Montclair Restaurant’s Plan For Success? 'Fresh, Simple Italian Food'

MONTCLAIR, NJ — After spending his career working at other people’s restaurants, Luigi Tripodi is getting ready to open his own eatery in Montclair this week. The goal? To put some “fresh, simple Italian food” on the table – “just like we eat in Italy,” he says.

With the help of some hardworking friends and family, Tripodi will open the doors to Luigino’s Parmigiana at 173 Glenridge Avenue on Wednesday.

According to the chef – a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America – the menu incorporates locally sourced products, as well as imported products from the Campania region in Italy, which is where his family hails from.

The restauranteur says that guests can expect to encounter regional Italian dishes like Salumi (Italian cold cuts served on a large Acacia wood board), Mozzarella di Bufala, La Burrata, Eggplant le Parmigiana, Pasta Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Polenta, Short Ribs (with borlotti beans and red wine ragu), among many other mouth-watering menu choices like Pinsa—a Roman-style pizza made with roasted lamb, lemon zest, ricotta salata, red onions, olives, and Calabrian chiles.

“The Roman style is not popular yet in the U.S. – but it will be soon,” said Tripodi, a native of Queens, New York.

“It’s super crispy unlike the Neapolitan version,” he said, adding that the restaurant will offer it as an appetizer during dinner service.

Meanwhile, Tripodi hopes the rustic décor and environment of his new restaurant, which includes a demo kitchen, cheese dispensary and outdoor seating in warm weather, will give local diners a new favorite spot to gather for a meal.

“It’s going to be a fun place to gather with family and friends,” he said, touting polenta presented tableside and specials for two rolled out on a guéridon trolley and plated in front of customers – “all the special touches that make for a spectacular evening.”

“It’s the type of place to come enjoy great food, laughter and love,” Tripodi said. “That’s the vibe we’re going to have.”

• See Related: NJ Man Gives Up Corporate Job To Make Bagels In Montclair

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