Thus began my quest -- to find an eatery with the same ambiance and wonderful food that I'd found in Europe. I found both in the most unlikely of places -- a former jazz club, on Anderson Avenue, in Cliffside Park. Known once as "Far and Away", I spent many a happy hour there listening to some top names in jazz. Now, I spend the same number of happy hours eating at the "Prego" restaurant.
The owners, Bogo and Cathy Begonia, have transformed the restaurant into a modernistic, peachy-hued pleasure, specializing in northern Italian cuisine. Customers are treated as though they are visitors at the owner's home. European amenities prevail, as two of the waiters, Slavko and Pepe, treat customers in a warm, friendly fashion, as they wheel over the wagon of appetizers, which can also be eaten as a main course.
A fresh salad is served first, with a variety of greens and fresh tomatoes, topped with a great house dressing.
The entrees range from a large variety of pastas to veal, chicken and fish dishes -- all deliciously cooked by the owner, with sauces to die over. Our favorite meal is the fruitta di mare. The shellfish is very fresh and the sauce is absolutely delicious. Meals are served with salad, vegetables and potatoes. Then, just when I think I can eat no more, the dessert wagon is wheeled over, and my boyfriend and I gasp over the wide array of homemade desserts, which I can't eat as I'm hypoglycemic. But I do have one large forkful of his dessert -- oh well!.
The prices in this wonderful restaurant are affordable, ranging from $11.00 to $20.00. There is a pre-fixe dinner for $14.50, which consists of a choice of 4 appetizers, a mixed fresh garden salad, a choice of 4 entrees-chicken, veal, fish or pasta, served with 2 vegetables and potatoes, not to mention the fantastic dessert wagon filled with Italian pastries, rum cake, and napoleons -- topped off with coffee or tea.
For a taste of really fine cuisine, which will keep you going back, served with a luxurious flair, give "Prego" a go. Cathy, the owner, will be at the door to greet you and to lead you on a great culinary adventure, reminiscent of the better restaurants of Europe. He lights are left on at "Prego" which means "you're welcome" for coming. The address is 651 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, N.J. 201-943-0089.
Reviewer - Edie Stokes
Reprinted from Galaxy News, September/October '97
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