Bobby C's, Please

"Great food, great people, great music." That's Bobby C's motto.

Bobby C's Restaurant, 20 Main St., has been open for two years now. Upon opening, Bobby C's served dinner only. Today, they offer lunch, dinner, and an amazing Sunday brunch. Dinner shows are each Wednesday evening from 7-9:30 p.m., where you can hear North Shore Acappella and Street Magic, which alternate every other week. A recent upgrade is Bobby C's charming, outdoor patio.

"Bobby C" was the nickname of Robert Crowley, who was the talented and beloved father of the restaurant's owner, Julie Crowley. Julie has dedicated not only the name of the restaurant to her late father, who died at age 58 in 2004, but also to her mother, AnneMarie Caserta, who recently passed away in April 2010. Robert Crowley was a postal worker by day and an entertainer by night. His passion was acappella music. For years he performed with the North Shore Acappella group, which sets the theme of Julie's restaurant. Noticeable are the many black and white photos of North Shore Acappella on the walls and her parents' wedding portrait.

"My dad was one of the classiest and admired people I have ever known," Crowley said. "Upon marrying my beautiful mom, AnneMarie Caserta, in 1967, my dad became the most 'Italian' Irishman there was."

Not only did Bobby C love his wife, he absolutely adored her cooking. Many of the menu items were his favorites, like the lasagna.

Julie prides herself on consistency of good food, prices, and service to achieve long term success, and it shows. The staff has been with her since day one of opening. They, too, are like family. The staff are full of warmth and have and plenty of smiles to go with it. As you dine, you hear North Shore Acappella's live music, which Julie pipes in via her iPod. Imagine a hip, classy bistro, tables draped with white linen, dark, glossy wood floors and molding, soothing lighting and tons of windows for natural light all the up to its high ceilings — that is Bobby C's.

"When I walked into Bobby C's when it was an empty shell and met Julie, I knew Bobby C's would be a success," said Janet Smith, who was hired on-the-spot when she happened to stroll into the place during the restaurant's construction.

Sunday brunch has become quite popular. Fresh assortments of food are constantly being brought from the kitchen. You will never find the service lacking nor the quality or taste of the food. Brunch offers fresh salads with Chef Zatta's homemade vinaigrette dressing; stuffed clams and shells; omelets; waffles; shrimp cocktail; chicken marsala; roast beef; pastries; raviolis and much more.

For dinner, try the Butternut Squash Ravioli, Peto di Pollo con Portabella, Lobster Mac 'n Cheese or newly added Beef Bracciouttine. Then, come back again as the specials change daily.

There is ample parking, whether on the street or in the back, which is useful because Bobby C's is always busy. If you want catering, take out, or a nice dining out experience, they have it. Entrees can be made to your liking — just ask. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan items are also on the menu. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Well done, Julie Crowley.

"I wasn't about making a million dollars at once, yet perfecting each moment and step," Crowley stated regarding the early stages of opening her gem of a restaurant. Without a doubt, her mother, AnnMarie, and her dad, Bobby C, are smiling on her. What a great testament of love and adoration it is for a daughter to create such an establishment that is dedicated to the love of her parents.