Graziella Ristorante - Hamilton, NJ Review
3681A Nottingham Way • Hamilton, NJ 08690
609-890-0099
(by 1 user)
Looking for a great place in Hamilton, NJ - Graziella is it!
eating out weekly, budget diner, health conscious, seafood lover, not rich, into trying new things, appreciate nice things
MAR
10
2009
Walking into Graziella, the colors, the music, the pictures and stencil on the walls, all of it made for a warm, welcome atmosphere. The tables were not placed too close together so couples could enjoy a more intimate feeling. The overall ambiance made you feel comfortable and happy.
We had to wait for my brother and future sister-in-law as usual, but while we did, we had a chance to peruse the menu. The waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable, answering all of our questions with clear and exact answers.
When Sean and Sarah finally did arrive, they brought the wine as Graziella is a BYOB establishment. The wait staff promptly removed the bottles so that they could be opened, and they put the white wine in an ice bucket to keep it cool and set the table with wine glasses.
It was really hard to decide what we wanted, they have a regular menu full of tasty Italian dishes and sandwiches, then you get to the daily special menu and decision making is made even harder by the tantilizing descriptions. We finally decided to get the Calamari with the Cherry Peppers for an appetizer. The breaded calamari was cooked to perfection, the outside was crisp and the inside was delicate as properly cooked calamari should be. Of course, the lovely surprise was the bite the cherry peppers and olive oil added to this dish. The heat made the tongue tingle, but there was no burn so that you could still taste the wonderful medley of flavors.
A garden salad or soup came with each entree, but Pop and I opted to forgo the garden salad for the Pear and Almond Salad. We were very happy we did because this salad could very well become a new addiction! The juicy sweetness of the pears, the tang of the cheese and the roasted crispness of the almonds over a bed of fresh greens were only enhanced by the oh-so-light vinegrette. We honestly could not get enough of it, but since the serving was large enough for the both of us, we happily shared.
My mother and brother got the house salad with the house vinegrette. They loved it so much they wiped their plates clean with the fresh bread baked right in the restaurant. My future sis-in-law and roomie, Sheffy, had the pasta e fagiole (for those who have no clue it is a hearty, tasty Italian soup with red beans and pasta). Again, bowls were wiped clean and they refused to share a bite with the rest of us!
Dinner, oh dinner! Pop and I again were of like mind and opted for one of the specials, the Seafood Antipasta with a spicy lemon pepper sauce over linguine. This dish had just the right amount of perfectly cooked mussels, clams, shrimp and scallops. The heat from the hot peppers was again just enough to tease the tongue with out overwhelming the palate. Pop and I both agreed that cooking the lemon slices in the sauce made this dish really pop. I would recommend, however, that this dish be served with a side plate for the discarded clam and mussel shells.
Mom got the 12 ounce New York Strip with cauliflower and roasted potatoes. She was thrilled to find that the steak was charbroiled, which as any charbroil lover knows, really makes a steak taste best. The cauiflower was done just to crisp-tender and popped just right when you bit into it.
I think the best compliment to Anthony and Mike came from my brother, he ordered the Cavatelli mixed with Sauteed Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in Olive Oil and Garlic. Sean said, "This dish can not be good for me because it taste so **** good!" Again, the broccoli rabe was cooked to the right degree of crisp-tender and blended with a tasty, yet not overpowering sauage.
Sarah and Sheffy both got the Prosciutto and Peas in a White Cream Sauce. The saltiness of the prosciutto and the sweetness of the peas and cream sauce complimented each other perfectly.
All of the pasta in all of the dishes were cooked to a perfect al dente. My family's compliments to the chef. We wanted to save some room so we all took a little less than half of our entrees home.
Of course, since we were celebrating birthdays, we all had to have dessert. Sheffy was the odd man out ordering the cannoli. The ricotta cream filling is made onsite and melts in your mouth. The rest of us got something I don't even know how to spell, but basically is was a lemon tart with almonds and ******* dusted in a confectioner's sugar. We were all in agreement that is was mild and tasty, but could have been a little more tart, however, it was light enough so that we did not feel weighed down and there was nothing left on our plates.
Mom and I also enjoyed the cappuccino, they made it properly with real milk foam. I hate when people put whipped cream on my cappi. The espresso was tasty, not too heavy and went down oh so smooth!
The prices at Graziella are pretty easy on the wallet, the most expensive being the Filet Mignon, which was still very reasonably priced. The portions are filling, but not overwhelming, and there is a good chance you could go home with leftovers, especially if you order and appetizer and want dessert.
Also, in the warm months there is outdoor seating, this is a bonus in my book because I love eating al fresco and wish more places in such lovely, quaint locations would offer it.
Grazielle has entered my top three favorite places to eat in Hamilton, that is a hard position to reach as I am pretty picky about my quality of food and service. I recommend this place to anyone who wants really good Italian food at a really good price.
Anthony and Michael, you will be seeing us again, we can not wait to try the Chicken Cacciatore!!!
Last edited on Aug 25, 2009
Graziella Ristorante - Hamilton, NJ is recommended by njangel
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