The summer provides residents no shortage of fresh produce to add to their meals. Local farm markets are raided for their corn, tomatoes as well as blueberries and peaches. Consider Il Villaggio among those doing the raiding.
“This is the season for the local farms in the area so it is perfect for us,” said Andi Lelag, one of the restaurant’s four owners. “So many of our dishes use fresh zucchini, tomatoes, squash, peppers and fresh herbs that all come from farms in the area.”
Lelag owns Il Villaggio along with his brother Tony and another set of brothers Arber and Artan Myrtaj. The restaurant, located on Berlin Road, is decked out in classical Italian décor and divided into multiple sections to give guests a cozier feel. Guests also have the option to dine al fresco under the property’s grape vines that cover the outdoor patio. The menu reflects the classic Italian feel.
“We’ll be featuring a lot of seasonal dishes, zucchini rollatini with mozzarella and fresh tomato sauce,” Lelag said. “Our soups will be a Jersey corn chowder and Jersey tomato gazpacho to give guests a hot and cold soup option. We’ll have red and golden beets stuffed with goat and brie cheese, pistachios and figs in a balsamic blueberry sauce.”
Lelag said the restaurant has come to be known for its homemade pasta dishes as well as seafood entrees.
“Our lobster and shrimp ravioli are very popular. A lot of chicken, fish and veal over pasta dishes as well as lamb shank over risotto,” Lelag said.
Fresh local fruit will also make up the dessert menu.
“A lot of seasonal berries and a peach panna cotta will be offered for dessert,” Lelag said. “We have the opportunity to cook with a lot of fresh fruit which is great for our customers.”
