C: Is for Cuisine that's Amore

Lois Vigilante and her daughter Gloria have been eating at Tony DiNapoli’s once a week for 4 years. They bring friends, family and celebrate life here. “When my friends found out I lived in this area I became the envy of all of them. There is not one person I know who doesn’t love Tony’s.” Tony DiNapoli has been giving back to the neighborhood for the past 18 years. Everything is done with the customer in mind. From catering, to take out, to parties (seats 300 guests) to bringing food to the Ronald MacDonald house, they are what being the part of a community is about. Before you enter the scaffolding, normally an eyesore, is decorated to remind you of little Italy. Once inside, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. They know your name, the owners regularly taste the food in the kitchen and the change the oil once a day. You will notice smiles from the staff and not just at your table. Tony’s is originally a family style restaurant, but has started a new individual menu. We sat down to sangria and the house specialty drink, a frozen Peach Bilini (both $12 but wine starts at $7 with 12 choices.). These drinks were done to perfection and there was no skimping on the alcohol. Starting with Mozzarella in Carrozza ($13.95) half coated in parmigana and served with a sweet pomodoro sauce. As it melted we knew we were in for a evening of delightful treats. Zucchini Fritta ($8.95) was my favorite and I will come back just for that alone. Cut like potato chips, the zucchini dissolves into your mouth as you bite. Served with marinara sauce with fresh garlic, you want to lick the bowl, it is that good. Mary Beth’s favorite was the Roquefort Salad ($8.95) with beefsteak tomatoes and creamy Roquefort. This salad is part of the new individual menu along with the veal I had for dinner. Tony’s Veal ($13.95) is done Milanese style, lightly breaded, chopped tomatoes and arrugula in a light balsamic glaze. Though this is from the individual menu it still serves 2. The first thing, you realize is the portions are huge and reasonable. Mary Beth’s Spaghetti Bolognese ($18.95 on the regular menu) was as good as her mothers. The regular menu states for 2-3, but think more like 4-6. On the individual menu you can order pasta starting at $8.95 up to $12.95 with shrimp. Now that’s a bargain. We also added a house special of the night veal pounded thin on a bed of spinach done in a white wine lemon butter sauce topped with prosciutto and mozzarella. Each bite was like a taste of heaven and the sauce…perfection. For dessert we tried both kinds of cheesecake and the tiramisu, all freshly made. There wasn’t one part of this meal that wasn’t amazing. Tony DiNapoli now that’s Amore.

Tony’s gift for all Informer readers: bring in this article or print this article and make reservations Sunday-Thursday. When you get to the desk, present the article and ask for Tony’s Reward envelope. Inside will be a prize offering gift cards, food, or drinks. Mine was a bottle of wine. At Tony's you win no matter what and that is a F.A.C.T.