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| - I'm not sure how to write this review without telling a story. I normally don't write dissertations, favoring the short and sweet condensed review, so if it's a little verbose, bear with me as it's a story worth reading.
We've heard about Casella's for years but have never eaten there, usually due to bad timing on our part as they close early on Saturday and are not open for business on Sundays.
We finally made it there today during normal business hours.
Not knowing what to expect, we decided prior to going in if we weren't impressed with the menu, or the joint itself, we'd give each other the signal and find another lunch place.
Well we weren't impressed with the decor, the menu or the overall ambiance, so we gave each other the nod and started for the door.
That's when the owner, Joe Casella stopped us.
Recognizing us as newbies, he told us all about his restaurant, the menu, and even offered us a taste of whatever we liked.
We declined, perhaps being a bit skeptical.
But then something interesting happened.
Joe introduced us to his wife and two of his four daughters (who were on duty) and we were instantly enamored with this family.
Who does that in 2011? Seriously. He asked our names and even shook my hand.
Long story short, after talking with Joe for just a few short minutes, my wife and I gave each other a reverse nod, signaling our eagerness to try something...anything!
We ordered a couple sandwiches on Joe's recommendation.
The food was superb.
The bread was one of the best rolls I've ever had and is enough reason by itself to keep us coming back. Crusty and not overly breaded, it reminded me of the rolls in Atlantic City where the bread is pure perfection.
Same for the sandwich ingredients, full of flavor and cooked just right.
But the best part was how Joe came over to talk to us after finishing our meal. He wanted our candid opinion of the food and service.
If there's any single reason for me to frequent this place, it's the genuine heartfelt sincerity of the owner and his family, not to mention the food!
Sure, the decor is old and needs updating, but somehow, after meeting the family, and eating lunch, I didn't care about the decor, or the no-nonsense menu, or the layout. None of that mattered anymore.
What mattered was the overall experience of a true family restaurant, their wholesome foods, and being in the company of genuinely warm people.
In a time when most of us tend to rely on first impressions, judging the proverbial book by its cover almost caused us to miss out on the Casella's experience had it not been for Joe Casella taking our hand and welcoming us into his unique domain.
Casella's took me back in time today, when my grandparents would often take me with them to the Italian deli for lunch.
As they visited with the owner (in Italian), sipped espresso for what seemed like hours, and ate a slow lunch, I wanted to die. I remember sitting there in the booth fidgeting as they talked, hoping like hell we'd get out of there soon.
I hated that experience as a kid.
I loved it today as an adult, but more importantly, finally recognized and appreciated the gift my grandparents unknowingly gave me.
Thank-You Joe
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