The Courier-News from Bridgewater, New Jersey • Page 45

COURIER NEWS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2001 E-3 Restaurants Tropea Stistorante is perfect fc? special occasions "'w 1 lt iWiWt i mliwiw jt 1 ftMl urn A- i i I 1- By MILLICENT K. BRODY Correspondent For those about to enjoy a special occasion at the Bridge-water Manor, Tropea Ristorante might be just the place to hold a rehearsal dinner or entertain out-of-town guests. Set off from the catering hall, a separate door opens into a small area, where guests may sit and chat while waiting for friends. A well-stocked, cozy bar invites visitors to stop and enjoy a drink before dinner. Executive chef Abe Shafie believes his Italian cuisine "is different from that served at any other place." Popular appetizers include a T.

5 "r7 tiered shrimp-and-spinach cake baked and topped with roasted IF YOU GO Ristorante at the Bridgewater Manor, 1261 Route 202206, Bridgewater. Telephone: (908) 658-3000 Hours: Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday; Dinner: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday to Friday, and 5 p.m to 10 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday. Description: A quick drive into the parking lot of the Bridgewater Manor, and you are literally steps away from Tropea Ristorante. Enter the small foyer where a comfortable bar invites friends to sit and enjoy a libation. A glance into a well-appointed dining room reveals a huge mural that spans a front wall.

If you have been to Italy, you will easily recapture pleasant memories of beautiful gardens and hanging bougainvillea; the colors are pastel and pleasant. With comfortable seating and an attentive wait staff, guests have the opportunity to dine in a relaxed atmosphere. Specialties: Italian capellini crab cake; veal chop with caper sauce; shrimp and spinach cake; swordfish with sambuca; red snapper with cured olives; pork loin with Parisian potato. Of note: Major credit cards accepted; handicap accessible; no smoking; reservations suggested for the weekends; ample parking. cheese," Butcher said.

"It was topped with roasted garlic sauce A part of the Vizzoni family since 1991, Shafie had previously traveled through Europe and gained experience preparing meals in a variety of French and Italian restaurants. Not only does he carefully tend to each dish, he creatively designs each plate before it leaves the kitchen. "Each meal has to compliment the plate it is served on," he said. "I always knew I would become a chef," he added. "My mother, Mona, was a very good cook.

She taught me many of the important things I needed to know about preparing food. Many of the dishes featured on our menu were designed by me. Customers really enjoy our Chicken Madeline. Chicken breasts are sauteed with pro-sciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, crushed garlic and shiitake mushrooms then served in a Marsala cream sauce "We focus on atmosphere, service and quality food. We give excellent value for our rood," said restaurant assistant Donna McCleary.

"Tropea Ristorante is a nice, private little mecca." "Many of our customers say this is one of the best unknown restaurants in New Jersey," Shafie added. Restaurant News appears every Friday and Sunday in the Courier News. If you have news for the column, write to Restaurants, Courier News Features Department, Box 6600, Bridgewater, N.J. 08807. Fax to (908) 707-31 13 or SEE THE DATE MOVE OF THE YEAR "A Lovely Romance For Your Valentine." -Sara Edwards, NBC NEWS BUREAU ft I garlic and fresh tomato sauce ($6.95) and sauteed Tuscan shrimp served with roasted garlic set on white bean humus with garlic croutons Regular diners seems to favor the Italian capellini crab cake prepared with lump crab meat and topped with fresh tomato, chives and mascarpone sauce "I am passionate about food," Shafie said.

"Nothing is pre-made. All of our entrees are prepared to order. If we have the ingredients on hand, we will prepare any dish any guest wishes to eat." "We are proud of our menu. It offers a good balance of food," said owner Pat Vizzoni. "We feature 25 pasta dishes.

There is always something on the menu to suit everyone's taste. We feature a roasted quail with foie gras and mushroom pate and serve it with crushed Parisian potatoes When asked about the origin of the name Tropea, Vizzoni PHOTOS BY MILLICENT K. BRODY Left, the fireplace at Tropea Ristorante in the Bridgewater Manor. Above, chef Abe Shafie. said, "My mother, Anna Vizzoni, was from the Tropea region in Calabria, Italy.

