When we traveled in Italy it always seemed that our favorite meals were at little family places we just came across by chance. Drawn in by an old carved wood door or colorful windows on a side street with an inviting feeling. Those fond memories came rushing back as we walked across Paterson Avenue in Little Falls to Bivio.
We stepped inside and were very warmly greeted by Jackie Colao who with her husband Tomasso create little trips to Italy for their loyal patrons daily.
Tomasso handcrafts each "pizze" from the very finest and freshest ingredients like the best semolina flour, yeast from a baker on the Isle of Ischia, their home made Mozzarella and delicious things like the thin sliced lemons, sopressata and fresh basil on one of the three pizzas we enjoyed.
There are always special appetizers on the menu like these two wonderful dishes, a salumi plate and a tender calamari salad with the most delicious olive oil. The calamari is baked in the brick oven giving it amazing flavor.
Wines of the day were two from southern Italy, of course an Aglianico from Campania, the region that surrounds Naples. A wine they say is of Kings and Poets.
The Aglianico by Terredora Di Paolo, is medium bodied that pours in deep ruby colors. It can be drunk young and still fill your mouth with "bright dark cherry red with spicy aromas of ripe red berries, violets and a slight gamey woodsy character" Winemaker
We also sipped a wine from just east of Campania in Puglia called Tormaresca Neprica, a softer, more fruity wine made with a blend of the grapes Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Cabernet Sauvignon with intense ruby red with violet hues, red fruits, black-cherry with light violet notes.
Both went so very well with our dinner. Found them at Gary's Wine in Wayne. Next time I am bringing some white wine too.
After two appetizers and three pizzas we were very satisfied but not too full, which let us try one of the three classic Italian desserts a sumptuous calzone, I mean cannelloni. Espresso and other coffee is on the menu if you like.
By the time we left there were many anxious people looking forward to a great meal, not surprising the quality and modest prices will keep us coming back to Bivio without a doubt.
7 Paterson Avenue, Little Falls, NJ
(973) 256-0050
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Tue - Sat: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm Municipal parking behind the restauarant. Visa, Master Card, Cash |
Things to do, places to see, with food and booze
Thanks for this - you've reminded me to try Bivio - must go sometime soon
Posted by: Lisa D (This Little Piggy) | 08/14/2012 at 21:39