Saturday Night At The Poli Club

by Bob DeZinno, restaurantsCT.com publisher

The Palace Theater seen from the stage. I believe that photo credit goes to Lou Belloisy, a generous volunteer whose camera sees the Palace through his heart.

Five times each year, at least, I get to experience my very favorite nights out… dinner at the Poli Club followed by a Broadway show at Waterbury’s beautifully-restored Palace Theater. The Poli Club is named for Sylvestre Poli, the theatre impresario who brought the Poli Palace to Waterbury in 1922. Waterbury way back then was an important Vaudeville tour stop… they used to say, “If you can make it in Waterbury, you can make it anywhere!”

To know Waterbury is to love Waterbury; to know Waterbury is to love our Palace. She originally had 3,600 seats, one of New England’s largest venues. The $30 million restoration 5 years ago included plush new seating… we are wider these days than were our theater-going ancestors, resulting in 1,000 fewer. Still, a sell-out crowd of 2,600 certainly isn’t shabby. I claim the Palace to be Connecticut’s most beautiful theater.

Management is a lean team of just a few professionals, under the guidance of Executive Director, Frank Tavera. The Board of Directors, a who’s-who of Waterbury business (myself included ) and government, meets monthly… the committees far more often. Management, committees, board, staff, volunteers and community all committed to the theater’s imminent success.

I am born and raised here, owned my first restaurant here, and now maintain our DT Media Group and restaurantsCT.com corporate offices here. Of course we attend events at many of the state’s other excellent theaters, and even at the casinos. But my claim of the Palace’s superiority is fact.

So, what is the Poli Club?
Prior to major presentations, patrons, contributors, and supporters of the Palace may enjoy elegant ala carte dining here. Chef Rich Yost of Bay Leaf Gourmet Caterers has provided dinner service in the Poli Club since its inception, mid-way through the first season. Chef Rich is known for his tasty cuisine. Sure, he uses cool “new” ingredients with all the mouth-watering menu descriptions, but rarely does he build “towers” on the plate, or otherwise “play with his food,” as do many of his peers. His food is simply, consistently delicious, and promptly and properly served.

The menu changes monthly, 4 appetizers, 4 entrées, and the server recites the dessert selections, usually two. Last evening, prior to The Pajama Game, Paula had Shrimp Bisque, Grilled Fresh Swordfish and Tiramisú. I opted for a classic Caesar, and outstanding Chili-rubbed Braised Beef.

Here’s the beauty of belonging to the Palace Theater Poli Club. Park your car across the street at 6:00 before the crowd begins to arrive at 7:00. Enjoy a leisurely fine dinner, and head to your seats at 7:45. Back to the Poli Club at intermission for a quick refreshment, and then when the performance ends and 2,600 people are heading to their cars, its back for “Lyrics.” The cast is usually in attendance, and singing frequently breaks out! The traffic clears and it’s time to go home. Perfect Saturday night.

Keep in mind also, that Waterbury is home to MANY great restaurants. All gear up for speedy service prior to Palace shows. Downtown… Diorio, Drescher’s, Vintage, City Hall Café, Signatures, and Crossroads Cantina, all within walking distance. Park-eat-park: D’Amelio’s and La Tavola on Highland Avenue; the famous Carmen Anthony Steakhouse on Chase Avenue; San Marino and Bacco’s just west of downtown; Café Biaggio and Zia’s Cucina just east.