She and my father continually speak about the summers of their younger days. My mom always remembers her childhood and the good times she had with her family. Each time she visits this restaurant, I want her to know that this place is a tribute to her." Frequent customers offered tributes of their own. "This is a nice restaurant to conduct a business lunch," said Spring Lake resident Barbara Butcher, who dined with Kevin Brown of Voorhees. "I had the stuffed portobello mushroom baked with prosciut-to, spinach and provolone e-mail us at Restaurant reviews appear every Thursday in the Kicks section of the Courier News.

JWV vXs. 1 ft Scampi's Fish Market open on Sundays great carnival centers for influence: Rio, Trinidad, Venice and New Orleans," said owner Rick St. Pierre. "We have created a menu and special drinks that reflect some of the unique character of each country." Each night will feature live music. The schedule: Thursday, La Fuerza (Afro-Cuban beat); Feb.

23, Dominic Kanza (African guitar and vocals); Feb. 24, John David (Brazilian); Feb. 25, Whitey McVickers (rock vocals and guitar); Feb. 26, Eric and Chris Sullivan (jazz); Feb. 27, The RF Factor (reggae and blues).

Verve is at 18 E. Main St. in Somerville. Call (908) 707-8655. By Millicent K.

Brody lanterns and other treasures from the sea. Scam pi's is at 198 W. Main St. in Somerville. Call (908) 685-1323.

Mardi Gras with Verve From Thursday to Feb. 27, Verve Restaurant in Somerville will celebrate CarnivaleMardi Gras. "We are drawing on four The Petix family, owners of Scampi's Fish Market and Restaurant in Somerville, have announced that the restuarant is now open for Sunday dinner (4-8: 30 p.m.). As an added attraction, visit the restaurant's Nautical Gift Shop. Filled with nautical treasures, the shop has fish plaques, boat lights, knot boards, KEANU REEVES TODAY'S MOVIE TIMES CHARLIZETHERON SWEET NOVEMBER SHE JUST NEEDED A MONTH TO CHANGE HIS LIFE FOREVER.

Winter Bros. Pictures UAaom Bel-Air Enieitiinmeni A3 Am Eniertiinnxnl rmbom KtanuReew durliw Heron "Swtt NownDer" Jin Iwcs Greg Germain 1j Quittopher YoungMMattjr Ewing fcttWendy Windenimi "Tj Enin SlofFi Deborah Al StnenReulier Eliot Kastner Riul Yurick KuitVoeUer KurtVoelkrPa O'Connor i.lptlimbi. RJS.WUn abar.ut AOL K-jrJ. SM Nimslxr 10:05,12:25 AM. CO MENLO PARK (Edison -732-321-1412) Cast Away, (PG-13), 12:20, 3:30, 6:40, Chocolat, (PG-13), 1:20, 4:05, 6:55, Croud Tiger, Hidden Dragon, (PG-13), 1:05, 3:50, 7:05, Down to Earth, (PG-13), 12:45, 3, 5:30, 7:50, Hannibal, (R), 1,2,4, 5,7,8, 10, 11: Recess, (G), 12:30, 2:45, 5:15, 7:20, Save the Last Dance, (PG-13), 1:30, 4:40, 7:30, Saving Silverman, (PG-13), 12:40, 3:05, 5:25, 7:45, Sweet November, (PG-13), 1:40, 4:30, 7:35, Traffic, (R), 12:25, 3:40, 6:50, 9:55.

