Acclaim
The Courier: Thursday, June 7, 2007
ANDRETTA’S: EXECEPTIONAL OLD WORLD ITALIAN CUISINE
by Lynn Azzolina
HIGHLANDS - Many of you have known this fine, ethnic restaurant as Carmine's where they excelled in their impeccable Italian cuisine. They had a clientele of educated diners who knew and loved good, home-style delicacies. They closed the restaurant for a short time and opened a second Carmine's in Asbury Park, but they are open again in Highlands serving the same wonderful food for which they are known.
Frank Picciolo and Carmine Mazzone are still overlooking Andrettas, making several upscale structural changes as well as changing the name to Andretta's. Taking charge of the kitchen is renown Chef Ralph Andretta who is from Italy. He was always interested in cooking, learning from his talented mother. He says, “I go according to my palate as the test is in the taste. He firmly believes that “If you don't have a taste then you don't belong in the kitchen!” Andretta is especially particular about his vegetables, and his motto is “ The essence of the finished product is called consistency.” He is also very conscientious when comes to quality. He says, “ Come back again and you will find the food the same as your last visit.
Andretta makes his own mozzarella, prepares his specialties with imported Reggiano cheese and imports many of his products from the province of Cilento, in the region of Compania. Here they are known for their olive oils, aun dried tomatoes and gaeta olives which he always stocks in the kitchen.
Andretta's is very comfortable and pleasant. Upon entering you will notice a well-stocked elongated bar to the right. A nicely furnished sitting area can be found to the left of the entrance. You will take particular notice of the newly hand-painted designer floor and ceiling which was done by a professional artist. Large palms, mirrors and touches of brick all contribute to the nicely done environment. A large dining room to the exterior of the restaurant has adequately spaced tables clothed in beige surrounded with fine wooden upholstered chairs.
For starters we were served a loaf of fresh Italian bread with a delicious eggplant capanota. Although you will want to devour the entire bread basket, be sure to save some room as there are a lot of choices, each one better than the next.
The Eggplant Neopolitan was filled with an abundance of flavor, a large portion of lightly breaded and fried eggplant rolled with ricotta cheese parmesan and mozzarella, topped with a home-style light marinara sauce. This was a great beginning, the Italian sauce made to perfection.
The Shrimp Oreganato that came next was just as delightful. Lightly breaded shrimp were broiled in a very flavorful white wine, garlic and lemon sauce. Outstanding!
The Filet of Sole Oreganato was a very pleasing entrée, the sole fresh tasting as well as expertly made by a caring chef. Other preparation choices are broiled or fried.
Be sure to order the Veal Marsala which was so tender that you could cut it with a fork. The veal medallions were enhanced with fresh mushrooms in a brown sauce with a scent of marsala wine coming through, created by a caring, innovative chef. This was designed to satisfy, served with a perfectly made potato croquette.
A perfect finale for our wonderful gourmet meal was Tira mi su, made with mascarpone cheese from Italy, Grand Monier and Kalua.
Other popular choices include: Rigatoni Siciliana (Sicilian style pasta with pomodoro sauce, topped with ricotta Salada, fresh mozzarella and Romano cheese); Filet of Salmon Dijonaise; Double Cut Pork Chop, Shell Steak; and Veal Pizzaiola. Bon Appetito!