To finally try that restaurant you always wanted to try - because you know it's going to be good. Do we have anything in common here? If so, and that place is Joe's Pizzeria & Restaurant (185 Changebridge Road, Montville, 973-335-4120/1), we're in very good company. Here's a brief explanation. The Sears family had always passed by Joe's on the way to Sunday evening Mass and, since it is the one day of the week the eatery is closed, were denied to opportunity to try the cuisine. That is, until a recent Tuesday evening found me in the area and also found my stomach growling. How to solve the latter issue? A Sicilian pie, well done but light on the sauce ($15.00 + tax). "Oh wow, you're taking this back to Bloomfield?" asked server Priscilla Godinez when I told her I hoped to avoid traffic and get the pizza home while still hot and fresh. Mission accomplished, by both parties. My 20 minute drive harmed the pie none, and the folks at Joe's make a great pizza. And that led to second and third visits, for sandwiches and entrees. Joe's has booth seating for about 40 patrons, and daughter Stefanie and me - once again served by Priscilla - enjoyed a Drunken chicken parm hot sub ($7.50) and spaghetti and meatballs ($10.25) respectively. The former has become a favorite of mine of late; I can't get enough of the vodka sauce bathing the chicken cutlet. Also, Joe's does it differently than other eateries where I've had it: the cutlet doesn't stay intact, but is cut up into tiny sections. Such a nifty way of prepping this great sandwich. It should be noted here that my wife Lucille and me one evening drove to Montville and both feasted on the Drunken chicken parm. Again, I - and now, we - can't get enough of it. A word to about hospitality. At Joe's Pizzeria & Restaurant, the restaurant isn't the biggest - the dining area and pizza oven and counter share the space - but there's huge heart here. All is friendly and congenial, customer service top notch. Thanks, Priscilla, and to the rest of the folks at Joe's. We'll see you again soon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When in Wayne, visit Haylee's Coffee House (127 Mountainview Boulevard, 973-706-8852) and say hello to husband and wife ownership team, Valerie Stoul and Lulzim Menoski, and Lulzim's mom, Lulzime (affectionately called Mama Lu) if she is onsite. You know that old saying, "You're only a stranger once," which seems to be the marketing maxim with many establishments? Well, at Haylee's your family once you park in front. Lulzime opened the location a few years back, and Valerie and Lulzim purchased it about six months ago. Lulzim made us a great decaf coffee to share, and me and Lucille sipped while seated on a comfortable couch, enjoying conversation with other customers. Isn't that a super coffee mug?!
Another great thing? They have good taste in literature. In addition to a collection of books shelved but available for reading, copies of Wayne Life, a publication you'll find the "Steve Sears" byline in, are also piled high for your perusal with drink and food prepared here. Just as there is at Joe's, there is a welcoming atmosphere. You are not a stranger; you are a very, very good friend. Visit these wonderful folks. Steve
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AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
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