The perfect dream? To have an excellent restaurant within walking distance of your home. For the Sears family, Matthew's Italian Restaurant (1131 Bloomfield Avenue, Clifton, New Jersey, 973-928-4300, www.matthewsitalian.com) is that place. Matthew Tyahla is the owner, in the same location where he worked as a busboy, food runner, and eventually a server under different establishments. He bought the business at age 26, and opened his self-named restaurant in 2010. Matthew's Italian Restaurant is often a very busy place, for an obvious reason. In fact, for more than one obvious reason. The cuisine is consistently good, service is equally so, the eatery is small and comfortable and clean, and perhaps most importantly, Matthew himself is there when you enter, a warm greeting always. So it's really not a "perfect dream" but an "oh so good" reality. Lucille, Stefanie and I visited for lunch on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon. Alexandra was our server this day, and she was all smiles and embodied the friendliness of the establishment. Feast your eyes below on Lucille's favorite Italian food, eggplant. She may argue (lovingly of course) my declaring this, but when our Italian eatery trips result in an "Eggplant, please" communication between she and the server 99% of the time, is that anything to be embarrassed about? On this day, the choice was a wise one; the sandwich ($12) -- which was shared around the table -- was superb, sauce excellent. The side order of Boston and iceberg lettuce was the perfect, light complement. I should note that Matthew's has a full service bar, should you desire beer, soda, wine, or a favorite mixed drink with your meal. Stefanie's selection was the Pollo Pronto ($12), a wealth of chicken topped with provolone, arugula, onion, and sun-dried tomato with pesto. You know when you get that "Maybe I should've ordered that...ah...maybe next time..." notion?
The only thing that may improve Matthew's Italian Restaurant is expansion, but due to area geography, it likely won't happen. But that's good, because there's something very nice about this small, intimate, neighborhood restaurant.
"Small, intimate" is a pretty nice thing, and being able to stroll to and from is the best of all worlds. Steve
2 Comments
Alexandra Zimmerman
1/14/2018 06:13:35 am
Steve! This is incredible and I’m so honored !
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Happy Sunday, Alexandra :)
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