June 2002
Mystery
Muncher: Marsilio's
Restaurant
It
was a special night for the Muncher and spouse. So we went somewhere
special to celebrate. If you've never been to Marsilio's, you're
missing an integral part of Trenton.
At
Marsilio's there is the front dining area with bar (seats six
comfortably and eight more comfortably) run by the infamous "Wall
Street" Willie Mendoza, maker of one of the finest martinis
in Trenton. In the back it's much more intimate and quiet, with
a much grander setting. We sat in the front and were presented
with a wonderful menu, which we decided to peruse in leisure so
Munchkin ordered a brandy Alexander and I choose a classic martini.
Both, I must say, were perfect.
Okay,
so then we decided on the appetizers. The mussels marinara ($7.50)
at Marsilio's is unbelievable. They are fat and prepared properly.
Cleaned on the outside and steamed only until they pop. The gravy
served with them is like something from the Old World-sweet tomatoes
with the exact amount of spice to make you try and figure the
exact contents. A mild touch of garlic and voila. Delicious. And
speaking of garlic, you must ask your waitress (ours was Karen
Mansilla) for either the garlic bread or their regular bread with
the roasted garlic in olive oil. We could not get enough! So wonderful
and appetizing.
Munchkin
had calamari fritto ($8.95), an ample portion, which I have enjoyed
numerous times and will continue to do so. It is crispy with more
Calamari than breading and is available without the breading if
you choose to do so. It is served with that wonderful gravy I
mentioned earlier that Marvin Orozco blends in the kitchen. Other
appetizers available are clams zuppa ($9.95), crab cake ($12.95),
shrimp francaise ($10.95) or one of my other loves, eggplant rollatini
($6.50).
We
had salad and soup. The salad consisted of blended greens and
was crisp, not pre-made sitting in a fridge. The soup was a delicious
homemade New England clam chowder that I enjoyed immensely. I
wanted a second but I remembered the dinner we had ordered…and
while you're there, if you run into Walter, be aware…do not
listen to his jokes while eating…he has many and it could
be disastrous if you are drinking or eating.
Among
the available entrees were the following: chicken cacciatore,
seasoned chicken for $16.95, veal alla Julia, parmigiana, francaise
or sorrentino for $18.95. The pasta dishes we saw as we waited
looked so good they made you want to come back the very next night.
Priced from $13.95 to $19.75, they carry it all. Penne Michael
Leonardo (sweet sausage, artichoke hearts and broccoli rabe),
a 'Burg favorite vodka rigatoni and linguini with shrimp that
looked wonderful and the aroma permeated the area.
Munchkin
had a set of three soft-shelled Maryland blueclaw crabs, on special
that brought me back to St. Michael's on the Chesapeake Bay. They
were complimented by the glass of pinot grigio. Not too much in
the way of breading, pan seared and crunchy enough to remind you
of your meal but the backfin meat took over and brought a glaze
to your eyes.
My
entree was a fabulous 21-day aged Angus New York strip that, at
$25.95, was well worth it. Standing at about 1 3/4" thick,
it filled the plate. Seared to perfection (I personally believe
all red meat should be singed on the outside and rare inside)
with plenty to take home. It was presented with crisp string beans.
These were not your run of the mill fat beans but those skinny
tender sweet string beans that have a much more sensitive cooking
time and it was a pleasure to see that was adhered to. I had a
Classico Ruffino Chianti decanted in one of Marsilio's famous
wine carafes. We finished off the evening with their scrumptious
tiramisu and espressos-what else?
To Alan and the staff…what a wonderful experience, thank
you!
Marsilio's
Restaurant
541 Roebling Ave
Trenton, NJ
609-695-1916
Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dinner Mon-Thurs 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fri-Sat 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
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