When you are looking for a restaurant that provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere; one where you can always count on for both great service and impeccable meals, look no further than Frank Anthony’s Gourmet Italian in Verona, New Jersey. Their spacious, casual dining room is relaxing or you may also choose to dine in the atrium, covered and heated during the winter months, but open and airy during the spring and summer. Manager Mike Galife and owners Nick (Zaro) Wright and Sean Mc Mahon have a passion for what they do. Mike and Nick will be in the dining room greeting guests and checking to make sure that everyone is comfortable and happy, while in the kitchen, Sean performs his magic, producing delicious offerings of traditional Italian American cuisine, as well as creative additions to their menu.
From fresh seafood and homemade pastas to hand-cut steaks and chops, you can taste the freshness and use of the finest ingredients. Combine that with classic and modern cooking techniques and you will surely be delighted with the results.
There is an art to creating a menu that will please every palate, but Frank Anthony accomplishes this with remarkable results. A perfect example is the Roman Antipasto. The cold item selections contain all of your favorites – capicola, stuffed cherry peppers, artichokes, broccoli rabe, sopressata – 20 items in all and that’s just for the cold antipasto. The hot features rice balls, pork bracciole, fried ravioli and eggplant rollatini – ten selections in all. It is a wonderful way to begin your meal. But as you study the menu, there are appetizers that grab your attention. Frank Anthony’s Crispy Calamari is so authentically Sicilian that you can close your eyes and imagine you are in Palermo. Made using a flour dusting, it is served with capers, olives, hot peppers and olive oil – very tasty!
When it comes to entrees you will find delicious traditional Italian American recipes. Among the selections are baked penne, linguini aioli and Parmigiano (veal, chicken or shrimp). For true Italian flair and creativity, try the rigatoni pomodoro, made with hand-crushed tomatoes or the pappardelle with roasted wild mushrooms, wilted spinach, basil, garlic and a touch of cream. For a truly exceptional pasta, their Bolognese meat sauce uses San Marzano tomatoes and fresh ricotta cheese. Try it with Frank Anthony’s homemade pasta of the day.
If you are in the mood for a special dinner, their giambotta can’t be beat. Whether it is with filet mignon or their signature double cut pork chops, the mixture of hot and sweet peppers, onions, sausage and potatoes is a magical combination.
Frank Anthony’s originated as a deli years ago and as the business grew, they moved across the street and opened at their present location. True to their roots, they have a menu for specialty and hot sandwiches; a panini or a wrap that has the lunch crowd coming back to both dine in and take out. All sandwiches are made to order and offered on a choice of fresh breads, plus any one can be grill-pressed. Not to be overlooked is their pizza – from the beauty of their Margherita to the richness of the Potato Truffle White Pie, the freshest of ingredients set them apart and are available in half sizes, as well as full pies.
In addition to the dining room, Frank Anthony’s has a private party room and catering is available for every sized function. Whether it is a pizza party for a sports team or an elegant corporate affair, their culinary mastery will make your event a success.
Frank Anthony’s Gourmet Italian is open every day at 11:00 am. From Monday through Thursday, they are open until 9:00 pm; Friday and Saturday until 10:00 pm and Sunday until 7:30 pm.
Frank Anthony’s Gourmet Italian is located at 667 Bloomfield Avenue in Verona. Visit their website at www.frankanthonys.com to view their menu. Call for reservations at 973-239-1303 and bring a bottle of your favorite wine.
