Desert Island Dish with Alex Dubey

As part of our running feature about Austin restaurateurs' favorite meals, we recently caught up with Alex Dubey, co-owner (with his wife, Cristina Yoder) of Quattro Gatti, the beloved little Italian restaurant on Congress Avenue, by the Capitol.

Background: Dubey, 40, grew up in Florida, and has worked in the food industry since college, starting as a server at the French restaurant Jean-Georges in New York.

Lured by a friend who is a chef, he moved to Austin a decade ago, managing Otoko, Pitchfork Pretty and Commodore Perry.

Later, he moved into the catering game as he and his wife, a banker, started their family.

When Yoder saw an advertisement that a restaurant might be for sale, the couple decided to go for it — taking over ownership of Quattro Gatti last year.

What they're saying: "I try to run a restaurant full of adults," he says about his management strategy, as he juggles family life in southwest Austin.

Given the restaurant's loyal customer base, the couple also kept the menu pretty much intact. Standbys like a fettuccine Bolognese ($28.50) and chicken piccata ($28.50) share the menu with pizzas such as the mushroom and white truffle oil ($24.50).

This conversation is edited for clarity.

What's the one dish you're bringing with you on your desert island?

"My mom and grandma were born in Cuba. Grandma made a lechón asado — marinated pork shoulder with mojo, citrus juices and garlic. The mojo breaks down the meat, and she'd roast it for hours, and put it in a Cuban sandwich and serve it with black beans, white rice and sweet plantains."

What about for dessert? "The tres leches at Emmer & Rye is insane. It's creamy and it's savory with a little salt. It's comforting, it's on point, and there's enough texture there. The cake isn't mush. It's still fluffy."

And to drink?

"I'm going with a Florida basic — I love a piña colada. I'll be on this island and I'll be sugared out."