CLEARVIEWS EDISON CINEMA 8 (Edison 732-546666) Chocolat, (PG-13), 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, Crouctw Tiger, Hidden Dragon, (PG-13), 1:10, 4:10, 6:40, Down to Earth, (PG-13), 12:20, 2:50, 5:30, 8, 10; Hannibal, (R), 1, 4, 6:50, 0 Brother, Where Art (PG-13), 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:10, Recess: School's Out, (G), 12, 2:20, 4:40, 7, Saw Silverman, (PG-13), 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, Wedding Planner, (PG), 12:30, 2:40, 5, 7:20,9:30. CLEARVIEWS WOODBRIDGE CINEMA 5 (Vtadbridge 732-72601 1 1) The Emperor's New Groove, (G), 2, The Gift, (R), 7:15, Head Over Heels, (PG-13), 7, Indian Film, (NR), 2:30, 6, Rugrats In Paris: The Movie, (G), 2, What Women Want, (PG-13), 2:15,4:45, 7:30,10. DUNELLEN THEATRE (Dunellen-732-968-9010) Recess School's Out, (G), 5:10, 7:10. LOEWS NEW BRUNSWICK (New Brunswick 732-846-9200) Cast Away, (PG-13), 12:50, 3:40, 6:50, Chocolat, (PG-13), 1:40, 4:40, 7:40, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, (PG-13), 12:30, 3:30, 6:40, Down to Earth, (PG-13), 12, 1:20, STARTS TODAY 12:15, 2:45, 5:15, 7:45, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, (PG-13), 12:05, 2:35, 5:05, 7:35, Down to Earth, (PG-13), 12, 2:35, 5:20, 8:05, 1035; The Emperor's New Groove, (G), 12:10, Hamibal, (R), 12, 2:45, 3:45, 5:30, 6:30, 8:15,9:15, 10:45, OBrother, Where Art (PG-13), 12:25, 2:55, 5:25, 7:55, Recess School's Out, (G), 12:15, 2:15, 4:15, 6:15, 8:15, 10 15; Saving Silverman, (PG-13), 12, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10; Sweet November, (PG-13), 12:05, 2:45, 5:30, 8:15, Traffic (R), 4:20, 7:20, Valentine, (R), The Wedding Planner, (PG-13), 12, 2:30, 5, 7:30, 10. HUNTERDON CINEMA PIAZA (Remington 908-782-2777) Cast Away, (PG-13), 4:45, 7:20, 10; Down to Earth, (PG-13), 5: 15, 7:20, Hannibal, (R), 4:45, 7:30, 10; Recess: School's Out, (G), 5, 7, Saving Silverman, (PG-13), 5, 7:20, Sweet November, (PG-13), 5,7:25,9:50.

MIDDLESEX AMBOY MULTIPLEX CINEMAS (Savreville 732-721-3400) Cast Away, (PG-13), 12:30, 3:30, 6:35, 9:35, 12:30 AM; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, (PG-13), 1:10, 4, 6:40, 9:15, Double TaKe, (PG-13), 9:25, Down to Earth, (PG-13), 1:25, 3:35, 5:40, 7:50, 10:10, 12:20 AM; The Emperor's New Groove, (G), 12:40, The Gift, (R), 4:10, Gladiator, (R), 12:45, 3:50, Hannibal, (R), 12:35, 1:15, 1:45, 3:25, 4:05, 4:40, 6:30, 7, 7:30, 9:20, 9:50, 10:20, 12:10 AM, 12:30 AM; Recess: School's Out, (G), 12:30, 2:35, 4:50, 7, 9, Save the Last Dance, (PG-13), 1:30, 4:30, 7:10, 9:40, 12:15 AM; Saving Silverman, (PG-13), 12:55, 3, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30, Sweet November, (PG-13), 1:35, 4:25, 7:15, 10, 12:40 AM; Traffic, (R), 12:50, 3:45, 6:45, 9:45, 12:35 AM; Valentine, (R), 10, 12:15 AM; The Wedding Planner, (PG-13), 12:45, 3:05, 5:25, 7:45, SOMERSET CLEARVIEWS BERNARDSVILLE CINEMA 3 (Bernards 908-766O357) Chocolat, (PG-13), 1:45, 4:15, 7:30, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, (PG-13), 1, 3:45, 7, Hannibal, (R), 1:30, 4:20, 7:15, 10. GC BRIDGEWATER COMMONS 161) Cast Away (PG-13), 12:10, 3:30, 6:40, Down to Earth, (PG-13), 1 1:20 AM, 1:20, 3:20, 5:30, 7:30, Finding Forrester. (PG-13), 1:10, 4:10, Hanrabal, (R), 10 AM, 1, 3:55, 7, Head Over Heels, (PG-13), 1 1 AM, 10; Recess: School's Out (G), 1015AM, 12:15, 2:15, 4:10, 6:10, 8:10, 10; Sweet Nowrnber, (PG-13), 1 1:15 AM, 2, 5: 10, 7:50, 10: 15; The Wedding Planner, (PG-13), 10:30 AM, 12:40, 2:45,5,7:15,9:30. HILLSBOROUGH CINEMAS (Hillsborough Cast Away; (PG-13), 3:50, 7:10, Down to Earth, (PG-13), 5:45, 8, Hannibal, (R), 3:45, 4:20, 6:45, 7:20, 9:45, Head Over Heels, (PG-13), The Pledge, (R), 7:15, 10; Recess: School's Out, (G), 5, 7:05, Saving Sherman, (PG-13), 3:45, 6:05, 8:10, Sweet November, (PG-13), 4:30, 7:15, Traffic, (R), 3:45, 7:05, Wedding Planner, (PG-13), 4:35, 7:25, 10:05. MONTGOMERY CINEMAS (Belle Mead 609-924-7444) Chocolat, (PG-13), 4:15, 7, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, (PG-13), 4:15, 7, Faithless ffroiosa), (R), 4:30, The House of Mirth, (PG), 4:25, Materia, (R), 4:25, 7:05, 0 Brother, Where Art (PG-13), 5:20, 7:30, 9:40.

