Friday, August 31, 2012

This Week at Casa Dante




www.casadante.com      See us on    FACEBOOK or Casa Dante Facebook


Big Holiday weekend! Before leaving for the shore come in for Friday's Happy Hour and Jazz. Saturday entertainment includes Anthony Tabish on Keyboards.
We're back on a 7 day schedule starting after Labor Day, September 3rd.
Different menu choices this week and we've brought back our "lunch portions" for those of you watching those calories.
We will be closed Sunday and Monday for the Labor Day Holiday.
Have a safe holiday and thanks for reading!
Dom & Toni Marino
Proprietors
                                                                                               
See us at FACEBOOK , our live entertainment options at www.casadante.com/entertainment,  recipes,
and other departments below. If you want past newsletters, recipes or other items go to  Casa Dante Newsletter to retrieve.       

Reserve a spot on Open Table or call direct.
Casa Dante
3.5/4 stars Star Ledger 2010, Wine Spectator Award 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2012
Rooms for small or large parties up to 140. Valet parking.





Entertainment this weekend!
Friday August 31, 2012  
Happy 2 Hours in our lounge at 5:30 with Danny Bacher ...Great voice and Music. He will stay past Happy Hour till 9:30 so please come in and enjoy the sounds with dinner!
  




Saturday September 1, 2012  The voice and music stylings of "Anthony Tabish" 















See the full entertainment schedule at www.casadante.com/entertainment




My Two Cents


The Two Cents column takes a holiday....along with many of our readers.
See us next week when we get back to full schedule!


Thanks for reading!

let me know your thoughts. send your comments to info@casadante.com





    
     Happenings at Casa Dante
 
  • Our "Big Night" dinner will be reserved for early December as the sheer quantity of food is too voluminous for a summer/fall feast. Winter seems to be the date all are interested and we will announce the date soon.
  • We're trying to use more locally grown produce ( weather, seasons and conditions permitting ) here at Casa Dante. Organic is a concept which is being embraced by more restaurants these days and we will do our utmost to provide you with the best products, local or otherwise.
  • Casa Dante's Wine list has received a Wine Spectator Award for 2012 and as a thank you to our loyal patrons, all wines on our list will be sold at half price on all Tuesdays in August with your dinner. Thanks again!
  • Wine Dinner this fall will be produced by our Sommelier, Dan Roorda in conjuction with food pairings assist by Chef Gregg. Date is to be announced, and it should be an event. The featured wines will be from Stags Leap Vineyards, a major Napa Valley winemaker. If you have interest please email info@casadante.com,  mention "wine" in the subject and we will email you info as we get it.
  • I know this may sound early, but we're planning a big New Years Eve bash and you need to reserve spots as soon as you can.
  • Make sure you take advantage of our Recession specials, next segment below...we know that driving here plus tolls is quite an expense these days....see below so we can help you have a great meal at Casa Dante!
  • Much more fresh fish and healthier choices on our menus. As you may know, our fish is always fresh, never frozen. We have many vegetarian choices and, of course, our meats are the best cuts available. " The veal is like butter" she exclaimed!
  • We are back to a 7 Day schedule after Labor Day, September 3rd.  


Owner's Table


For those of you who "friend" us on  Casa Dante Facebook, you know that I take photos of food and goodies at my table and post them. We use our "like"FACEBOOKto notify events, parties, holidays and the like. But our "friend" page is reserved for my own messages to you...usually involves food.....my friends love these...some of you who have moved to far away places ( Florida, North Carolina, California etc ) really seem to appreciate them.
If you're on Facebook, check us out. We'd love to see you there!



Something a bit different. Our food featured on Tripadvisor/facebook. Check out a few of our dishes at




 call us at 201-795-2750 or see us at Open Table 

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

This Week at Casa Dante



www.casadante.com      See us on    FACEBOOK or Casa Dante Facebook


Great entertainment options this weekend. If you have the opportunity, stop by for a drink on Friday and listen to great Jazz and vocals. Vanessa Perea sings with Bryan Beninghove on Sax. This is a scheduled encore performance of a "walk on " by Miss Perea several weeks ago. She is fabulous!
Different menu choices this week and we've brought back our "lunch portions" for those of you watching those calories.
See other departments below and thanks for reading!
Dom & Toni Marino
Proprietors
                                                                                               
See us at FACEBOOK , our live entertainment options at www.casadante.com/entertainment,  recipes,
and other departments below. If you want past newsletters, recipes or other items go to  Casa Dante Newsletter to retrieve.       

Reserve a spot on Open Table or call direct.
Casa Dante
3.5/4 stars Star Ledger 2010, Wine Spectator Award 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2012
Rooms for small or large parties up to 140. Valet parking.





