Gail Gerson Witte's Wine Dine and Leisure Time

Hiram's Roadstand: 201 Magazine 2018 Winner / Casa Arturo Bistro: Little Falls' Italian Hit, March 9

HIRAM'S ROADSTAND:

Everyone comes over to owner Pete Demiris & Jeffrey Escudero to tell them how much they love their ‘dogs, burgers, chili, onion rings & cheese fries’ before they leave. They seem to know every customer’s name & many folks we interviewed have been coming for years & hail from all over the tri-state area. On Trip Advisor, “Been going to Hiram’s since 1950, still a fun time as everyone talks to you there and the food is always good. Now, our grandkids love it. We enjoy eating outside in good weather. Going to Hiram’s is a trip back in time & the hot dogs are as good as they were 70 years ago.” This is a typical comment and if anyone knows me well, they know I’m a Hiram hot dog enthusiast as I have had a hot dog there at least twice a week for years. Voted 201 Magazine’s HOT DOG CHAMP, which is quite the accomplishment, as there are hundreds of places that serve ‘dogs’ in NJ...

CASA ARTURO:

Before you sit down to eat, you’ll notice that someone with an eye for design has been at work. The unique chandeliers & warm sunny colors, along with attractive artwork & pleasant background music, definitely sets the stage for owner Luis “Arturo” Morocho’s delightful Italian dining. His philosophy of “Where almost everything is made from scratch, following the seasons & savoring & caring about the food” is evident here... Owner-host Luis ‘Arturo along with Chef Walter, his talented family Jose, sister Marcia & Mom Maria, carefully built their concept around classical & contemporary Italian cookery, that is a perfect fit for their romantic, 48- seat restaurant...

Taverna Della Pizza: Best Middlesex County Pizza & Pasta, Star Ledger, March 2

Taverna Della Pizza is a vital part of the area’s restaurant history. Its originator, Andrea Gambino, left Sicily in 1960 at 10 years old, with 2 sisters & his mom & dad. He was drafted into the army at 20 years old & returned to assist & buy a pizzeria with his brother-in-law & sister Graziella. He then opened “Rigoletto,” in Manalapan, among other spots in the area, but in 2015 he bought TAVERNA DELLA PIZZA from his family, with his son Michele, who, with him, has been in business in this area for 47 years & the rest is history. Andrea’s secret pizza recipe, which he developed after many years of experience, is the planet’s best & applauded by hundreds of readers that recommended the pizza & menu specialties to my office. The restaurant is directed by his son “Mike,” who like Andy, has extensive experience. He is assisted by Eric, Chef Rodolfo, Ivana, who is the Marketing Director & Assistant & his mom, Nina, who learned the art of pastry & produces exciting desserts. The restaurant is close to its former location & now seats over 80...

B&M Market: Voted #1 Best Gourmet Specialty Shop & #1 Best Butcher By 201 Magazine, Mar. 2

There are so many fine reasons why Chef-Owner Jonathan Goldstein’s specialty market was voted by the very upscale readers of 201 Magazine as best in 3 categories: BEST GOURMET SPECIALTY SHOP, BEST BUTCHER SHOP & BEST CATERER IN ALL BERGEN COUNTY. We also received hundreds of letters from our readers, praising the grandiose tastes & perfect catering events, they experienced. Jonathan is both a proud father of 2 young children, husband & a hands-on Chef-owner, dedicated to every phase of this award-winning operation. Jon grew up in River Vale & attended Union College...The atmosphere, food & speedy service are already legendary in ‘Bergen Country’ after only 4 years of operations. His superb team that includes managers Steve & Fred, along with Executive Chefs Juan & Dario & a super staff, are all completely in tune, with no jarring notes to interrupt the areas of good tastes & perfect parties. The team meets daily to discuss the daily specialties & the needs of each client...

A Taco Affair: Global Tacos With Universal Appeal, Feb. 16

When your heart is set on experiencing the best preparations, with a culinary educated chef’s twist, try the cookery of the talented Chef-owner Jessica Phillips & discover the many facets of, ‘A Taco Affair.’ Opened just a short while, Yelp stated, “The comfy decor, ‘meet & eat’ atmosphere & award-winning kitchen were embraced by critics.” This is a family affair with owner Jessica, who has successfully fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening this superb spot. The luscious recipes, homemade sauces & delicious, quite dazzling dessert, thehomemade CHURRO ICE CREAM BOWL enchanted us. Chef Jessica grew up in New Jersey & followed her heart, as she completed her studies in 2006, at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America & then finetuned her education by apprenticing & working in some of the best restaurants in the area...

Pompilio's Restaurant & Pizzeria: Authentic Little Italy Feel in Westwood, NJ, Feb. 9

Step into a casually elegant restaurant, opened in ‘97 by John Pompilio, with a strongly individual cooking style. The excitement comes from the intriguing food as you are coddled by the attentive kitchen Dream Team, including his son-in-law Johnny Rojas, who manages this trendy, well-liked trattoria. Conveniently located in the center of town, my office has already received hundreds of raves locally, but also from Staten Island & even Manhattan. The dining room has the same kind of subdued sparkle as the food, much like Rome or Milan or ‘Little Italy’ casual. Whether your party desires a pizza, light lunch, or a fully executed formal affair, this versatile eatery has it all. You can even reserve a small party & have John design a custom menu with both your budget & tastes considered...