RESTAURANT REVlEW: Casa deI Faro

The Casa del Faro is a far cry from the late unlamented restaurant which previously occupied the same location at the foot of Ferry Road right across the street from the Galaxy. Completely renovated, the building has a Spanish motif and is light without being too bright. But it is the wonderful food that is most important. The menu is eclectic. French (onion soup, salad nicoise), Italian (mozzarella, prosciutto) and Spanish (quesadilla sol y sombra) influences predominate but you'll see Caribbean specialties as well as a nice variety of fish and seafood. Some dishes are done American style.

Chef Gloria Catala was born in Cuba of Spanish descent, has traveled widely and has worked in Spain and Puerto Rico as well as many cities in the U.S. Most recently, Gloria worked in the Boathouse Cafe in Central Park. She brings this assortment of experience to Casa del Fare.

We especially enjoyed the Chicken Andalusia (sauteed chicken breast with Spanish Chorizo, red roasted peppers, onions, tomatoes, new potatoes and garlic in red wine), Shrimp Vera Cruz (sauteed shrimp with red and green peppers, onions, garlic, scallions, jalapeno and tomatoes), and Chicken Manchego (made with cheese from the La Mancha region of Spain). The recipes are authentic and regional. The service is very good.

The desserts vary from flan to an ice cream sundae. The coffees travel from American to Mexican, Irish, Spanish and Cuban. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Casa del Faro features live piano music Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Reservations are suggested on weekends. 854 1004.

Casa deI Faro
River Road
Guttenberg, NJ
201 854-1004

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