READING CINEMAS MANV1LLE 12 PLX (Manville 908-707-4000) Cast Away (PG-13), 1, 4, 7, 10; Chocolat, (PG-13), ISOMERSnl MIDDLESEX NAFl AMUSEMENTS LOEkVS QUMtOr NEW IffUMSWCK MNNELON Muirifux THtATHi tUCCASUHNA 4JO-CLVWtft EBitrDaiWATM COMMONS 7 723-1I41 HB Nf llsioikmmh CNIMAJ HILLSSOffOUGN lOfWS CBCtrVCMA SAyEVILL 721-MOO KOAL CINEMAS DDCOMMHCi CINTid 11 NORTH BRUNSWICK A57 HANOrtf rAnlPPANY 470-CLVW MO 777-FtLM $944 CICAWVIFH CINFMA1 174-flll NEW BRUNSWICK 777-HLM Mf 7 CINE PtEX ODEON EBMSNLO MttK MALI CINIMAI eouoH 777-HLM M7 CSmowis at IftUNSWICK SaUAM EAST BRUNSWICK 2S7S5S5 CBHiAOOuArriM GBMANVIUf 1f-IX CWJOO manvi11e 7o7-4ooow0al cinemas EBhadlit BiQMADllON CINf MA 4 MADISON 470-ClVW 913 10 muksutown lUi I UNION I CINtMA If I MERCER I SOUTH PLAINHSLD OCItANFOtO TWIN CAANFOAO J7A-V120 ryirr-T I HUNTERDON I 4) CINf MA PLATA FLEMING TON 7M-J777 AMC HAMfLTON (jitt-'i' if HAMILTON Pi7TTaT kmm; jnjj' THUTW MOUNTAINSIDE 777-HLM Hl NO MW ACCEfTED tHMim THIB tNOAOEWINT 2:30, 3:50, 5, 6:20, 7:30, 9:10, 11:20, 12:05 AM; The Emperor's New Groove, (G), 11:05 AM, The Gin, (R), 1 1:10 AM, 5:50, Gladiator, (R), 12:20, Hannibal, (R), 11 AM, 12:40, 1:30, 2:20, 3:10, 4, 4:50, 5:40, 6:30, 7:20, 8:10, 9, 9:50, 10:40, 11:30, 12 AM; Recess School's Out, (G), 11:40 AM, 2, 4:30, 7, Save the Last Dance, (PG-13), 12:10, 2:40, 5:30, 8, Saving Silverman, (PG-13), 11:30 AM, 1:50, 4:20, 7:05, Snatch, (R), 3:20, 6:10, Sweet November, (PG-13), 12:25, 3, 5:20, 8:30, Traffic, (R), 1:05, 4:10, 7:10, Valentine, (R), 2:50, The Wed Planner, (PG-13), 11:20 AM, 2:10, 5:10, 8:20, 11; What Women Want, (PG-13), 1:45, 4:45,7:50, 10:45. REGAL HADLEY CENTER 16 (South PlairfcW 9086684449) Cast Awm, (PG-13), 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9 30; ChocoW, (PG-13), 1:20, 345, 6:15, 845; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, (PG-13), 1:50, 4:20, 7, Down to Earth, (PG-13), 12:20, 2:20, 4:20, 6:20, 8:20, The Emperor's New Groove, (G), 1:05, 3:05, 5:05, Hannibal, (R), 12:15, 1, 2, 3, 3:50, 4:50, 5:40, 6:40, 7:40, 8:30, 9:30, The Pledge, (R), 6:10, Recess School's Out, (G), 1:10, 3:10, 5:10, 7:10, Rugrats in Paris, (G), 12:10, 2:10, Save the Last Dance, (PG-13), 12:25, 2:45, 5:15, 7:50, Saving Siterrnan, (PG-13), 1:45, 3:45, 5:45, 7:45, Sweet November, (PG-13), 12:35, 3:05, 5:35, 8:15, Traffic, (R), 12:40, 3:40, 6:40, Valentine, (R), 7:05, Wedding Planner, (PG-13), 12:50, 3:15, 5:25, 7:35, What Women Want, (PG-13), 1:30, 4:15, 6:50, 9:25. j' MORRIS CHATHAM CINEMA (Chatham Township 973-822-1 550) Materia, (R), 5:15, 7:15,9:05. CLEARVIEW'S CHESTER CINEMA 6 (Chester -9083794444) Cast Away (PG-13), 7:10, 10; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, (PG-13), 7:30, Hannibal, (R), 6:50, Recess School's Out, (G), 4:50, 7, Traffic (R), 6:40, The Wedding Planner, (PG-13), 7:20, 9:40. CLEARVIEWS HEADQUARTERS 10 (NfaristDwn 973-292-0606) Cast Away, (PG-13), 2:10, 5:20, Chocolat (PG-13), 12:50, 3:40, 6:30, Croudm Tiger, Hidden Dragon, (PG-13), 1:10, 4:10, 6:40, Down to Earth, (PG-13), 12:20, 2:50, 5:30, 8, Hanrabal, (R), 1, 4, 6:50, 0 Brother, Where Art (PG-13), 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:10, Recess School's Out (G), 12, 2:20, 4:40, 7, Sweet November, (PG-13), 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 1010; Traffic, (R), 2, 5:10, The Wedding Planner, (PG-13), 12:30,2:40,5,7:20,9:30.

