(From left to right) Building owner Michael Marcinek, Ansonia mayoral candidate Thomas Egan, State Rep. Kara Rochelle, Palma owners Jose and Marcia Palma, Mayor David Cassetti, Alderman Josh Shuart, and Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell.
ANSONIA — Cousins Isabella-Gutierrez-Gordillo, 10, and Amiyah Caul, 6, of Derby, love the “vibe” at Palma Restaurant, not to mention the pork and rice dish that has helped make the popular Spanish/American eatery a favorite among Valley foodies.
The Derby girls were on hand with their family Tuesday (June 20) enjoying lunch at Palma’s newly re-opened, larger digs at 171 Main St., at the site of the former Seccombes Men’s Shop.
Husband and wife owners Jose and Marcia Palma said they outgrew their original space at 252 Main St, which they opened in December 2018.
“I like the vibe in here, the flowers on the tables and everyone who works here is so kind, and I love the pork and rice with beans,” Isabella said.
Amiyah said one of her favorite things about Palma is their desserts, especially the Tres leches cake.
When Seccombes closed its doors after 96 years here in January 2020, the Palmas envisioned moving their family business into the historic corner building with the familiar burgundy, tan and white striped awning.
After more than two years of renovations, the new Palma re-opened in its new space in late May. On Tuesday (June 20) the Palmas celebrated with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by various city officials, including Mayor David Cassetti, Aldermanic President Josh Shuart, state Rep. Kara Rochelle and Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell, among others.
A native of the Dominican Republic, Marcia Palma boasts a background in hospitality, working in several hotels in New York, before opening a restaurant in Ansonia. She said the new space is more than double the old space, with seating capacity for 50 people.
“Ansonia is growing, and we had a beautiful four years of growing and growing, but we outgrew the other space,” she said. “The food is so authentic, it’s just so homemade, with a home kitchen and very family-oriented. It’s all about love, family and God’s blessings.”
The Palmas said they made a promise to the Seccombe family to carry on the tradition of the small family business, and “give it the same amount of love for the last 96 years” when Valley guys stopped in for a new suit, tie or socks. While the newly remodeled interior no longer boasts racks of men’s clothing and accessories, the Palmas kept one of the tan brick walls intact, as an homage to the Seccombe family.
“We hope you will enjoy nearly 100 years here as Charlie Seccombe did and create many memories and touch many, many lives,” Purcell said. “A saying in your old restaurant said ‘the purpose of life is to discover your gift and the meaning of life is to give it away’-that saying says it all, you and your husband have found the purpose in your life and now the gift is to give it away with this delicious food.”
Palma is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and can be reached at 203 – 516-5588.
