Q&A With Felicia's Sweetface Pastry Shoppe

on Route 12 in Gales Ferry opened 10 years ago and owner Felicia Gotta has been satisfying customers' sweet tooths ever since. Gotta said she has a loyal following of regulars who come in for a certain cake, pastry or meal and that her customers are her favorite part of the job.

Patch sat down with the pastry shop owner to find out how she does it.

Who are your greatest influences?

Gotta said both her grandfathers were excellent cooks and passed their love of cooking down to her as she was growing up. She learned from other family members that curiosity and creativity were unwritten ingredients in any good recipe.

“No one could duplicate his recipe,” she said of attempts to replicate one of her grandfather’s spaghetti sauce. “We tried and we came really close but it wasn’t it.”

When did you learn how to be a pastry chef?

Gotta graduated from Johnson and Wales but learned the secrets, and spirit, of good cooking years before growing up in Springfield, Mass. from the very best – her big Italian family.

What made you come to Gales Ferry and open a pastry shop?

Gotta said she worked in area restaurants for years. While she was working as a pastry chef nearby she decided she wanted to expand her wedding cake business so struck out on her own, and she said, “Gales Ferry seems to be the place to be.”

What do you like about being a pastry chef?

“I can be as creative as I want to without any restrictions.” And the proof is in the pudding. Gotta’s pastry case is filled every day with a different assortment of cakes, pies, turnovers, cupcakes, truffles, etc.

What’s your favorite thing to make?

Gotta said she likes to make cupcakes with fillings because of the creative combinations of flavors that are possible. She said chocolate cupcakes with raspberry mousse, red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese filling and amaretto cupcakes with a tiramisu filling were some flavors she found especially complimentary.

Since she opened she has expanded the menu far beyond dessert. Gotta began making every day.

What’s your most popular item on the menu?

“If I got rid of the chicken tarragon sandwich I think there would be an uproar.”

What do you like most about this place?

“It’s so awesome, I’ve made some great friends and regular customers.”