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Giambotta A Mix of Many Fine Things
Written By Steve Sears
Wanna see a REAL "family restaurant?"
It gets no finer than Giambotta (30 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove, 973-571-ZITI,
www.Giambotta.com). "Giambotta" is a combination of whatever is left in your
refrigerator with your favorite meats - and right here, there are six great ones
to choose from, in both Single and Family size.
However, on Cedar Grove's south end, part of the mix is, yes, food, but also
friends and family. It's all about traditions. This eatery more than breathes
its name.
Open for 1 ˝ years, the 225 seat Giambotta has seating both up and
downstairs. The downstairs has a true feel of Tuscany, with a gracious dining
room with tables and booths, open hearth pizza grill, a bar, and gorgeous
murals, while upstairs - which accommodates guests during dinner - the floors
are hardwood, five plasma TVs dot the walls, and a circular bar and wine room
for private meetings. The walls, and sliding glass doors to the wine room, are
lusciously hand painted. The stairwell that separates both rooms? Its walls
feature family photos...old family photos…of many in the area and beyond. One
could be yours.
This, my friends, is the beauty of Giambotta.
Dave Masini, a Johnson & Wales of Rhode Island graduate, and a veteran of the
finest restaurants in the area, runs the kitchen. Open seven days a week for
both lunch and dinner, with specials nightly and Tuesday featuring an All Day
Seafood Fest, this is a menu to dream for. The old favorite, Pasta e Fagioli, is
a great start, as are any selections from the First Plate and Insalata lists.
For me, Calamari Fritte and a Caesar Salad are the choices.
Entrees that are highlighted are great Pizzettes, Cheese Ravioli and
Spaghetti Marinara, Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs, Shrimp Scampi and, of
course, the six Giambotta Classico which include Pan Roasted Chicken On The Bone
or Pork Chops, Grilled New York Strip Steak, Pan Broiled Hot & Sweet Italian
Sausage, and Chicken or Veal Cutlet Milanese.
The before mentioned is just a small sampling of what is on the huge menu. The
best way to see and experience it is to visit.
The perfect way to complement your meal? How about a glass or bottle of
Giambotta Wine, available in Merlot, Chianti and Pinot Grigio? Available only at
Giambotta, you can also order by Vino Meter (you pay only for what you drink). A
variety of other Italian and American wines are available, as are beer and mixed
drinks.
The Giambotta slogan is "Our House - Your Family," and it rings true in the
sensational food and warm hospitality. The eatery is seeking to bring everybody
back to their roots, celebrate their heritage, and nowhere is that heritage
stronger than in the New Jersey Elite Entertainment area. And speaking of "food"
and "hospitality," are you a "Celebrity Chef?"If you have a special meal that's
been passed down through generations you could be, and the dish will featured on
the Giambotta specials menu for a week or two. Submit a favorite recipe courtesy
of a living or deceased grandparent, their bio and photo, ingredients and origin
of the recipe, and you (or that special grandparent) could even be cooking side
by side one evening with Dave Masini. More information will be available soon.
Once you enter the front doors of Giambotta, you are "family." Consider yourself
honored and prepare for a fine culinary feast.
Your day will be made.
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