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Calandras

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Former 'The Sopranos' Star a Big Hit at Calandra's

Actor Steven Schirripa's autograph signing benefits West Essex Unico.

Calandra's Italian Village had a unique special on its menu Saturday afternoon: Former co-star of the "The Sopranos," actor Steven R. Schirripa. Better known as Bobby Baccalieri or even just "Bacala," Schirripa signed autographs for two-and-a-half hours for a $25 fee that benefited West Essex Unico. Dana Wilson, of North Caldwell, was all smiles before, during and after her time with Schirripa, who's now starring as Leo Boykewich in the ABC Family sitcom, "The Secret Life of The American Teenager" (Mondays, 8 p.m.) After taking a picture with him, Wilson exclaimed, "he looks great! Absolutely!" Although most were there to see the actor due to his fame in the HBO series that was often filmed in The Caldwells, others were there for Schirripa…

Friday, May 21, 2010

Best Pizza of The Caldwells Contest: An Overview

With 13 pizzerias, there's plenty to choose from and a pie for everyone's taste buds.

While we get ready to announce a winner next week (the plaque engraver is at work right now), we thought it would be a good time to summarize and share some of our personal experiences. This taste journey started way back in February, and from there to here it's been a cheesy, saucy trip. We have officially sampled the plain pizza offerings of each of the 13 pizzerias in The Caldwells and emerged wiser ... and perhaps, fatter. General Pizza Taste Chart In The Caldwells, who has more of a cheesy, saucy and somewhere in between pizza? Based on our tests, and in no particular order: More of a "Cheesy" Pie: Pizza and Sandwich Barn, Frank's Trattoria and Domino's More of a Sauce Pie: Nicco's and Calandra's Somewhere In Between: Forte, Russillo…

In this Article:

Best Pizza of The Caldwells Contest: Forte Pizzeria, Best Pizza of The Caldwells Contest: Calandra's, Best Pizza of The Caldwells Contest: Nicco's, and 9 more ›

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Oh, Mama! Mother's Day Treats and Fine Cuisine

Plenty of options for gifts, brunch and dinner around The Caldwells.

Mother's Day 2010 is this Sunday, May 9. We repeat: this Sunday, May 9 is Mother's Day. Chances are, there's at least one mother you need to plan for, and that can be tricky enough, especially if factoring in brothers and sisters. Then, what if you, as the planner, are a father? That means there's another mother to celebrate. Don't forget the grandmothers, either. Don't let it boggle the mind, plan ahead, and prepare well with our guide to some local Mother's Day celebration solutions.  Say It With Flowers Follow the crowd over to Caldwell Flowerland (329 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell) and get some fresh flowers for your matriarch(s). Employee Gary Condit confirmed that Mother's Day is a huge holiday for the botanical business. "There's …

In this Article:

Caldwell Flowerland, Edible Arrangements, P.F. Seafood Market W. Caldwell's Fresh Catch, and 9 more ›

Saturday, April 3, 2010

What's Hopping for Easter Brunch and Dinner

Calandra's, Cloverleaf and Luce among restaurants serving on Sunday.

Celebrating Easter can be a mixed bag—or basket. While the Easter bunny brings chocolate to children, the rest of us can't serve just candy to our extended families.  Don't worry, some restaurants in The Caldwells are open Sunday and will feature a variety of menus to satisfy everyone in your rabbit. At Calandra's Italian Village (234 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell), Il Vecchio Cafe will present a special four-course, pre-fixed dinner. Selections include appetizers such as eggplant rollantini or caprese, salad and pasta. Entrees are grilled baby rack of lamb or spinach ravioli. Prices for adults is $34.95 per person; an additional menu is available for children from ages 3 to 12, priced at $14.95 per person. Seats were limited earlier this week…

In this Article:

Calandra's Italian Village, Cloverleaf Tavern, Luce Restaurant, and 7 more ›

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Spreading St. Patrick's Day Spirit in The Caldwells

Plenty of Irish traditions planned for Wednesday.

What's green on March 17, and lots o' fun? St. Patrick's Day, of course. The Caldwells contain a fair share of Irish folk, honorary and otherwise, and many drink and good times await revelers locally. Top O' The Morning It's just a color, but it's cool: Get the kids some green bagels or bring a few into the office; they're going to be available from many of the local bagel shops, such as Bagel Loft (359 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell), Bagels for You (673 Bloomfield Ave., West Caldwell), Sam's Bagel & Deli (757 Bloomfield Ave., West Caldwell), Manhattan Bagel (764 Bloomfield Ave., West Caldwell) and Hot Bagels and Deli (897 Bloomfield Ave., West Caldwell).  If your "luck of the Irish" is running low, simply grab one of those to-go packs of …

In this Article:

Cloverleaf Tavern, Ringside Pub & JT's Kitchen, Cleveland's Tap Room, and 2 more ›

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