UNION CRANFORD THEATRE (Cranford 908-276-9120) The Pledge, (R), 4:55, Saving Silverman, (PG-13), 1:10, 3:10, 5:10, 7:30, Sweet November, (PG-13), 12:15, 2:30, 4:45, 7:20, Thirteen Days, (PG-13), 11:45 AM, 2:20, Traffic, (R), 1, 4, 6:45, The Wedding Planner, (PG-13), 1, 3, 5,7:25,9:40. CLEARVIEWS BEACON HILL CINEMA 5 (Summit 908-2774424) Chocolat (PG-13), 6:45, Hannibal, (R), 7:15, 8, 10; Recess School's Out (G), 5, 7, The Wedding Planner, (PG-13), 6:30, 9:15. BERKELEY CINEMA (Berkeley Heights 908464-8888) Recess School's Out (G), 5, 7, 9. LOEWS MOUNTAINSIDE (Mountainside 908-232-8338) Cast Away, (PG-13), 12:15, 3:15, 6:15, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, (PG-13), 2, 5:20, 7:50, 11; Down to Earth, (PG-13), 1:05, 3:45, 5:50, 8:40, Hannibal, (R), 1:30, 2:45, 4:30, 7:30, 8:20, 10:30, Recess School's Out (G), 12:25, 2:25, 4:45, 7, Save the Last Dance, (PG-13), 12:35, 3:30, 6, 9:15, Sweet November, (PG-13), 12:45, 3:20, 6:30, 9:30, 12 AM; Traffic, (R), 12, 3, 6:50, 10; Valentine, (R), 12:05, The Weddng Planner, (PG-13), 1:50,4:10,7:20,1010. RIALTO THEATRE OF WESTFIELD (Westfeld 908-232-1288) Cast Away, 6:45, Chocolat (PG-13), 4:15, 7:25, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, (PG-13), 4:40, 7:30, Down to Earth, (PG-13), 3:10, 5, 7, 8:55, Hannibal, (R), 4:20, 7:15, 10; Recess School's Out (G), 3, 5, 7, 9:30.

