CERRATO’S: EXCEPTIONAL, CREATIVE ITALIAN CUISINE Lynn Azzolina,The Courier, September 11 Posted:09/11/08
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BRADLEY BEACH – There is a plethora of Italian restaurants in our area, but some are better than the rest, and Cerrato’s is definitely one of them. Once you dine there you will know exactly what I mean. All of their exciting, homestyle dishes are creative, made with the finest quality of ingredients, and designed to satisfy even the most discriminating diner.
Although they have only been open a little more than a year, they have acquired a wonderful following of people who just love good, wholesome food. You too will become a regular and want to explore the intricate menu that was carefully created by owner Louis Cerrato.
Cerrato assures his customers complete satisfaction saying, “We insure our food is outstanding, and our service is impeccable thanks to our knowledge of fine cuisine within the family from generation to generation, many of them as many as 80 years ago from Me-ma Cerrato. We want you to enjoy the savory essence and aroma that we are known for!“ he added.
You will be very comfortable in the cozy, stylish dining room which features clothed tables surrounded by fine upholstered chairs. Burgundy walls are topped with ecru and adorned with fine interesting prints and decorative wine bottles. My favorite spot is the intimate corner adjacent to stylish window treatments.
The festive mood is also captured by Cerrato’s live music with vocalist Billy Brown every Wednesday and Sunday. He is known for his renditions of Frank Sinatra and his contemporaries. What more could you ask for to put you in a romantic mood?
Cerrato’s is primarily known for such signature dishes as Lamb Shank Osso Bucco, 16- ounce Veal Chops, Rum Steak Ribeye stuffed with fresh mozzarella and roasted red pepper in a brown demiglaze; Chicken Savoy on the Bone Belmont Style, and fresh seafood dishes.
We began with a warm loaf of Italian bread, which was irresistible, accompanied with a house salad (complimentary with every entrée) dressed with their famous fresh vegetable dressing created by Cerrato himself.
Our appetizers were beyond expectations: Artichoke Francaise, Clams Oreganata and Mussels in a fabulous white sauce. We thoroughly enjoyed each beautifully presented starter, each one highlighted with a fresh orchid. Among the other choices are Antipasto Misto for two; Baked Eggplant Rollatini; Zuppa di Mussels/clams and Mozzarella Carozza.
We were just as pleased with our entrée selections tasting just as good as they looked. The Shrimp Marinara was made to perfection with a home-style sauce just like an Italian grandmother would make. A generous portion of succulent jumbo shrimp enhanced by the al dente pasta.
A dish of distinction is the Pork Ossobucco! Not only was the presentation superb, but the tender meat actually fell off the bone, filled with an abundance of flavor from the perfectly made red sauce. A must try!
Another winner is the Chilean Sea Bass, which tasted like it came from the waters and onto our plate, it was so fresh tasting. The dish itself looked like a picture from a gourmet magazine, the fresh bass placed atop a bed of spinach, accompanied with homemade ravioli that would melt in your mouth. Outstanding!
Don’t just take my word for it, experience a gourmet Italian feast and enjoy everything from the appetizers to the mouthwatering desserts. Buon appetito!
ADDRESS: 401 Main St., Bradley Beach TEL.: 732-775-3800 OPEN: Tues–Sun.
• Affordable Prices • Children’s Menu • Private Parties
