The summertime is my favorite season, and what time of year is better to go out and eat your way through parts of Morris and Union Counties than the summer, when you can dip into an air-conditioned restaurant and eat your heart out while staying cool?
There is the new place, and more time-tested establishments in this cool article. We, my girlfriend Maggie and I, frequented three eateries in the area and were not disappointed in the least bit. So, get out there and have some food, drinks, and good times with friends and family while there are still summer rays and days left on the calendar.
Bon Appetit, sunshine folks.
Celestino’s Pizzeria & Ristorante — New Providence, N.J., 590 Central Ave — Opens around Sunday through Saturday at 10:30 — 11:00 p.m. But please check, as I am not sure — 973-566-1078.
After a long-anticipated wait, we made our way over to Celestino’s Pizzeria & Ristorante in New Providence, N.J., located at the old site of Coppola’s Ristorante, as it had just recently opened.
Well, it was well worth the wait.
Surrounded in an eye-appealing, pleasant decor, Maggie ate a white pizza slice with broccoli, spinach, and healthy sprinkles of garlic salt placed about, while I devoured the Sicilian (square) and Napolitana (slice) varieties.
Both of my offerings were pretty good, as each had a robust crust with excellent sauce and fresh, gooey, supple mozzarella (mootz). Maggie, who was gracious enough to let me have a bite, said the white pizza was up to her hard-to-please food standards. As for me, I love anything with garlic, and the white pizza is always a nice change of pace. So, it was a win-win situation for both of us.
Celestino’s is still in the process of accentuating its establishment with a pizza display to make your pizza choices simpler, and a takeout menu, along with other amenities, we were told.
But we will back soon enough to try other pizza styles (the thin crusted grandma square looks tasty) and other delicious Italian classic dishes. Click the Facebook link above to see how one of its pizza craftsmen creates it, just like a work of art.
Yummmmy!
There is also another location at 465 Pompton Avenue in Cedar Grove, N.J.
Brooklyn Pizza — is opened seven days a week, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Telephone: (908) 495-7062.
As we were driving along in Stirling, N.J., for a day of glorious shopping, we passed Brooklyn Pizza (258 Main Ave, Stirling, N.J.). Being born and bred in the ‘Borough of Kings,’ we quickly banged a U turn and headed straight back to the pizza place to enjoy a hopeful wonderful meal. And we did, thankfully.
First, the crust was different because Brooklyn Pizza uses sour dough to craft its crust. Nice touch!
Maggie had a grandma square (pictured over to the right), a thin crusted variety made with plum tomato sauce topped with areas of fresh mozzarella cheese, olive oil and basil.
Simple yet scrumptious. Now, that is what I am talking about, you know what I mean? Forgettaboutit!
I went with the regular and veggie pizza slices, both of which were fantastic. The crust was slightly charred on both assortments, making for a crispy, crunchy bottom layer. The veggies (onions, green peppers, tomatoes) and mozzarella completely complemented the veggie slice and made it more flavorful.
Huntley Taverne –– 3 Morris Ave., N.J. — (908) 273-3166 — Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. — 11:00 p.m., Sunday — 11:30 a.m. — 9:00 p.m., Monday – Thursday: 11:30 – 10.00 pm.
Note: It is a good idea to book a reservation.
On a beautiful, albeit hot and humid Sunday evening In late June, we frequented Huntley Taverne, a seasonal, classy American restaurant, located on Morris Avenue in Summit, N.J.
The eatery features very high, gorgeous ceilings, sleek wooden beams and taverne-like decor, that create a spectacular, upscale atmosphere for its patronages. Add in its breathtaking bar, a stunning wood-burning fireplace, and cozy dining areas, Huntley Tavern serves as the perfect spot to enjoy its special, unique cocktail and menu offerings for several different occasions for that special dining experience.
As for its fare and brews, I started off with a local Ghost Pony draft from Trap Rock Brewery and Restaurant (Helles-style lager brewed with German malt and hops, light and crisp and easy to sip) located in Berkeley Heights, N.J. It paired well, not that I was trying, with the vegetarian Grain Bowl ($18.95) — wild rice medley, quinoa, avocado, roasted broccoli, heirloom cherry tomatoes, snow and snap peas. It was healthy and delicious, not to mention appetite filling.
Maggie went with the Faroe Island Salmon (gluten-free) $34.95 — baby bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, sauteed spinach, and roasted garlic cream. It made for a wonderfully flavorful dish that was surprisingly appetite-satisfying, she noted.
What are you waiting for, as the summer will give way to autumn and sweaters in due course? Get out there and eat and have a blast while Helios is still pumping those beautiful, shiny rays!
— Jerry Del Priore
NY NJ Sports World/Brooklyn Sports World 