Entertainment this weekend!
Friday August 24, 2012  
Happy 2 Hours in our lounge at 5:30 with Bryan Beninghove, featuring the great song stylings of Vanessa Perea ...they will stay past Happy Hour till 9:30 so please come in and enjoy the sounds with dinner!
 
  




Saturday August 25, 2012  "Julian & Dominique" Sing the night away...come join us!

See the full entertainment schedule at www.casadante.com/entertainment




My Two Cents
DRESS CODE

A few friends and I wandered into Brooklyn to take in a view and some cocktails at Buzzy Okeefe's River Cafe, a floating restaurant under the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a bit of a struggle wading through the traffic, tourists and ultimately parking to arrive at our destination. But I knew it would be worth the turmoil. Having left my sportcoat in the trunk, I decided it was too warm to retrieve it. Upon entry the receptionist promptly informed me that jackets were requred for dinner, but that we were welcome to take drinks by the outdoor bar if we liked; which was our intention anyway.
Still, I didn't like being told that I would be excluded from any area of the restaurant. Especially If I chose to pay for the privilege! Such strange thoughts were going through my head as we were being summarily exiled to the outer limits of the barge.
I reflected on a similar policy at Casa Dante. We had done away with formal dess code years ago. Still, I can't help thinking how may patrons were put off by that requirement. How many stay away to this day for such a flagrant violation of their right to wear anything they choose ( save for lewd attire, shorts and clam diggers, God forbid!).
I got over it after the Bloody Marys were brought to the table. By the end of the evening, with the moon reflecting off the lower Manhattan buildings and shimmering on the waves, I put the incident to rest.
Maybe I'm too sensitive. I'm glad my customers weren't!

Thanks for reading!

let me know your thoughts. send your comments to info@casadante.com





    
     Happenings at Casa Dante
 
  • Our "Big Night" dinner will be reserved for early December as the sheer quantity of food is too voluminous for a summer/fall feast. Winter seems to be the date all are interested and we will announce the date soon.
  • We're trying to use more locally grown produce ( weather, seasons and conditions permitting ) here at Casa Dante. Organic is a concept which is being embraced by more restaurants these days and we will do our utmost to provide you with the best products, local or otherwise.
  • Casa Dante's Wine list has received a Wine Spectator Award for 2012 and as a thank you to our loyal patrons, all wines on our list will be sold at half price on all Tuesdays in August with your dinner. Thanks again!
  • Wine Dinner this fall will be produced by our Sommelier, Dan Roorda in conjuction with food pairings assist by Chef Gregg. Date is to be announced, and it should be an event. The featured wines will be from Stags Leap Vineyards, a major Napa Valley winemaker. If you have interest please email info@casadante.com,  mention "wine" in the subject and we will email you info as we get it.
  • I know this may sound early, but we're planning a big New Years Eve bash and you need to reserve spots as soon as you can.
  • Make sure you take advantage of our Recession specials, next segment below...we know that driving here plus tolls is quite an expense these days....see below so we can help you have a great meal at Casa Dante!
  • Much more fresh fish and healthier choices on our menus. As you may know, our fish is always fresh, never frozen. We have many vegetarian choices and, of course, our meats are the best cuts available. " The veal is like butter" she exclaimed!
  • We are taking Mondays off  during August but will be back on a seven day schedule right after Labor Day.

Great Recession Specials
I've reintroduced this section because even though we're easing out of this "great recession" there are still many out there who struggle paying high gas prices and increased tolls and the like. As such, see the following "deals" for those of you who have read this far down:

  • 10% discount on parties of 4 or more Monday thru Thursdays....but you need to print and present this to your server...thanks for reading
  • Make a reservation on Open Table ( links above ) and get discounts, points and notices
  • Half Price wine on Tuesdays thru August
  • Come in on your birthday and you get a glass of house wine on us!

Owner's Table


For those of you who "friend" us on  Casa Dante Facebook, you know that I take photos of food and goodies at my table and post them. We use our "like"FACEBOOKto notify events, parties, holidays and the like. But our "friend" page is reserved for my own messages to you...usually involves food.....my friends love these...some of you who have moved to far away places ( Florida, North Carolina, California etc ) really seem to appreciate them.
If you're on Facebook, check us out. We'd love to see you there!



Something a bit different. Our food featured on Tripadvisor/facebook. Check out a few of our dishes at




 call us at 201-795-2750 or see us at Open Table 


Wednesday, August 15, 2012

This Week at Casa Dante



www.casadante.com      See us on    FACEBOOK or Casa Dante Facebook


We're bringing back "lunch portions" on selected items next week. If you've come in for  lunch and felt  that you ate a days worth of meal, this option will be made available to you. Easier on your figure as well as your wallet.
We will be featuring more locally grown and organic fruits and vegetables ( when available due to weather and seasons ) on our offerings. Its a great way to support New Jersey businesses and we get to provide tasty, healthful and super fresh options on our menu.
See the entertainment options this weekend below and thanks for reading!

