Gencarelli's
Cucina & Dessert
Lounge -
Bloomfield Avenue in
Montclair, and enclaves
to either side have
long been busy areas
full of dining
opportunity. No
question about it,
diners have much to
select from around
here in this part of
Essex County.
Gencarelli's, a local
area name known
for baked goods has
its moniker on more
than one building in
these parts.
Today, I was focused on
finding Gencarelli's
Cucina along the
Avenue and easily
found a place to park
less than a block away.
The
inside of Gencarelli's
on this winter day was
warm despite cold
temperatures outside,
in fact, there was a
space heater
positioned near the
front window
eliminating any
possibility of drafts
for window-side
diners. The
tables were all nicely
set with interesting
albeit unusual leather
table covers.
This day was not very
busy, but there were a few
small groups
dining. The
menu looked
interesting, but by no
means overly so.
Bottled
water was offered which
doesn't do much for me
as I'm way more
interested in the food
than paying for
overpriced water.
I don't much care if
someone sees me
ordering water
from the faucet, but I
know some of you like
your sparkling water.
The complimentary hot
bread and red sauce
was off the charts in
freshness and quality.
Today for my lunch I
ordered the breaded
chicken with
melted cheese in a
pita which came with a
very fresh tasty salad
on the side. The
sandwich was
unfortunately way too
much on the bland side
for me but some salt
did help it along.
My
guest enjoyed a pita
filled with salami,
tomato and cheese,
which was said to be
good, but not worthy
of a rave.
I
would love to see
things really pumped
up in the kitchen to
match the warm decor
and first rate service
so they don't fall
prey to an ever
demanding customer
with so many dining
options to choose
from. If they
focus on the food by
designing and
preparing memorable
meals then they should
do very well here. Every
dish offered on the
menu needs to be off
the charts for a small
place like this to
succeed and I for one
hope they do. -
Jersey Shadow -
Gencarelli's
Cucina & Dessert
Lounge
381
Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair,
NJ 07042
Phone:
973-744-8881