Bar Mercurio

By Annabelle Goodman –

It is such a thrill to be able to take a 5 minute walk to this wonderful establishment and enjoy a great meal. I love the fact it is family owned and operated.  Nona is always there to greet the guests and to make you welcome. She is a sweet lady who always has a smile. She also is a talented chef who used to prepare the sauces and do the baking. Today her son Giuseppe or daughter Theresa are the managers. They run around and make sure that all the clientele is satisfied. The food is of exceptional quality and taste. The service is always warm and welcoming. I come away with a big smile and satisfied stomach.

The ambiance is authentic Italian café. Seats at the bar provide a quick meal and the chance to chat with the servers and watch the cooking action.

I was dining with a very special friend. Her son is recuperating from an operation and I thought she needed a little attention. This is a favorite long standing restaurant for her. We love being together and appreciated the little window table that provided the opportunity to have a lengthy quiet conversation while devouring our sumptuous food.  I’m surprised we weren’t gently nudged out because we overstayed our visit chatting long after a reasonable time.

The fish of the day was a Baked Salmon.($15.00) I am not exaggerating when I say it was the best piece of salmon I have tasted. It had a peppery topping and the flesh melted in my mouth. The steamed broccoli was crunchy and the fresh flavor lingered on my palate.($15.00) I may even go back for dinner and have another portion. The foccacia bread on the side of the plate is home made and delicious.

My dear friend opted for two appetizers. She thought the Carpaccio Al Modo Toscana($12.00) was fantastic. Thinly sliced beef filet is served on a bed of arugula topped with Parmeggiano chards and honey roasted walnuts.($12.00) The Insalata with beets was presented in a large white bowl with pieces of foccacia bread. The only problem was that she had ordered a large amount of good food and was having trouble consuming it all. What a problem!

The Wood Fired Pizzas are thin and offered with a variety of   toppings. They are baked in a wood fired oven. Pizzas vary from $11.99 to $18.00. Pizza Yuppie is a pomodoro, mozzarella, in house smoked salmon with sun-dried tomatoes and chevre cheese.

There are several Omelettes listed on the menu. You can’t go wrong with any one. The eggs are cooked to a creamy light perfection. It is a tasty generous portion.

Pasta is even available in a gluten free rice linguine. Also gluten free rice crust pizza is available .The Pasta suggestions are mouth watering. Delicious.

This is Italian food at its best. The restaurant has been a winner for over 30 years in this location.

I have dined here for many years and there is a reason I keep coming back. For lighter fare try the sister restaurant L’Espresso bar Mercurio across the road.