WARREN CLEARVIEWS MANSFIELD CINEMA 15 (Hackettstown 908 852-8090) Cast Away, (PG-13), 2, 5:30, Chocolat (PG-13), 12:35, 3:30, 6:20, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, (PG-13), 1:10, 4:10, 6:50, Down to Earth, (PG-13), 1:20, 3:50, 7:20, The Emperor's New Groove, (G), 12:20, Hannibal, (R), 1, 2:10, 4, 5:20, 6:30, 7:10, 8:20, 9:30, 10; Head Over Heels, (PG-13), 4:05, 0 Brother, Where Art (PG-13), 12:10, 2:30, 4:40, 7:05, Recess School's Out (G), 12:50, 2:50, 4:50, 7, Rugrats in Paris, (G), 12:15, Save the Last Dance, (PG-13), 1:40, 4:20, 7:50, Saving Silverman, (PG-13), 12:30, 2:45, 5, 7:30, Sweet November, (PG-13), 1:25, 4:30, 7:40, Traffic (R), 1:50, 5:15, Valentine, (R), 8, The Wedding Planner, (PG-13), 1:30, 4, 6:40, 8:50. REGAL POHATCONG 12 (Phillipsburg 908454-7500) Call the theater 9 -tj pSgr Present this coupon at any Meadowlands Racetrack program '''IMXM, inifjiitf" counter for one official live 01 simulcast program. Not transferable. Valid 22401 and 22501 only. CIS! 201-THE-BIGM www.thebigm.comr The 6th Annual Winter Festival at The Big IU1.

This winter, The Meadowlands Racetrack is pulling out all the stops for a weekend of family fun. The 6th Annual Winter Festival promises to be our best ever. Kids will love the great carnival games, amusement rides, clowns, face painters and more. Plus, there's plenty of fun for the adults. Check out the action in the sports bar, enjoy brunch in our Terraces restaurant and thrill to the money-winning excitement of Live Harness Racing.

Sunday, February 25 Carnival Games, Amusement and Hayrides, Clowns and Face Painters Saturday, February 24 Chieli Minucd and Special EFX performs live at Pegasus Restaurant $60 includes admission, program, dinner, taxes, gratuity and show. His and Her Oris Watch Giveaway ORIS Appearance by Ken Daneyko from the NJ Devils Make Your Own Music Video Snowboard and Ski Machine Fantasy Photos Live Penguin Display Ice Carving Contest FREE Commemorative Breyers Harness Stablemate for children Swiss Made Watchsa Since Winter Series Finals Drawings For NJ Nets and NJ Devils Tickets Gates Open 5:30 p.m. First Race 7:30 p.m. Show begins 9:00 p.m. Call 201-The-BigM for reservations Gates Open 11:00 a.m.

First Race 1:10 p.m. toTfcfcii" General Admission $1 General Parking FREE What are you gonna do tonight? 201-THE-BIGM www.thebigm.com 9001 MesriowtenrtB Racetrack IMo purchase required Entreat must be deposited by tjie fourth race Must be 01 to enter end win. Oftar good lor children 12 and under with paid adtrwsion, while supplies last..