Chef José Pedro Da Silva shares his culinary inspiration at Rosso’s Pizza & Ice Cream
The newly-opened Rosso’s Pizza & Ice Cream, 56 Canal St. Millbury advertises everything from dine-in to takeout, delivery and catering. Signage offers no clue that the independently-owned restaurant has an extensive menu of made-from-scratch, classic and traditional Italian dishes, seafood, grilled food, specialty sandwiches and much more.
José Pedro Da Silva is the seasoned chef who “left his job” as executive chef at Mare E Monti in Worcester to open Rosso’s with a business partner. The restaurant is located in the former American Pie of Millbury property and seats 49 inside, with outdoor seasonal seating and ice cream windows. Year-round, the restaurant sells 10 to 15 flavors of Gifford’s Ice Cream, made in Maine.
Da Silva, known in culinary circles as “Pedro,” owned the former Sophie’s restaurant in Shrewsbury and during his 25-plus years in the industry has worked at Worcester restaurants, including the Sole Proprietor and Mezcal Tequila Cantina. He has been in culinary for as long as he can remember, he said, starting out washing dishes as a teenager and working on the kitchen line in specific positions until reaching his goal of executive chef, or head chef. Originally from Brazil, Da Silva said his culinary inspiration comes from his Brazilian grandmother and a grandfather, who had “Italian heritage.” Along with his mother, they were his biggest influences growing up, he said. Da Silva has two sons and two granddaughters. “I’m both a proud father and grandfather,” he said.
Da Silva claims he “jumped at the opportunity” to open a new restaurant, despite Sophie’s closure in the late 2000s. He left the restaurant business for a few years, he said, and returned because he missed being a part of the industry. “My father once told me, ‘In life, we have one stop. When you pass away, it’s done. While alive, you can’t give up,’” said Da Silva.
There are so many options on Rosso’s menu, in addition to a “specials” board at the front counter. Depending on who you are, you may like a long menu. It’s not a one pager.
Rosso’s more than 30 pizzas come in a variety of sizes, including small, large and extra- large. Order from 25 toppings to make your perfect pizza. There are 10 different calzones served with marinara sauce on the side. Deli and hot subs and low carb wraps come with the ultimate side option of french fries or onion rings. Other choices are Panini (Da Silva makes the bread for the sandwich), fried wings, sides, soups and desserts. The most popular kids’ meal entrees include chicken fingers, hamburger, grilled cheese and pasta with sauce or meat. FYI: Rosso’s takeout menu includes coupon specials to clip.
Da Silva recently created “Chicken Rattle Snake” as a weekly board special. The dish featured sautéed chicken fingers with a white wine cream sauce, jalapeno tossed with linguine, topped with mozzarella cheese, $15.99. Other specials were Brazilian Grilled Picanha (steak) with rice and beans, mixed veggies and lettuce and tomato salad, $25.99; Lasagna Chicken Parm Combo, $14.99. All the meals included rice pudding as dessert. At the bottom of the specials board was the popular Brazilian street food, coxinha (chicken croquettes), $3.99.
Whether you want a single, double or triple scoop, the restaurant serves ice cream up in cups or cones. Gelato and acai bowls also are available.
Rosso’s Pizza & Ice Cream is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Note: Hours may seasonally change, according to owner. To date, no liquor license or BYOB. Visit www.rossospizzaicecream.com; Telephone: (508) 203-8929. Connect on social media.
Da Silva said several cooks work solely in Rosso’s pizza kitchen area, while he and other staff members prepare food for the main menu. He likes trying new things outside of the kitchen and it’s important to see what’s out there to get new ideas, he said.
Heading into late fall and winter, diners can expect chef Da Silva to deliver a menu with something for everyone.
Make to Main to Harding
Maker to Main, 162 Harding St., Worcester, will have a Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting event at 3 p.m. Nov. 3.
Owner Lynn Cheney opened the locally sourced grocery store in September, relocating the business from its original location on Main Street in Worcester. Cheney is leasing space once occupied by the family-owned Harding Glass. The business closed in 2022. For more information, www.makertomain.com. A story about the store’s Harding Street opening is featured at telegram.com.
Congrats, Lynn!
If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Table Hoppin': Rosso’s Pizza offers classic Italian dishes and more
