Saturday, November 09, 2013

A Guy Recommendation: Marie's Italian Specialties, Chatham, NJ

My fascination with the Food Network has slowly deteriorated over time, JB's declined sharply but he has a new thing for Diner, Drive-ins and Dives. What he sees in Guy, I don't know, but I stumbled upon a website that pinpoints all the places featured on the show to date. And as I planned our family road trip, I looked for one on the way. And there it was, BAM (sorry couldn't help the Emeril reference ), Marie's Italian Specialties.

Technically, Marie's was a little out of our way, maybe 10 miles off the highway in Chatham, NJ which happens to be one good-looking town.  Tucked in a nice strip mall, if that’s possible, is the unassuming Italian restaurant. White walls, black tables with benches and a black and white tile floor make it more industrial-looking than your average Italian place. 

4PM on a Sunday and the place was empty.  We were starving and ordered some of so called specialties.  In fact, Guy's favorites we're highlighted on the menu - I guess they take their newfound fame pretty seriously.  We pounced on the fresh bread that was served as we eagerly awaited to be wowed.

First up, Rice Balls.  These were incredible, unbelievable really, 3 huge balls of bread and fried rice sat in a bath of vodka sauce.  Crispy on the outside and perfection on the inside.  We lapped up the vodka sauce before we even finished the 3 rice balls, but fear not another dish of more vodka sauce came.  

Then mains.  Eggplant Parmesan arrived on a heaping platter.  I could barely lift it up.  Again, amazing.  One of the best Eggplant Parmesans that I have ever had.  JB ordered their famous roast chicken.  The skin was crispy and the meat inside was not in the least bit dry.  It was, according to JB, the way a chicken should be done.  

Three Sides.  The simple spaghetti that accompanied my eggplant was tremendous.  Usually the pasta side dish is a throw away, not here.  Polenta was creamy and loaded with parmesan, a win for me, but not for JB.  The only real off item was the broccoli rabe that was bitter and out of place amongst all of the other deliciousness.  

The boys stuck to their usual and ordered plain pasta, although truthfully, they gorged more on the bread than anything else.  

Service was quick and generous.  We took everything home and had meals for days.  

I’m not in New Jersey often, but if you are, or want to take a road trip, I strongly recommend this place.  We will be back.  And thanks, Guy!

Until our next Berger, 

KLB


Marie's Italian Specialties

641 Shunpike Rd

Chatham, NJ 

973.377.7878


mariesdeli.com

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