Top Food Spots in New Jersey and Staten Island

Let’s head out for another food adventure in the great state of New Jersey, as well as hitting the borough of Staten Island, N.Y. for top food spots on my latest culinary jaunt.

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Pizza, pasta, seafood, chicken wings, and other tasty treats were on the menu, as I ventured out in search of tantalizing, taste bud-pleasing fare in the area.

Bon appetit, folks.

Bucky’s Pizza: 465 Main Street in Chatham, N.J.

Let’s start out with the new pizza kid in town: Bucky’s Pizza.

My girlfriend Maggie and I attempted to visit Bucky’s three times before we finally were able to secure a dining spot on Friday, May 2nd.

Let me tell you: the wait was worth it. Please note that all the pizzas are made with a undeniably tasty sourdough crust.

First, while we waited for our main course, our kind and helpful server, Joey, had us sample a piece of the Mexican Street Corn Pizza–a Cinco de Mayo Special, New York-style round slice made with fire-roasted corn and three types of cheeses (oaxaca, Monterary Jack and mozzarella (mootz). Then, it is topped with a house-made chipotle crema, cotija, cilantro, and a fresh squeeze of lime juice.

Did I mention it was on the house? Nice touch.

Well, it was delicious, sporting a bit of a spicy kick, with all the cheeses providing a blend of flavorful goodness.

But it is only available on Saturdays and Sundays going forward, at least for now, we were told.

Next, we enjoyed a New York-style round mushroom red pie: tomato sauce and mootz cheese, finished with fresh basil and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Yes, it was very tasty and satisfying, with a splendid sauce-to-mootz ratio and a crispy crust texture to boot.

Also, you can order appetizers such as meatballs, Caesar Salad for two, and garlic knots. Plus, something more substantial like the family-sized calzone, crafted with Bucky’s whipped ricotta cheese, garlic confit, mootz and Pecorino Romano cheese.

We will be back, Bucky’s. That is for sure.

Hours of operation: Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; Wednesday through Frida- 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday – noon to 8:00 p.m.; Sunday — noon to 7:00 p.m.

Phone: (973) 200-2388.

Vintage Tavern — 342 Valley Road in Gillette, New Jersey

If you’re looking for a spot that serves up great food and features lively music, Vintage Tavern is the perfect destination for you and your guests.

Vintage Tavern is a lively spot where classic pub fare gets a creative twist, all set to the backdrop of upbeat music in a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere.

As for the food, I polished off the fried beer battered cod, with a side of French fries and tartar sauce. It hit the spot and made Good Friday a great Friday.

We also split the chipotle ranch fried pickles, which were outstanding. Crunchy, savory, and bursting with flavor. And we also shared a plate of Nachos with guacamole dip. Simple but tasty.

Maggie had the Vintage Tavern Buffalo wings, which she really enjoyed, but could not finish the plentiful dish in one sitting.

The night would have not been complete without the eclectic music of 4 Flight Rock, a classic, fun cover rock band. Good music, delicious food, and great company.

The beat goes on, party people.

Hours of Operation: Sunday–12 p.m.-11 p.m.; Monday-Wednesday–12 p.m.-12 a.m.; Thursday-Saturday — 12 p.m.-1 a.m.

Telephone: 908-580-1100.

Patrizia’s of Brooklyn — 4255 Old Amboy Road, Great Kills, Staten Island.

My travels took me to a family party on the island of Staten for my cousin’s 60th birthday at Patrizia’s, who has been in business for over 30 years.

If you are looking for an establish to enjoy a meal in a quiet, romantic spot, Patrizia’s is not the place for you.

But if you desire a high-energy restaurant with great food for any type of celebratory gathering, well, this place is for you? Loud, raucous, and boisterous are the most fitting words to described Patrizia’s party, danceable atmosphere.

But that is only part of the establishment’s undeniable charm. Patrizia’s Italian food is downright awesome.

I indulged in an absolute feast, leaving pretty much no dish untouched. The night was all about family-style dining, and I eagerly blitzed the pizza, penne with vodka sauce, tasty baked clams, crispy fried calamari, tender, succulent grilled octopus, and a variety of other delectable treats.

Patrizia’s has 14 locations all over the tri-state area. If you like to book a party, make a reservation, or for more information, call 908-580-1100 or visit www.patrizias.com.

Prospect Tavern–14 Prospect Street, Madison, N.J.

A classic, nice looking area spot, Prospect Tavern is the perfect setting to down a pint or cocktails with friends while enjoying traditional tasty pub cuisine at its 60-foot bar or its outdoor patio space on a beautiful day/night.  

I finished off a Portobello Sandwich–a juicy Portobello mushroom, pickles, onions, roasted peppers, eggplant and provolone cheese, sandwiched in between soft brioche buns, with French fries as a side dish.

I utterly love anything made with mushrooms, and this sandwich did not disappoint one bit. Moist, flavorful and savory all rolled into one appetizing offering.

Maggie had the French onion soup, and we split the Spinach and Artichoke Cheese Dip with tortilla chips and garlic toast. Again, another winning dish, with just the right amount of saltiness and toothsome richness to complement our meals.

I washed it all down with one of its many rotating craft beers.

Prospects Taverns features several festive themed nights, including Trivia on Tuesdays at 7:30 pm; Wing-it-Wednesdays at 6:00 pm; live music on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.; and karaoke Fridays at 9:00 p.m.

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Thank you for reading my articles. Please stop by again real soon.

— Jerry Del Priore