FROM CRISPY CALAMARI TO A JUICY, GARLIC-RUBBED TOMAHAWK, FEAST UPON THESE ITALIAN STANDOUTS FROM LOCAL POWERHOUSE RESTAURANTS

BY AMANDA MCCOY

LORENZO’S SIGNATURE CALAMARI PADELLA

Crispy calamari is sautéed with sweet cherry peppers, pine nuts, sweet chili soy sauce, and white balsamic vinegar in a dish that will make you sing, “That’s Amore!”

Lorenzo’s

1100 South Avenue 718.477.2400 EXT. 4 lorenzosdining.com

UPPE DI MARE D’ITALIA

Fall in love with the flavors of the sea with this zesty ocean-forward plate, featuring fresh lobster tail, clams, and more on a bed of linguine.

Italianissimo

107 McClean Avenue 718.442.4442 italianissimony.com

PENNE RUSTICA

If heaven were captured in a dish, it would be a fragrant bowl of house-made penne topped with home style chicken, artichokes, roasted peppers, and sun dried tomatoes, all swimming in a delicate white wine sauce.

Panini Grill

538 Forest Avenue 718.981.2999 paninigrillsi.com

THE TOMAHAWK CHOP

Cowboy, bring your appetite. A 26- or 89-oz bone-in rib chop, dry aged for 28 days, encrusted with a garlic blue cheese rub, and finished with a rich cabernet bordelaise.

Steakhouse 85

85 Church Street New Brunswick, NJ steakhouse85.com