Alumni bring a taste of home to the Merrimack Valley
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” — James Beard.
For many, a meal is not just sustenance but a connection to family, culture, and memories of home. Take the story of Matt Gaiero, an NECC alum who, after more than two decades in the restaurant industry, found his own slice of “home” when he and his wife, Denise, opened G’s Southern Flare in Haverhill.
Matt and Denise’s story is one of a deep love for food, culture, and the communities they have found themselves in. Both seasoned professionals, the couple spent years honing their skills in kitchens across the country before deciding it was time to create something entirely their own. The goal was simple: to bring a taste of Texas to the Merrimack Valley. Denise, originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, had a strong attachment to the flavors and traditions of her home state, and Matt’s culinary expertise made it possible for them to share that love of food with their new community.
“There wasn’t really anything like what we wanted to do in the area” says Matt.
The couple’s decision to open a restaurant in Haverhill did not happen overnight. After years of working in the restaurant industry, Matt explained “we wanted to create a space where guests could experience southern hospitality at its finest.”
Their menu is a love letter to Texas, a celebration of flavors that transport diners to the heart of the Lone Star State. Dishes like brisket, hushpuppies, queso, and salsa give guests a taste of the warm, comforting food that Denise grew up with. However, the real stars are the dishes that embody the couple’s idea of “comfort food”—the kind that makes you feel like you are sitting around a family dinner table.
“I would say Chicken Fried Chicken and our signature Corpus Chrispy Chicken Sandwich are great comfort foods,” Matt shares. What truly sets G’s Southern Flare apart is the sense of community and connection that Matt and Denise have worked to create. People who had been craving a taste of southern comfort flocked to the restaurant, but it was not just the food that kept them coming back—it was the sense of belonging, the feeling of warmth and kindness that radiated from every corner of the space.
The same sentiment rings true for Rosa Garza, a graduate of NECC’s Class of 2024, marketing student at Suffolk University, and restaurant owner. At Rosita’s Cocina in Newburyport, she shares the vibrant flavors of her Mexican upbringing, offering a taste of home to both those who share her heritage and those discovering it for the first time.
During a recent visit to her restaurant, Garza prepared flautas de queso, a beloved Mexican dish many customers now frequently order. The crispy, cheese-filled tortillas are simple yet full of nostalgia, a dish she remembers fondly from her life in Mexico.
Garza’s journey to Newburyport was driven by a desire to bring the flavors of Mexico to the region, but also to encourage diversity and inclusivity in the local food scene. “I wanted to bring something authentic, something that was part of me,” she explains. “But I also wanted to make sure our Latinos here felt seen. It is about honoring my roots and offering comfort to those who might be far away from home.”
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Rosita’s Cocina quickly became a gathering place for Newburyport’s Latin residents, while also attracting locals eager to explore new tastes. Through her food, Garza bridges cultures, sparking conversations, and opening hearts.
