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GIOVANNA'S

Too often small weddings, parties, and get-togethers get lost and forgotten in big, impersonal halls or hotels. Giovanna’s is distinctively different and surprisingly affordable. However, Giovanna’s specializes in small affairs for 25 to 100 people. At Giovanna’s you won’t have to worry about an assembly line staff rushing you through your special day. At Giovanna’s you can enjoy a quiet intimate affair or a lavish celebration, and know their place is yours, and your affair is the main focus. Besides a private, elegant setting, at Giovanna’s you’ll also be treated to some of the finest Italian cuisine you’ve ever tasted. From savory hors d’ oeuvres to sumptuous sit-down dinners, you’ll be easily able to select the perfect menu sure to please your most discerning guests. And once your party has savored the last morsel of their meal, Giovanna’s will bring out its piece de resistance, scrumptious homemade desserts baked especially for your affair. Whether you are about to plan a wedding, birthday bash, anniversary party, bridal or baby shower, bar or bat mitzvahs, rehearsal dinners, or any special occasion, come celebrate it at Giovanna’s and have your special occasion become a memorable affair.

Giovanna’s, 1462 South Ave., Plainfield; 908-753-6900.

LA FAMIGLIA SORRENTO

Beautiful landscaping and an inviting exterior beckon you to come in and “eat a little something” at La Famiglia Sorrento as you make your way down Central Avenue in Westfield. Once inside, you’re greeted by an open and airy dining area with a large window and colorful murals. The tasteful atmosphere simply whets your appetite for the food that follows. The restaurant’s signature dish is the “Original Tomato Pie.” You notice a difference without even taking a bite. Instead of shredded cheese, the pie at La Famiglia Sorrento is topped with chunks of mozzarella. This allows generous portions of sauce to peek through the cheese and makes for a tantalizing combination of textures on each slice. The sauce is made from a unique blend of various tomatoes, creating a taste that is lighter and more complex than the typical pizza sauce. But what truly makes the pie extraordinary is the dough, which is made from an exclusive 120-year-old recipe. “It is a recipe that has been in my wife’s family since 1870,” says owner Anthony La Ferrara. While it is hard to resist the tomato pie, the menu is packed with many traditional Italian entrées and pasta dishes. The lasagna, ravioli and manicotti are home made. The pasta is not complete without a side of meatballs, which are moist and flavorful. There are also heroes and subs to please the lunch crowd.

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

La Famiglia Sorrento, 631 Central Ave., Westfield; 908-232-2642

MARIO'S TRATTORIA

If you are a lover of great Italian food, you must make it a point to dine at Mario’s Trattoria. The menu is filled with the most wonderful variety of old world Italian favorite standard dishes as well as new special items. The extensive menu offers something for every diner including pasta, chicken, veal, steak and seafood. Each dish is prepared to perfection with the freshest ingredients by the expert chefs. Just a few steps away from the beautifully decorated dining room is the cocktail lounge which offers a complete selection of fine wines, cocktails and beers. If you are planning a business luncheon meeting or a private party for friends or family, you must check out the facilities at Mario’s Trattoria. Mario’s also offers off-premises catering. Mario’s Trattoria is open Monday thru Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from 1 to 10 p.m. The bar remains open until 2 AM.. There is convenient free parking on premises.

Mario’s Trattoria, 495 Chestnut St., Union, NJ; 908-687-3250

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