Thank to Chaz Adornetto, owner of Soho Pizza & Grill (540 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, New Jersey, 973-744-8708/8723, www.sohopizzanj.com), and his cousin, Joseph Arace. Both took care of Ash Wednesday non-meat needs for the Sears family by preparing two great pizzas for us, which also satisfied our Valentine's Day dining. However, it transcends cuisine. Chaz, who along with Joseph were extremely kind to us, also aided the resurfacing of memories of when my daughter, Stefanie, attended nearby Lacordaire Academy. Occasionally after school she and I would sometimes visit and buy a pizza from Soho Pizza & Grill, which is celebrating 21 years in business. Recalled were the few conversations we enjoyed in the past, and that great friendliness is still there at 540 Valley Road. And so is great pizza. I told Lucille and Stefanie that we would get two pies: one plain, the other with a topping or toppings. Both, of course, were excellent. The above pizza was made well done, light on the sauce. It was a great start as we awaited delivery to our table the below pictured, one half broccoli rabe and one half eggplant pie. As you can see from the photo below, the former barely survived prior to the latter's arrival. Soho Pizza & Grill is a tiny pizzeria eatery, about 20 seats, but that size translates to comfort.
Also, Soho is more than pizza. While we were there, a young couple came in; first time visitors, also seeking food to satisfy the beginning of their Lenten observance. They took home eggplant parmigiana ($12.50) and fettuccini Alfredo ($12.50) entrees that looked delicious. They were eager to resume their walk home and start in on their meals. They'll become regulars. Chaz, Joseph, thank you very much. When you write for the hospitality industry, it's necessary to spread yourself around, visit many places, therefore sometimes you don't get to visit the old favorites (like Soho Pizza & Grill) as often as you'd like. I'll have to rethink and work on that trend. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ A special thank you to Aaron, barista at Starbucks (40 South Park Street, Montclair, 973-746-0291) for his valiant attempt to make me my favorite new drink, a Café Borgia, which I first enjoyed at Middletown, New Jersey's 1st Cup Coffee (https://stevesearswriter.weebly.com/hospitality/from-my-seat-at-1st-cup-coffee). He looked at the details of the drink once I found them on my phone and handed it to him, didn't have the needed orange rinds, but prepared a super drink minus the citrus topping. A+ for effort, Aaron. Thank you. Steve
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AuthorAppetizers, hospitality, small plates - the best in dining! Archives
January 2023
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