Dom & Toni Marino
Proprietors
 .                                                                                                
See us at FACEBOOK , our live entertainment options at www.casadante.com/entertainment,  recipes,
and other departments below. If you want past newsletters, recipes or other items go to  Casa Dante Newsletter to retrieve.       

Reserve a spot on Open Table or call direct.
Casa Dante
3.5/4 stars Star Ledger 2010, Wine Spectator Award 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2012
Rooms for small or large parties up to 140. Valet parking.





Entertainment this weekend!
Friday August 17, 2012  
Happy 2 Hours in our lounge at 5:30 with Danny Bacher...he will stay past Happy Hour till 9:30 so please come in and enjoy the sounds with dinner!
  




Saturday August 18, 2012  "Anthony & Lisa" sing pop & standards

  

See the full entertainment schedule at www.casadante.com/entertainment




My Two Cents
She said the restaurant was "Old School". I guess the meaning was lost on me. In my mind "Old School" means dated, worn out and unwanted.  But I was to be corrected in such a pleasing fashion. My new customer reminded me that her remark was a sentimental, nostalgic compliment. She went on to say that our food was of a quality and style that she remembers having at her grandmothers home years ago. 
Our waiters come across like the pro's that they are and their courtesy and treatment are not found in very many establishments these days. Of course, I'm paraphrasing here. I couldn't possibly remember, nor recount the exacting eloquence of her description but It sure made me happy.

When I see a review about "old school" Casa Dante now I have a whole new perspective on the meaning. It's one of the little things that keep you going in this business!


thanks for reading!

let me know your thoughts. send your comments to info@casadante.com





    
     Happenings at Casa Dante
 
  • We're trying to use more locally grown produce ( weather, seasons and conditions permitting ) here at Casa Dante. Organic is a concept which is being embraced by more restaurants these days and we will do our utmost to provide you with the best products, local or otherwise.
  • Casa Dante's Wine list has received a Wine Spectator Award for 2012 and as a thank you to our loyal patrons, all wines on our list will be sold at half price on all Tuesdays in August with your dinner. Thanks again!
  • Wine Dinner this fall will be produced by our Sommelier, Dan Roorda in conjuction with food pairings assist by Chef Gregg. Date is to be announced, and it should be an event. The featured wines will be from a major Napa Valley winemaker ( also TBA as soon as we strike a final deal). If you have interest please email info@casadante.com,  mention "wine" in the subject and we will email you info as we get it.
  • Make sure you take advantage of our Recession specials, next segment below...we know that driving here plus tolls is quite an expense these days....see below so we can help you have a great meal at Casa Dante!
  • Our "Big Night" dinner will be reserved for early December as the sheer quantity of food is too voluminous for a summer/fall feast. Winter seems to be the date all are interested and we will announce the date soon.
  • Much more fresh fish and healthier choices on our menus. As you may know, our fish is always fresh, never frozen. We have many vegetarian choices and, of course, our meats are the best cuts available. " The veal is like butter" she exclaimed!
  • We are taking Mondays off  during August but will be back on a seven day schedule right after Labor Day.

Great Recession Specials
I've reintroduced this section because even though we're easing out of this "great recession" there are still many out there who struggle paying high gas prices and increased tolls and the like. As such, see the following "deals" for those of you who have read this far down:

  • 10% discount on parties of 4 or more Monday thru Thursdays....but you need to print and present this to your server...thanks for reading
  • Make a reservation on Open Table ( links above ) and get discounts, points and notices
  • Half Price wine on Tuesdays thru August

Owner's Table


For those of you who "friend" us on  Casa Dante Facebook, you know that I take photos of food and goodies at my table and post them. We use our "like"FACEBOOKto notify events, parties, holidays and the like. But our "friend" page is reserved for my own messages to you...usually involves food.....my friends love these...some of you who have moved to far away places ( Florida, North Carolina, California etc ) really seem to appreciate them.
If you're on Facebook, check us out. We'd love to see you there!



Something a bit different. Our food featured on Tripadvisor/facebook. Check out a few of our dishes at




 call us at 201-795-2750 or see us at Open Table 



Casa Dante is located at:

737 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: 201.795.2750
Fax: 201.795.1225

Get more information about Casa Dante
Make a reservation at Casa Dante

Thursday, August 9, 2012

This week at Casa Dante



www.casadante.com      See us on    FACEBOOK or Casa Dante Facebook
  
Thanks to all our friends, new and old, who partook in the Restaurant Week celebration here at Casa Dante.   We were glad to "show our wares" especially to new customers. Our established patrons, of course, were not surprised at the turnout. Seriously, it was fun and we were happy to participate.

