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For Top Notch Dining and Comfort, Visit Stephanie's
By Steve Sears
It goes without saying that Stephanie's Italian Restaurant in Caldwell is top
notch for comfort, dining, service -- everything.
Owner of 6 ½ years and Executive Chef, 36 year old Vincent Lombardo, grew up in
neighboring West Caldwell and has been working in restaurant kitchens since age
10, most notably at his parent's popular Vinny's Pizzeria in Bloomfield. Through
the years he made it a point to learn every aspect -- kitchen to front of the
house -- of the dining industry.
The end result is an excellent dining experience called Stephanie's, which is
proudly named after Lombardo's daughter.
"I leave no stone unturned," says Lombardo, who by some has been coined an icon
in town. "We stand out with quality, consistency, and a personable wait staff."
"Nothing goes out without my
touch and vision."
Lunch and dinner is served at Stephanie's, with an emphasis on homemade
dressings and sauces, which are also available for purchase by the pint or
quart. Grilled Portobello, Eggplant and Zucchini, Fresh Mozzarella & Roasted
Peppers, and Polenta with Sautéed Broccoli Rabe, Sausage and Hot Peppers are
excellent appetizers, while both the String Bean Salad and Fennel Salad, the
latter a delicious beginning to your meal with fennel tossed with fresh
mozzarella, red onions, arugala and black olives in a white balsamic vinaigrette
dressing, are very popular with first timers and regulars.
Lasagna, Fusilli Bolognese and Fiocchi top the Pasta list, and poultry offerings
of Pollo Portobello and Pollo Calabrese exit the kitchen often. Other quality
entrées from a vast menu include Veal Cutlet Sebastian, Pork Chops Oreganata,
Veal Rib Chop Milanese, Flounder Azzura, Gamberi Christina (succulent shrimp
sautéed with asparagus tips, shitaki mushrooms and diced tomatoes in a lemon
vermouth sauce -- try this!), Salmon Christina and much, much more. Many of the
entrees are named after Lombardo’s daughter (Stephanie, of course), his son
Sebastian, and his wife Christina.
Stephanie's also offers in season patio dining, free parking in back, lovely
gardens tended to by Christina, and free delivery service from a local wine
dealer for your meal.
"It's exciting," claims Vincent Lombardo, when I asked him what he loves about
his business. "It keeps me on my toes."
My late mom many times dined out on Mother’s Day in her latter years. Her
favorite spot? Stepahnie’s Italian Restaurant.
It will be great for your mom and the rest of your family too.
Stephanie's Italian Restaurant
283 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell (973) 226-2142
Tues. - Thurs. 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Fri. & Sat. 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Closed Sun. & Mon. except for parties
www.restaurantpassion.com
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