BIGGI: FINE NORTHERN ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN PLEASANT, COMFORTABLE SETTING
by LYNN AZZOLINA, The Courier, May 8
Posted:05/12/08

HAZLET – Once you step inside this intimate home style eatery you fall in love with the fine Northern Italian cuisine and want to order everything on the eclectic menu. Biggi is the type of restaurant where you can enjoy fine delectable specialties which are all very appetizing and filled with an abundance of flavor. Whether it is for lunch or dinner, the choices are all appealing. Everything is made to order by a professional chef who is knowledgeable and caring.

Biggi is owned by Roberto Lorenzini who is the former proprietor of Adagio Bistro (slow down when you eat) in Union for 10 years.  He established a fine reputation there and came to Hazlet and opened Biggi four years ago. Roberto is very experienced in the culinary field as he has been in the restaurant business since he was 16 years old.  He specializes in pastas, seafood and veal, and chicken dishes are also very popular. Since his opening here he has acquired a clientele of educated diners who know and love good wholesome food.

The eatery is located adjacent to the Airport Plaza and the storefront restaurant is cozy and comfortable. Lacy curtains cover the front windows; scenic prints adorn light walls over wainscoting; tables are covered with crisp white cloths, centered with fresh flowers. The pleasant scene is relaxing and is appropriate for a romantic dinner for two as well as a family or business gathering. Biggi also caters private parties and special occasions. Servers are very knowledgeable and will gladly assist you to make your dining experience a very enjoyable one.

The choices are endless and you will probably have difficulty in making a decision as to what to select.

I don’t remember tasting Fried Calamari as succulent and tasty as here at Biggi. The appetizer portion was plentiful, lightly fried to perfection and filled with flavor. The home style Italian sauce that accompanied the calamari tasted just like an Italian grandmother would make.

We loved the calamari so much that we found it difficult to stop eating it and we will be sure to order it again as we really enjoyed this spectacular appetizer. Another version is Calamari Biggi prepared in a balsamic sauce with capers.

A special starter, Steamed Clams was also very enticing, augmented with bacon in a flavorful broth. The clams were sand free, tender and enhanced with the pleasant bacon scent. A must try for any lover of clams!

A refreshing course is the Gorgonzola Salad which is healthy as well as a light prelude to the main course. This was an evening special that was filled with fresh perky greens and a generous portion of creamy gorgonzola cheese.

Our main course began with Tilapia topped with a generous portion of succulent shrimp. The fresh tasting fish was flaky and filled with an abundance of flavor which would definitely please anyone who loves seafood.

An entrée which I would definitely order on another occasion is Vitello Scaloppini. This was a special treat as the veal was fork tender, embellished with capers and a natural, perfectly made sauce.

Other sought after entrees include: Rigatoni Calabrese (broccoli rabe, hot Italian sausage, garlic & olive oil): Salmon Livornaise (tomatoes, olives & capers); Petto Di Pollo (chicken breast with asparagus in a white wine sauce): and Gamberi Toscani (grilled shrimp over salad).

Biggi’s Crème Brulee is the perfect finale for a wonderful home-style meal. This was made here and was light and not cloyingly sweet. This is only one of their enticing gourmet desserts. Buon appetito!

ADDRESS: 1430 Route 36, Hazlet Pavilion, Hazlet
TEL. 732-203-1177 FAX 732-203-0122
DAYS OF OPERATION: Wed. through Sunday
DINNER PRICES: Appetizers: $5.95 for Grilled
Portobello Salad to $6.95 for Fried Calamari Biggi: Pasta: $10.95 for Lasagna Del Giorno to $11.95 for Penne Vodka; Entrees: $12.95 for Tilapia to $18,95 for Filletto di Manzo (seared Filet Mignon w choice of pepper, garlic or mustard sauce); Entrée Salads: $10.95 for Chicken Milanese over mixed greens to $12.95 for Grilled Veal Paillard w mixed greens
Early Bird Specials: Wed. thru Sunday $14.95 includes soup or salad, entrée, dessert, coffee
Lunch Menu Specials: $10.95 includes soup or salad, entrée, dessert, coffee
BYOB
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