlo’s is certainly my favorite restaurant to enjoy a nice meal with my family.  In my opinion, you truly have not tasted authentic Italian cuisine until you have dined at Fihlo’s and sampled some of Ozzie’s creationhlos.  For more information on the dining and catering options available at Fihlo's, you can find everything on their website, http://filhoscucina.com/home.asp