Girasole--Bound Brook--Outstanding

[Rosie]

We had dinner last night at Girasole, 502 W. Union Ave. Bound Brook. We've dined at this BYO restaurant many times but this was our first visit to their new location. The room is lovely with warm yellow walls, a trompe l'oeil window, a private dining room separated by a wood partition and sunflowers throughout the restaurant. The entrance hall is charming with a chef's jacket painted on one wall. The word is out on Girasole and they get busy. Plan on making reservations a few weeks in advance. The food is outstanding, the service is professional and they replace wine glasses when a new bottle is opened! Bravo.

When seated bruschetta, bread and olive oil were placed on the table. For appetizers we shared a special of broccoli rabe and marinated and grilled sweet sausage accompanied by a cannelini bean salad. A crisp house salad with greens, tomatoes and olives came with dinner. For entrees we had linguine with shrimp, scallops, clams and New Zealand mussels in a spicy tomato basil brodetto; pistachio nut crusted medallions of veal served with a shiitake mushroom, brandy and herb sauce; potato encrusted salmon with fresh vegetables and whipped potatoes nestled in a phyllo pastry cup; and jumbo shrimp dipped in a herb seasoned batter and sautéed with lemon, white wine and fresh herbs. They were all winners and we kept passing our plates around the table to get tastes of each other's food. For dessert we had cannoli, cheesecake and a chocolate cake. The plates did not have a crumb on them when we were finished.

Girasole is open Monday to Saturday 5 until 10 PM; Sunday 5 until 9 PM. Phone: 732-469-1080

[Tom D]

Some Italian restaurants may serve better food (but that is questionable), some may have a bit more more atmosphere, (again questionable) some may have a touch better service, no need to say it again but very few restaurants combine ALL THREE points CONSISTENTLY night after night.

You leave Girasole not only well fed but also like you were treated special.

The staff is outgoing and professional and the owner a very special person, always trying to please.

Highly recommended!!

Tom

[Rosie]

It's hard to believe that it took me so long to get back to this outstanding restaurant. I wish it was closer to me. We always have a memorable dining experience at Girasole, and last night was no different. Great food, service and atmosphere. Owner Rob Russo and chef/owner Alfonso Russo are to be commended for running a top notch restaurant. We started with warm Italian bread, addictive herbed olive oil and crispy bruschetta topped with chopped tomatoes. A special of ziti with bolognese was split in the kitchen for four and devoured by all. We also shared broccoli rabe with sundried tomatoes and pignoli nuts. A very generous mixed green, tomato and cucumber salad with a light balsamic dressing came with dinner. Entrees were all superb. It is so easy to overcook fish but here it is served exactly as requested. My salmon in a champagne sauce with risotto was impressively cooked medium rare. Lowell had a peppered tuna, also medium rare, with sautéed spinach. One friend had the pork loin which was juicy and tender and another had a nut crusted rack of lamb with a fabulous sauce. All I can remember is that the sauce had raisins in it and perhaps some onions and red wine. Dessert was crème brulee and a light pastry with whipped cream and strawberries that was being served for Valentine's Day. Cappuccino and coffee were good. You need to make reservations at this popular eatery a few weeks in advance for a Saturday night. Phone: 732-469-1080. BYO.

[Tom D]

Dinner at Girasole on Saturday was sensational. Great food, warm friendly service, caring owner.

The type of place you not only enjoy but wish it was about 40 miles closer

Tom

[Rail Paul]

Dee and I had dinner with friends last night at Girasole in Bound Brook. I thought the place was very nice. I wouldn't consider it outstanding, though.

The bread was average, not impressive, although the dipping sauce was great. Olive oil, garlic, pepper, and a little rose mary. We started with an order of clams in garlic butter. The garlic sauce was great, very much tasting of garlic and wine.

The lobster asparagus bisque was a fresh asparagus puree (no cream). Very strong asparagus character. Lobster was more of a color item, minimal taste

Dee had an eggplant mozzarella braciole, Mozzarella topped with sliced, roasted eggplant, topped with garlic and red peppers in a tapenade. It was rolled, jelly roll style, to create a long loaf, which was then sliced to form a pinwheel of white mozzarella, brownish eggplant, reddish peppers on a white plate.

