Dining Out
By Barbara Stewart

If you’re in the mood for some delicious and unique pasta dishes, you’re certain to enjoy dining at Paisano’s Italian Restaurant, 132 Park Ave, Rutherford .”All our pastas are homemade,” said owner Daniel Muscio, adding that the pasta is made fresh on the premises every day. “We make homemade ravioli you wont find anywhere else.” he said, “because they are specially created by our chef.” Due to popular demand, some of the unique creations eventually end up in the menu.

Proclaimed on the menu as “Pasta….with a New Twist,” some of the more popular dishes include: Spring Butterflies (Bow-tie pasta with carrots, asparagus and basil; Angel Hair Michael Angelo (Baby shrimp, red peppers, zucchini, and broccoli in white wine sauce.

However, Paisano’s serves much more than pasta. There is an abundance of chicken ,veal, eggplant, and fish entrees- including the well-known Parmigiana, Marsala, Piccata, and Francaise-style dishes. The Daily Specials are very popular with many of the repeat customers. A children’s menu is available for the younger set, many of whom enjoy the personal-size gourmet pizza.

The lunch menu includes a variety of salads, sandwiches, and pasta. Sandwiches include Focaccia-$5.95(Homemade Focaccia bread with prosciutto, provolone, roasted peppers and a touch of extra virgin olive oil);And the grilled Chicken Toscaninni (Grilled chicken breast topped with spinach, roasted peppers, and melted provolone cheese).

Then there are the delicious pasta dishes served for lunch. Penne in Pink Vodka sauce (Pink vodka sauce with mushrooms and prosciutto); Pasta Paisano (Choice of homemade rigatoni, penne or linguini with mushrooms, onions, green and red peppers in a tomato sauce with a hint of garlic); To name a few as well as lasagna and ravioli dishes.

The popular restaurant, tastefully decorated with lovely stenciling on the walls, has a relaxed atmosphere and prides itself on its friendly service. During the warmer months, people can dine in the outdoor café. Many diners bring their own wine, and a liquor store is conveniently located close by.

Reservations are taken for parties of two or more. Portions are generous and many people leave with leftovers. For those who still may have room, Paisano’s offers a wonderful array of desserts, including homemade tiramisu. It’s easy to see why The Recors rated Paisano’s with three stars in a recent restaurant review.