SALUGO BISTRO
We have eaten at Salugo in Verona on many occasions and know that all of their soups shine and are especially comforting on a cold evening. The escarola with escarole, white beans and baby meatballs was so thick with ingredients that it could be a meal by itself. Chopped spinach, egg and a parmesan chicken broth were used to create the stracciatella, which reminded us of a much better and heartier version of Chinese egg drop soup. The other two soups offered were pasta fagioli and tortellini in bordo. All soups are also available in pints and quart portions, if you wish to bring some home.
Herbed ricotta topped a classic rigatoni with Bolognese sauce; a most satisfying and splendid dish. Not as successful was the pork chop (you know who ordered that don’t you?), which was over salted and over cooked. However, the accompanying Spanish-style potato chips were addictive and we hope that the chef will consider offering them as a side. The tiramisu, made by the pastry chef from Salute and Fin, looked and tasted homemade and was one of the better renditions that we have had recently. Other menu items offered are pizzas, pastas, paninis, salads, soups, appetizers and entrees.
Salugo is a small 40-seat, casual restaurant with clothless tables, an open kitchen and baskets filled with vegetables and fruits on one wall. It is a most welcome addition to my neighborhood. Open daily from noon and take-out and delivery are available.
Rigatoni with Bolognese sauce
Photo courtesy of Lowell Saferstein
Salugo Bistro
Castle Ridge Plaza
360 Rt 10 W
East Hanover
973-515-0074
BYO
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OTHER OPENINGS
Baku Grill House, offering Mediterranean cuisine, including marinated lamb, chicken and beef kabobs, fresh seafood and more, has opened at 350 Mounts Corner Drive, Freehold (732-637-8882); BYO. Open daily from 11 AM.
Blue Salt Culinary, a catering company, has opened at 30 S Doughty Ave, Unit 6, Somerville (908-393-6880).
Meatballs, burgers, pizza, salads, sandwiches and entrees are all available at Brick House Tavern & Tap, a franchise that has opened at 3569 Rt 1, Princeton (609-520-9866).
Eric’s Jamaican Cuisine, featuring jerk chicken or pork as well as plantains, is now open at 309 Main St, Boonton (973-334-0102); BYO.
Habit Burger, offering char-grilled beef, has opened at 135 Kinderkamack Road, River Edge. This chain also offers sandwiches, salads, sides, a children’s menu and shakes.
A Spanish/Guatemalan restaurant, Itzayana Restaurant & Bakery, has opened at 117 Park Ave, Plainfield (908-462-1778); BYO. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Jimmy John’s is now offering their gourmet sandwiches at 875 Rt 17 S, Ramsey (201-236-6363).
Jules Thin Crust Pizza, which uses organic ingredients, has opened at 1650 Kings Highway, Cherry Hill (856-448-4275); BYO. A gluten-free pizza and salads are also available.
The Oriental Pan Asian Restaurant, 172 Rt 9 N, Englishtown (732-414-6318); BYO.
Kimchi, maki, rolls, ramen, noodles, dim sum and soups are on the menu of the newly opened Roots, an Asian-fusion restaurant that has opened at 3495 Rt 1, Princeton (609-799-8858); BYO. Owners are from Elements Asia in Lawrence/Lawrenceville.
CLOSINGS
Althea’s Kitchen, West Orange
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