I have a saying when it comes to eateries: "Gems are found in strip malls." The location of Bayville, New Jersey's Buon Appetito (745 Route 9, 732-269-4005, www,buonappetitobayville.com) might not be a true strip mall, but I'll allow it to apply here. Owner and head chef, Alfredo Leonor, worked for the prior ownership for over five years, and when the time came to pass the torch, he was ready to buy the business and make it his own. Wife Agueda Ibarra is side-by-side with him at Buon Appetito, they a perfect complement to each other in hospitality. Our visit was, in a way, a second birthday celebration for my wife, Lucille. We were heading back home from Cape May, exited the GSP to fill our car with gas and satisfy our tummies with food. We chose the right spot. Consider the kind appetizer that our hosts offered to us, called Bolli Knots (3 for $2.50, 6 for $5.50). If not opting for traditional Italian eatery apps like fried calamari, mozzarella sticks, or, yes, even garlic knots, these are a wonderful alternative. My choice for food before resuming our lengthy journey was a 7" homemade tuna sub with American cheese and mayo ($7.95), which - no matter the eatery - is what I often order. The sandwich was perfect. Lucille and Stefanie respectively ordered The Godfather (bottom left), which is made with crispy chicken smothered in creamy vodka sauce and fresh mozzarella, and the Calabrese, prepared with grilled chicken, broccoli rabe, and fresh mozzarella with a sundried tomato spread (bottom right). Both are $9.95, and are "sandwiched" between fresh, made-in-house Buon Appetito focaccia bread slices, and are served with fries. A comment here about friendliness, which is what Alfredo, Agueda, and their staff are all about. Food quality is indeed important at any restaurant, but so is service. At Buon Appetito, there is a handshake between both the before-mentioned, and it makes a visit all the more worthwhile and memorable.
Thank you, Buon Appetito! Steve
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The Sears family loves off-seasons down the shore, and perhaps there is no better September to May spot than Cape May, New Jersey. Myself, daughter Stefanie, and my wife, Lucille, headed to the "Nation's Oldest Seashore Resort" the third week in November 2021 to celebrate my wife's birthday. The key question: where to dine out and celebrate? We chose North Cape May's Roman's Pizza House (3718 Bayshore Road, 609-600-3312, www.romanspizzahouse.com). Located in the Town Bank section, the eatery is just a few minutes drive from the Delaware Bay, and just 10 minutes from historic Cape May City. Our server was Emily, who along with her husband, Zorro, are the gracious owners of Roman's Pizza House. The service was extremely cordial, the food excellent. Consider my selection, a Philly cheesesteak with melted American cheese and French fries ($8.99). This was so good, I was considering ordering a second one. Lucille for her birthday dinner chose an eggplant parmigiana entree with fettuccine pasta with a side salad (see below, $15.99). This was prepared with Roman's own special pasta sauce. Stefanie's choice was a Town Bank chicken sandwich of grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, sauteed spinach, and provolone cheese, topped with spicy chipotle sauce ($8.99). The perfect end to the evening was the special delivery to our table of a slice of New York style cheesecake, courtesy of Emily and Zorro, for Lucille's birthday. Great food and nice people perhaps equal many return visits, and Roman's Pizza House may soon see our family again (hint: my birthday is later this month, and another Cape May trip is being planned).
Steve In New Jersey, where it seems diners are around every bend or can be spotted every highway mile, it's always nice to find an unfamiliar one that really hits the spot. Ramsey's Majestic Diner (1045 Route 17 South, 201-962-8750, www.eatmajestic.com) is such a pace. It's not one of the biggest diners we've visited, but it may be one of the best. Lili was our server on the rainy Friday we visited, and she was extremely friendly - and so were the Majestic Diner prices. Consider my below-pictured Taylor ham, scrambled egg, and cheese sandwich on roll ($5.00). This sandwich was loaded and fantastic. My wife opted for a platter of two eggs turned over lightly with home fries and ham and wheat toast ($7.25). A great breakfast. And yes, we shared. The Majestic Diner is a pretty comfortable dining experience, and is right off of Route 17 South with plenty of on-site parking. Partner that with great food and service, and visiting may become a regular habit.
Steve |
AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
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