Ridge Italian Restaurant Has Long Pleased Local Customers

Ridge Italian Comfort Food

25 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge

908-766-5701 (ridgerestaurant.com)

On the night following Hurricane Irene's departure, the Ridge Italian Comfort Food (formerly and informally known previously as "Ridge Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria" or just "Ridge pizza") was crowded with people _ many of whom undoubtedly were among the thousands of local households without power.

The diners seemed pretty happy anyway, however, and it's probably fair to say they were pleased that Ridge was open that night.

In fact, it's probably accurate to say that the Ridge Italian restaurant, whatever it's name, has made lots of people happy that it's been around for the past 23 or 24 years, since it opened in 1987.

The restaurant, in an historic building in downtown Basking Ridge, has managed to be a gathering spot for families and also is casual-elegant enough — especially since recent steps to even further brighten it up even further — for a somewhat special occasion. (I know _ I've been to both there.)

As a customer, also, since late 1998 I can say that the pizza served by Ridge is a favorite in the area. My own two sons really enjoy it, and have a special fondness for the pizza topped with ziti. ($20 for a full pie) A large plain pie is $14.

I, though, go more for other specialties, not always Italian.

I love Ridge's soups, ($5 for 12 oz., $6.75 for an 18 oz. bowl) especially, of the items listed on the new menus, tortellini in brodo and even a basic chicken soup with vegetables. (Why don't Italians get sufficient credit for making great chicken soup?) I didn't see one of my favorites, butternut squash, on the menu, but I don't know if that means it's off for good.

One change to like on the new menu is the ability, at any time of the day, to order a large or small portion of pasta. Face it, not every semi-dieter in the area wants to eat a big portion of pasta for a meal (and the large portions are big.)

On the night after the hurricane, however, I did order the large portion and gave some to my dining companion, who ordered the slice of ziti pizza (I believe it was $2.50) and a side of two very large meatballs in Ridge's tasty tomato sauce ($6.50).

For a reasonable $12.50, I had a very enjoyable capellini primavera, selecting the option of red sauce rather than a garlic-flavored pink cream sauce. The large portion of pasta included a nice fresh side salad, not included with the small portion for $8.50.

Please note — and the management is insistent on this — pizza by the slice can only be ordered in the dining room from Sunday through Thursday. Full pies must be ordered for sit-down customers on Friday and Saturday night.

My pasta dish won thumbs up because the vegetables were so fresh, with a little crunch.

Other dishes I've really enjoyed in the past were the chicken parmegiana dinner ($18.50), served with pasta and other sides. But don't discount Ridge as a great place for all kinds of sandwiches, especially the panini, which was on the menu here quite a while before panini, at least in some version, became a trend everywhere.

Our server was rushing around on Monday night because he said at one point he was handling all the tables — probably because not all employees were available at most places in local businesses right after Irene. But he was extremely friendly, and efficient. The servers at Ridge always seem like local kids, and they probably are.

Decor - A little unusual for an Italian restaurant. The building is a classic Basking Ridge colonial, and many historic photos are on the walls.

Service - Very friendly and considerate, although some people have complained that the top management can make a fuss over diners who order something at the counter and then try to sit down at a table. The rule is you are supposed to sit down and then order. But I do recall being annoyed one night some years back when I came into a nearly empty restaurant and wanted to order at the counter to hurry up a quick meal for my son, who was on his way to CCD at St. James. I explained that, but was told that wouldn't work. I think I ended up just taking a slice to go.

Drinks - Fountain drinks, BYOB. However, I have very charmingly been served a glass of free wine with my meal on some weekends, since Ridge doesn't have a liquor license, and apparently can't charge for the wine.

Price - $-$$