Your Local Cantina On Bloomfield Street

Cafe Michelina is definitely a family affair. Not only was the restaurant named after owner Pietro Vicari's second daughter, but other members of the family—sisters, brothers, in-laws, you name it—will be part of your dining experience as waiters, managers or chefs. 

But the main chef—or "the chef" as he's called—is Vicari. Vicari came to America from Sicily 34 years ago. He has run Cafe Michelina since 1994 and now lives in Belleville with his wife (who is a Hoboken native). 

Vicari, 54, said he prefers everything to be traditionally Italian, from the cafe's interior to the food. He has managed to do that well, with the original Italian color scheme complementing the open kitchen located in the back of the small restaurant. 

When sitting down at a table at Cafe Michelina, you get a complimentary small bruschetta and a basket with Italian ciabatta. The bruschetta is tasty and the tomatoes are carefully chopped, sprinkled with olive oil and just a little garlic and salt: exactly how it should be.  

Besides a wide range of traditional Italian dishes, the restaurant also offers daily specials. I chose a traditional appetizer: melon & prosciutto ($8,95). The course was served on a nice big plate with four pieces of fresh melon and six thin slices of delicious prosciutto. It's easy to dream away and envision yourself along the Mediterranean while eating this dish. 

To make the atmosphere a bit more authentic, I would have liked to hear Italian or classical music, rather than the contemporary pop music playing on the radio.  

For main course I sampled  two entrees, to try both a pasta and Michelina's signature dish Pollo alla Michelina ($13,95), served with a choice of your favorite pasta on the side. As I ordered the dishes, my waiter TJ agreed, saying "great choice you've made there."

When you order the Pollo alla Michelina ($13,95). If you have gotten thirsty while reading this: you can bring your own alcoholic beverage to the restaurant, which has a BYOB policy.

I chose my personal favorite pasta dish, penne Arrabiata($11,95), to see how well the place would deliver on a traditional recipe. I was very satisfied with the al dente cooked dish, which, I was told by TJ, was cooked with fresh tomatoes and cherry peppers, with the pepper seeds making it sufficiently spicy and burning the throat just a little (but enough). The Pollo alla Michelina was composed of thinly sliced chicken breasts, finely chopped mushrooms (which in my mind were an unnecessary addition to the dish), freshly cut parsley and a tangy lemon and white wine sauce. 

When desert rolled around, I chose Tiramisu ($5,95). TJ advised me to pick the cannoli, telling me about the family hand-me down recipe that his uncle wasn't too fond of sharing with others.

I didn't regret choosing the Tiramisu though. It was a generous piece, with many layers and a light and delicious texture, putting the perfect ending to my Italian evening.

Cafe Michelina is open from Monday through to Sunday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. They deliver as well as they have take-away, and have outdoor seating. Michelina is group-friendly and possible to book for parties or catering.