NJ Restaurants Guide - Reviews of Mario's Trattoria

495 Chestnut Street - Union, New Jersey
(908) 687-3250 - Fax: (908) 687-4369

- NJ RESTAURANT REVIEWS -

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Review
Daily News

"Enter the "Mario's" world, and you know you are in a very special place. Open since 1983, this is a friendly, busy, popular spot, with luscious power food preparations. A wonderful bartender, which I later discovered is the owner, Brian Garofalo, was entertaining a crowd of fun people. Tonight's artist was Julian Hernandez, a top versatile musician, who encouraged many guest entertainers to perform. Between the lounge and the restaurant this was the best '99 taste of Italy our researchers had experienced. A full party room was serving a happy crowd, celebrating a birthday, and the dining room was full of leisure diners enjoying a menu filled with both traditional Old World Italian dishes as well as many new innovative culinary creations, enabling one to stray from their normal Italian favorites and select a uniquely different dish each time they dine. My researchers were in awe, as each selection arrived at the table. Every course was truly a gastronomic souvenir, perfectly designed and a real flavor sensation. The staff, along with Chef Robert Margolis, Dominick Luna and Sous Chef Thony St. John, allow no compromise in the quality of the cuisine. With love and generosity, they prepare the tasty dishes. There is a delicacy and an individual touch to the recipes my researchers sampled. Brian Conners, USA researcher, stated, "The restaurant had a wonderful, friendly atmosphere and the service Nora provided, was as good or better, than the finest restaurants in New York City. This restaurant really deserves high ratings!" Researcher, Ms. Bonnie Mcintyre, of the Irish Echo, "Simply superb! Class all the way!" The exotic appetizers like the addictive crabmeat Stuffed Portobello Mushroom, the homemade fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers, and the perfectly prepared Jumbo Shrimp & Broccoli Rabe, that our wonderful waitress, Nora served were delicious as well as beautiful to look at. The Fusilli Filetto di Pomodora was the next **** dish to arrive. This had style and taste. The following entrees decorated our table with their brilliance. Edward Witkowski, our Times researcher thought the Veal Chop with mushrooms and the tender Veal Francaise were well prepared, and melted in his mouth. "You could cut it with a fork!" The Ledger researcher, Joan, loved the **** dishes which included a large steak with fresh garlic, and Shrimps in a luscious creamy Cheese Sauce. They were the same dishes that I raved about. Dessert with Italian Cheesecake and Chocolate Mousse was a final fantastic act to a dazzling dining performance. This is a place you can bring your family, have a nice dinner for two, or a meeting of friends. Introduce them to delicate imaginative dishes at reasonable prices, then just step inside the neighboring lounge for another party. What else does one need? Compliments to a very knowledgeable family, who run the restaurant like a symphony, and to the Chefs who transform ingredients into dining souvenirs."

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Review
Union Post

"It's been said that everyone will have at least 15 minutes of fame in their lifetime. Well, this past Sunday quite a few Unionites had their 15 minutes. Political affiliation doesn't enter into the picture when you get the opportunity to feed the President of the United States.
Last Wednesday, the advance team for the Presidents visit enjoyed their dinner at Mario's Trattoria and decided then and there this was the restaurant to cater the Presidents dinner after the rally that was to be held on Sunday.

Bill Bracken and Satish, two of the advance men spoke with Mario's banquet managers Liz Garafola and Kelly Ford. After making the arrangements to feed the presidential party in the conference room of Union's Town Hall, additional arrangements were made to feed other dignitaries in the main meeting room. According to Kelly Ford, everything had to be perfect.

The menu was presented to the President's Military Attache and Steward, Brett Early. He gave strict instructions of what the President liked and was not able to eat because of certain dietary restrictions. The staff at Mario's Trattoria quickly analyzed the situation and came up with a menu that was befitting the President of the United States.

Beginning with appetizers the presidential party dined on shrimp cocktail, hotzy totsie shrimp, stuffed mushrooms and a cold Antipasto that was specially prepared by Co-owner John Reed. After tasting and thoroughly enjoying Mario's homemade bread the president dined on Zuppa de Pesce Seafood Combo specially prepared for the President. John Reed stated, 'I really outdid my very best, Here I am in Union, New Jersey and I'm preparing dinner for President Bill Clinton. What an honor". "Not only did I feed the president, but I also cooked for Whoopi Goldberg and her mother. What a thrill" said John. Many other Italian delicacies were put forth on all the tables for the dignitaries to enjoy.

For dessert, many varieties of fruit pies were served by Paulo Silva, one of the finest waiters in the state of New Jersey along with Tara Abel.

One of the most interesting events was having to get the food delivered because of the extremely tight security protecting the President. Brian Garafola, John Garafola, Samuel Reed along with a few others delivered and prepared the tables with fine linen and china to make the President's visit to Union a memorable one.

Congratulations to the President's caterer, Mario's Trattoria. You did a fine job and the American public thanks you."

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