I've located another "gem in a strip mall." Folks who have read my many hospitality posts and past magazine columns know that I strongly feel that some of the strongest, quality (read: reliable) eateries are found side-by-side with retail shops in busy shopping centers. Consider Taste of Italy Ristorante & Pizzeria (57 Route 46 East, Hackettstown, New Jersey, 908-850-1343, www.tasteofitaly46.com). This is great food courtesy of Alex Espinosa's kitchen, and cordial service from Karen Gomez. Lucille opted for an eggplant parmigiana entree with angel hair pasta ($12.95) - after Karen assured her the eggplant was sliced thin. She was right on the money.
Taste of Italy Ristorante & Pizzeria is open seven days a week, as early as 10:00 a.m. Monday - Saturday.
Great job, Alex and Karen! It was very nice to meet you. Steve
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This is a pretty good meatball sub. This is a pretty big meatball sub. "Now, you want it plain, right - no cheese or parmigiana style?" asks Paige Walsh, the very friendly counter person taking my order. "Nope," I respond, "plain." "Okay, just checking," she says with a laugh. "Sometimes people order and ask, 'Where's the cheese?' So now I ask just to make sure." Got it, and again, I got a pretty darn good meatball sub ($6.95) at Palermo's Pizza (Morris Hills Shopping Center, 3045 Route 46 East, 973-917-3303) in Parsippany. There is also a Whippany location, which opened in 2016 (Pine Plaza Shopping Center, 831 Route 10 East, #31A, 973-887-0693, www.palermospizzanj.com). The Parsippany Palermo's opened a year later. Cihan Mansur and his brother, Esref, own both locations. Cihan runs things in Parsippany and Esref keeps an eye on things at the Whippany eatery. Again, the meatball sub - pretty substantial stuff (see below), in size and taste. Best of all, what you get here is cordial, friendly service. I feel that's what matters most of all.
And Paige, no doubt, will get your order right. Stop and say hello to her and Cihan..and don't forget to feast on some food. Steve Now, from the "Your breakfast looks super on your plate department," here's an introduction to The Corner Grill (114 Ridge Road, North Arlington, 201-772-5631). Take a peek at the platters Lucille and me shared during a recent late morning visit. On the top is her mozzarella cheese omelet with home fries and multigrain toast ($6.25), and on the bottom my two eggs served sunnyside up with home fries as well, but I opting for wheat toast ($4.50). The folks at The Corner Grill are a nice team. Nancy seated us, and Sara was our server inside the tiny, spotless eatery that has 40 table seats and four barstool seats. There is also in-season outdoor dining on busy Ridge Road. The below saying could in fact be The Corner Grill motto. The Corner Grill is open Tuesday - Sunday and closed Monday. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ When in Pine Brook, please visit the nice folks at Seven Scoops & Sips (321 Changebridge Road, 917-846-5338, www.sevenscoopsnj.com). Anne and Ryan Olohan are the owners of the three-week-old ice cream and coffee shop, and it's a extremely comfortable and friendly stop. Blaine Pascal served us during our visit, we selecting small cups of Moose Tracks and pistachio ice cream ($2.70). The words "comfortable" and "friendly" are so apropos for this happy spot. These folks and their business are the types we love to support.
We'll certainly visit again, and soon. Steve "Oh, go for it!" says Lexie, a server for 2 1/2 months at Tuscany Villa Ristorante (Tuscany Village Plaza, 223 Changebridge Road, Montville, New Jersey, 973-334-1400, www.tuscanyvillaristorante.com), when I mention to her that a future visit to enjoy entrees is a definite. "That's the thing I like best about working here. I love the food - and the entrees are excellent!" I'll take her word for it, because the pizza the Sears family had on a post-Mass Sunday evening was pretty darn good. Also, we thank Lexie for her kindness and professionalism during a busy, late weekend dining rush. She did a fine job.
There are, of course, many menu options here, standard for a pizzeria ristorante, but there are a few things that caught my eye further when closely examining the menu: dinner specials for $14.95, and seafood combos for $17.95 (including salad or soup and choice of pasta). It appears the 15 mile drive from Bloomfield is going to be happening, soon. Also, Tuscany Villa Ristorante is a BYOB. Pair your favorite wine with your pizza or entree of choice and make it a wonderful evening. So, stop in a see Lexie and the rest of the Tuscany Villa Ristorante team.
Great job, folks! Steve |
AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
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