You have to admire someone who can start out by being your server, but then is ready when needed during dinner rush to hop behind the counter and assume management duties. Also, equally admirable is a server who now assumes duties at your table, keeping up the great work the prior server started. Meet Mark and Manuela, and welcome to Buongusto Pizza Restaurant & Catering (Wayne Belt Plaza, 57 Route 23, Wayne, New Jersey, 973-256-7777, www.buongustowayne.com). Buongusto is a "Gem in a strip mall" (where have you heard that term before?) and a BYOB, perhaps the best type of eatery. Much like my past quest to find the best tuna melt in the area, I have embarked seeking my favorite chicken with vodka sauce hero. Buongusto has a chicken parmigiana sandwich listed on their menu, and when we (daughter Stefanie dined with me) ordered, Mark specifically asked if I'd like to have it topped with vodka sauce. Bingo! Good servers know their customers, even if just meeting them for the first time. There it is above (a 10" hero for $8.75). I think by now it should go without saying that I should never plan on devouring one portion and saving one for later. Later? When a hero this good stares at me, and the first bite cements its quality, there is no "later." There's only "now." Stefanie's chosen option was the Toreno: grilled chicken with broccoli rabe (I should mention this combination is her favorite) topped with garlic and olive oil ($9.95). Another super sandwich. I'm wishing right now I could reach my hands through my tablet screen and grab this and start eating it - and maybe finish it as well?
Buongusto Pizza Restaurant & Catering is a super place to dine, and the menu is full of great options. Grab your favorite bottle of wine, visit and say hello to Manuela and Mark and the rest of the team. Steve
0 Comments
And now, a post dedicated to (arguably) the best diner in the area, Park West Diner & Cafe (1400 Route 46 West, Little Falls, 201-256-2767). Please, diners fans, no dart tossing here. I know diners are abundant in New Jersey, and reasons are many for calling one your favorite, whether it be age of, tradition, and more. So I'll allow you your opinion as I'm sure you'll allow me mine. Park West Diner & Cafe is home to a huge, super tuna melt, a well-loaded Taylor Ham and cheese sandwich on roll, and terrific prime rib entree when available. It's also a prime place to hang out for a cup of coffee at their counter. Daughter Stefanie and me often visit on Wednesday evenings and, sure enough, we devoured two of the above-mentioned sandwiches: a tuna melt (left, $10.50) and Taylor ham, scrambled egg and cheese on roll (right, $6.15).
So nifty - great reading after a wonderful meal.
Thanks to such a great, dependable diner. Stevbe |
AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
Categories |