While there’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal, it isn’t always in the cards. Whether it’s an issue of time or lack of expertise in the kitchen, sometimes takeout is the best option. However, oftentimes takeout food falls victim to room temperatures, and by the time you sit down to eat, your dish is as soggy as it is sad. Local restauranteurs set off to break this cycle as Gallo Express opened in Westport, a fast-casual pickup and delivery concept offering authentic Italian cuisine with local flair. The to-go restaurant opened in 2020 as a result of the food delivery service domino effect; however, it put a unique spin on the trend with family style and individual five-star Italian dishes, making takeout fast, easy and, most importantly, gourmet. Westport area residents showed overwhelming support during lockdown as supply sold out practically every day. Now, nearly three years later, their allegiance has not wavered, and as a result, Gallo Express continues to reach new communities and join go-to takeout rosters for those looking for quick, easy and gourmet meals delivered straight to their homes. Chef Giuseppe Castellano was and continues to be a key component to the Gallo Express story, bringing his Italian culinary talents from Napoli, where he made his career working as a five-star restaurant chef. Castellano, otherwise known as “Pepe,” arrived in New York City in 1999, where he worked for visionary restauranteur Tony May, an innovator within the city’s Italian cuisine for the better part of the 21st century. Since then, he has made a splash in Fairfield County and established himself as a local favorite for his work at Gallo Ristorante in Ridgefield and Gallo Family Restaurant in Danbury alongside local restauranteur Rafaelle Gallo. Pepe Castellano co-owns Gallo Express and all its locations, carrying his expertise with him as he carefully crafts menus and takes interest in the communities he serves. Those who know the chef can attest to his friendly and talkative demeanor, as well as an undeniable and outward passion for food and the artistry that comes with it. The value of fresh, local ingredients is integral for the restaurant, and as a result, the Gallo Expresskitchen has been designed around the community that it belongs to as well as its roots. While vegetables are locally sourced and pastas and doughs are made in-house each morning, 80 percent of the restaurant’s ingredients are imported from Italy, one of few establishments in the U.S. to import such a large fraction. “The root of traditional Italian cooking is all about using the best and freshest local ingredients,” Castellano said. “We rely on a gourmet Italian grocery store called Buon'Italia, which sources the best ingredients from Italy. Using these imported products allows our food to taste like home.” Among the variety of menu choices are individual meals as well as family packages that feed anywhere from four to six people, allowing customers to choose one option from each menu course. This unique offering provides customers with a restaurant-like experience while in the comfort of their own home. Though all orders can be delivered or picked up, Gallo Express has a “grab and go” refrigerator for those on the move looking for an affordable lunch or dinner without having to sacrifice quality for cost. All meals are made on site on the day of purchase, ensuring that everything is fresh and ready to eat. “We're seeing a lot of healthy meal delivery services popping up lately but it's hard to find the same healthy convenience in a local setting,” Gallo Express’ Creative Director, Cait Danahy, said. “Our grab and go refrigerators are the ultimate convenience feature because they allow you to stop by and pick your meal, or even stock up on 5 or 6 for the whole week.” The luxury of gourmet meals on the go is what differentiates Gallo Express from other restaurants in the area, providing customers with meals they can rely on no matter the time of day. As custom meal services soar in popularity, Gallo Express offers a high-quality, convenient and commitment-free resolution that subsequently results in support for local farmers and distributors. While customers can purchase individual meals or one-time packages, or opt for regular delivery, the choice is entirely theirs to make. In addition to several satellite delivery hubs around the county, Gallo Express partners with services like UberEats, Grubhub and more to ensure the most seamless experience. Brick and mortar locations in Westport ― and soon in Stamford ― will accommodate eat-in customers as well. “We’re giving people the ease and accessibility of fast food but, obviously, at a much higher quality with wholesome ingredients and gourmet recipes,” Danahy said. “People have a lot going on, and Gallo Express allows you to be in and out quickly without having to compromise on flavor or nutrition.” To learn more about Gallo Express and view menu offerings, visit www.galloexpress.com. Get ready to ciao down!
