In the Vicinity
News and events on the retail, social, and civic scenes.
In the Vicinity By Stefanie Jackowitz L Italian Eatery Marks 1st Anniversary Artichoke Fritto with lemon caper aioli ooking for an authentic Italian dinner with contemporary flair? Stop by Bona Vita Osteria in Summit and celebrate the restaurant's one-year anniversary. e culinary lineup is the product of Bona Vita's two chefs— Marc Bruzzio and Adele DiBiase—who both came from the former Mama Tucci's of Madison. e duo of chefs complement each other, creating favorites such as Calamari Balsamico, Artichoke Fritto, and PB Ravi, a peanut-butter-and-chocolate dessert treat. Yet Bona Vita Osteria also offers the finest in the basics of Italian cooking. For example, all pasta and Buffalo mozzerella are freshly made by hand. A newcomer to the community, Bona Vita Osteria nabbed three 2009 New Jersey Monthly Magazine ratings: Best New Restaurant in New Jersey, Best Italian in New Jersey, and Best Bang for the Buck. And community service is a must for the Summit restaurant. e Osteria team will be hosting "Bona Vita Light…for Ladies Night!" on September 17 and 24, a prefixed dinner event showcasing a health-conscious menu. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation. To view the restaurant's lunch and dinner menus, stop by Bona Vita Osteria at 37 Maple Street in Summit, or log on to BonaVitaNJ.com. Reservations are recommended; call 908-277-1414. N GALA SUPPORTS SPECIAL-NEEDS STUDENTS New Chef, New Menu ohnny's on the Green, a Short Hills landmark on the grounds of the historic East Orange Golf Club, welcomes Marco D'Amico as the restaurant's new executive chef. Hailing from Vasto, Italy, D'Amico, who hails from Vasto, Italy, says his Hailing "creative Italian" menu captures the essence of Northern Italian cuisine paired with a unique twist. "You want to give customers something different," says D'Amico, who plans to update the menu every three months. Standouts Standouts include the Roasted Garlic Rack of Lamb and French-style Pork Chop Etienne. Pasta-lovers may want to choose the Gnocci Tartufo—prepared with truffle oil, shitake mushrooms, and spinach in a brandy cream sauce. Restaurant Restaurant owner Johnny Marrone of Livingston interviewed 15 prospects before choosing D'Amico. "He's incredible. We're lucky to have him," says Marrone, who opened Johnny's on the Green (forOwner Johnny Marrone merly Fore Seasons Restaurant) 13 years ago at 440 Parsonage Hill Road in Short Hills. e restaurant's outdoor patio is open for lunch and dinner into November. On-site event catering is also available, and a discount called "Johnny's Dollars" is featured twice a year. For reservations and information on live entertainment, call 973-467-8882 or visit JohnnysOn eGreen.com. early 150 Bernards Township-area residents gathered in support of children with learning disabilities and autism at the Precious Pearl Gala on June 27. Hosted by the Bernards Parents for Exceptional Children (Bernards PEC), the Bedminster gala raised $50,000 toward the purchase of equipment and supplies for special education students. Donald Trump addressed the crowd on the prevalence of autism, and guests listened to the sounds of Somerset Hills Orchestra and the girls' choir of Ridge High School in Basking Ridge. Art Raynes, keynote gala speaker and activist for the Bernards Township special needs community, thanked the teenagers who volunteer at his YMCA weekend program for autistic children. Donald Trump with More than 200 area Art and Will Raynes families comprise the Bernards PEC, a nonprofit group dedicated to enriching the lives of specialneeds children through activities such as bowling leagues, cooking, and swimming classes. For more information on the organization, visit BernardsPEC.com. J 10 VICINITY MAGAZINE September 2009
Links appearing on this page
www.bonavitanj.comwww.bernardspec.com
www.johnnysonthegreen.com
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