See the entertainment options this weekend below and thanks for reading!

Dom & Toni Marino
Proprietors
 .                                                                                                
See us at FACEBOOK , our live entertainment options at www.casadante.com/entertainment,  recipes,
and other departments below. If you want past newsletters, recipes or other items go to  Casa Dante Newsletter to retrieve.       

Reserve a spot on Open Table or call direct.
Casa Dante
3.5/4 stars Star Ledger 2010, Wine Spectator Award 2009, 2010, 2011 & now 2012
Check out the specials and discounts below and join our  FACEBOOKfan page.
Rooms for small or large parties up to 140. Valet parking.





Entertainment this weekend!
Friday August 10, 2012  
Happy 2 Hours in our lounge at 5:30 with Danny Bacher...he will stay past Happy Hour till 9:30 so please come in and enjoy the sounds with dinner!
   




Saturday August 11, 2012    "Vintage" sing and play Saturday

 

See the full entertainment schedule at www.casadante.com/entertainment




My Two Cents
Online reviews & it's effect on restaurateurs

It's a phenomenon that has invaded the restaurant and food industry: Customer online reviews.
I've talked about this before. Customer's get to go online and review a restaurant after dining and , in some cases, not dining in an establishment. Some sites only accept "true" diners criticism. One in particular is Open Table. A reservation site wherein the diner gets a follow-up email and is afforded the opportunity to rate the restaurant.
But my main focus here is the Restaurateurs reaction to such criticism. There are those who do not take the reviews that well. They consider reviewers ill informed, misguided by other agendas or simply not being truthful. I believe that readers do see through all the nonsense and get a good feel for a place by a combination of all comments. However,  some owners still pine for professional critics from local or major news organizations that would "suprise" the establishment and proceed to professionally praise or rake it over the coals; but they have short memories. Pro's can be cruel and disengaged.
As stressful as it can be to read a review from someone who didn't "get" the presentation, or the service, I feel that customers do have a better understanding of what turns them onto a restaruant. If a dish is eclectic, modern, trendy, classic etc and the diner doesn't like it...end of story. After all, they're the ones who spend the money to sit and eat. Their opinion, whether technically correct or not, has to take precedence and this trend will likely prevail.
thanks for reading!

let me know your thoughts. send your comments to info@casadante.com




Remember...still looking to set a date for our "Big Night" dinner and movie. Write in your interest to info@casadante.com


Stanley Tucci, Tony Shalhoub and a young Marc Anthony in The Big Night

( Note: Stage Left, a wonderful restaurant in New Brunswick has been doing a Big Night dinner for years. We want to bring the celebration to Jersey City and thank them for the inspiration. )

    
     Happenings at Casa Dante
 
  • Casa Dante's Wine list has received a Wine Spectator Award for 2012 and as a thank you to our loyal patrons, all wines on our list will be sold at half price on all Tuesdays in August with your dinner. Thanks again!
  • Make sure you take advantage of our Recession specials, next segment below...we know that driving here plus tolls is quite an expense these days....see below so we can help you have a great meal at Casa Dante!
  • Much more fresh fish and healthier choices on our menus. As you may know, our fish is always fresh, never frozen. We have many vegetarian choices and, of course, our meats are the best cuts available. " The veal is like butter" she exclaimed!
  • Our first wine dinner of the season will be in October. For those of you interested please check our website,  or see us on  FACEBOOKDan Roorda, our Sommelier Emeritus, will be selecting wines and pairings along with Chef Gregg. Date will be announced soon. Please keep in touch.
  • We are taking Mondays off during July and August instead of our usual Sunday closing. Most of our friends who go down the shore on weekends come back early enough to want dinner on Sunday. We're here for you


Great Recession Specials
I've reintroduced this section because even though we're easing out of this "great recession" there are still many out there who struggle paying high gas prices and increased tolls and the like. As such, see the following "deals" for those of you who have read this far down:

  • 10% discount on parties of 4 or more Monday thru Thursdays....but you need to print and present this to your server...thanks for reading
  • Make a reservation on Open Table ( links above ) and get discounts, points and notices

Owner's Table


For those of you who "friend" us on  Casa Dante Facebook, you know that I take photos of food and goodies at my table and post them. We use our "like"FACEBOOKto notify events, parties, holidays and the like. But our "friend" page is reserved for my own messages to you...usually involves food.....my friends love these...some of you who have moved to far away places ( Florida, North Carolina, California etc ) really seem to appreciate them.
If you're on Facebook, check us out. We'd love to see you there!

Recent posts

How about a light summer meal.........

Grilled Vegetables and imported cheese....
















Salad mix with Goat cheese..
















call us at 201-795-2750 or see us at Open Table 
 Casa Dante is located at:

737 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone: 201.795.2750
Fax: 201.795.1225