MORGANO’S RESTAURANT AND PIZZERIA: EXCEPTIONAL ITALIAN AMERICA CUISINE LYNN AZZOLINA, July 3 Posted:07/12/08
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MIDDLETOWN – I have known chef/owner Richard J. Morgan for some time, and have always admired his style of cooking. He has a special knack and is very talented with preparing seafood. He has a following – not only for his culinary talents – but because he is community minded and has donated time as well as food for local organizations. He says, “Since food is my business, I use that as a means of giving back to the community.” Morgan was born and raised in Keansburg and is now a Middletown resident.
After graduating from the Academy of Culinary Arts in 1987, he was executive chef at McLoone’s, The Hook, Line and Sinker, and Bahrs Landing for 10 years. He felt it was time to go out on his own, so he opened Morgano’s this past winter.
Because he is involved in charitable organizations, he feels that he can use his business as a way of giving back to the community. He says, “I have always had a vision, and now it has come true and I want people to know that I am here for them.”
I love the fact that you can order anything at Morgano’s from a pizza to a full course meal, bring along the entire family, and be comfortable without emptying your wallet. We wanted to sample his pizza so we started with a Morgano’s Original Cheese Pizza. This was delicious, and only one of the many varieties featured here. They even specialize in gluten-free pizza, so now everyone can enjoy their wonderful pizzas without concern. We sampled one and it was crisp and light. Morgano’s also offers gluten-free Calzones, Cheese Ravioli’s, Stuffed Shells, Penne Pasta, Gnocchi and Calamari. It is made from rice flour and is easily digested. Therefore, there isn’t any fear of cross contamination.
Morgano’s is not just pizza. Although we loved the pizza we wanted to sample some other items on the eclectic menu. Each one was better than the next, all beautifully presented and made to satisfy. We loved the Eggplant Stacker, (grilled eggplant, fresh mozzarella, and grilled tomato), as well as Sauteed Shrimp (with escarole, broccoli rabe and cannoli beans).
Our entrees were beautifully presented and looked like they came out of a gourmet magazine. The Black Peppercorn Sea Scallops over angel hair pasta was very creative as were the other entrees, all prepared by a professional chef who put a lot of love and care into the preparation.
We loved Morgan’s signature dish, Chicken Morgano. The succulent chicken breasts were topped with melted mozzarella and broccoli over pasta enhanced with Madeira demi glaze sauce. A dish of distinction.
If you are a salmon lover you will really love Morgan’s preparation of Grilled Salmon with cucumber, tomato and red onion salsa. A fantastic seafood dish. We topped off our gourmet meal with a light tasting Italian cheesecake garnished with fresh strawberries and chocolate script – a perfect ending for a gourmet meal.
ADDRESS: 1207 Route 35, Middletown TEL: 732-671-1148 FAX: 732-671-2209 Appetizers: $6.99 for Buffalo Wings to $8.99 for Sauteed Shrimp; Pizza: $10.95 for Morgano’s Original Cheese medium; $12.95 for a large Morgano’s Original White Pizza; Pasta: $10.99 for Baked Ziti to $14.95 for Stuffed Rigatoni w/Vodka Sauce; Entrees: $12.99 for Eggplant Rollatini to $18.95 for Frutti DiMare DELIVERY SERVICE PRIVATE PARTIES CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS
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