Entrees included a rack of lamb (8 riblets), a filet mignon, and a fettucine al bosco. The lamb was crusted in pistachio and filberts, cooked as requested to medium rare. Dee and one guest enjoyed it.

I had fettucine. Shiitake mushrooms, chopped proscuitto, roasted garlic and rosemary served with a thick red wine sauce. Probably would have been more suitable when the weather was cooler, but I found it filling and tasty.

We brought two bottles of a Malbec Trapiche '00, which were fine. The restaurant is a BYO, about half the guests packed beer or wine. Damage for the whole event was $150. Nice place, tries hard, but isn't yet at the top level its food clearly aspires to meet. At least not on this night.

Negatives?

--Many, many specials recited without prices, should have had a list for the customer.

--Very loud room didn't make it easy to hear and appreciate the descriptions of the specials or to converse easily.

--Salad was pre-cut and already browned at the edges. We sent them back with a reminder to the kitchen this wasn't acceptable.

--Doggie bags? I felt that the old pie plate inside a white bag placed on the table didn't increase the ambiance of this pleasant Tuscan restaurant. A much better solution is that practiced in similar restaurants: give the diner a coat check and have him or her pick it up on the way out.

[dbrociner]

Nice place, tries hard, but isn't yet at the top level its food clearly aspires to meet. At least not on this night.

I have to agree with Paul. Still, considering the neighborhood, this is the best the Bound Brook area has to offer. I'd include Bridewater, Warren and Basking Ridge in that area too, though I haven't been to Ciao yet and I've heard good things about that.

[scarlet knight]

We were not that impressed. We ate here a few days ago. My wife became quite ill overnight--probably food poisoning. Even without that, I didn't think that the entrees were imaginative. My wife had a chicken dish, I had veal crusted with pistachios. Neither was out of the ordinary. Both came with the same prefabricated zucchini/carrot mixture and mashed potato in a shell. The service was lacking and the place was very loud. We were at an event in that area, so it's a jaunt from us. A much better restaurant is Aquila in New Providence. Just don't go on a Saturday night--it's mobbed. We also ate at LaLocanda on 50th and 9th in NYC last weekend and that was much better, also.

[Rail Paul]

We were not that impressed.  We ate here a few days ago.  My wife became quite ill overnight--probably food poisoning. Even without that, I didn't think that the entrees were imaginative.  My wife had a chicken dish, I had veal crusted with pistachios. Neither was out of the ordinary.  Both came with the same prefabricated zucchini/carrot mixture and mashed potato in a shell.  The service was lacking and the place was very loud.  We were at an event in that area, so it's a jaunt from us.  A much better restaurant is Aquila in New Providence.  Just don't go on a Saturday night--it's mobbed. We also ate at LaLocanda on 50th and 9th in NYC last weekend and that was much better, also.

Dee also complained of stomach discomfort the morning after we ate there Thursday night. Wonder if there's something going on?

Haven't tried Aquila yet, but Grappa at the Somerset Hills Hotel received three and a half stars in today's Ledger. Rosie was there a few months ago and liked it, I believe.

LaNina identified LaLocanda as her rec for good theater district eating. I've enjoyed it the two times I've been there.

[scarlet knight]

Rail Paul, my wife had potato-crusted chicken breast on Thursday night. Is that what Dee had? Perhaps Girasole should be contacted.

[Rail Paul]

Rail Paul, my wife had potato-crusted  chicken breast on Thursday night.  Is that what Dee had?  Perhaps Girasole should be contacted.

One of our guests had the exact same order as Dee and said she didn't have a problem. (I just called her to check).

Given the extremely hot weather and the humidity on Thursday, I'd mark Dee's discomfort perhaps to the weather or an allergy or a very full stomach. She had a business lunch earlier in the day which might have been a factor, too.

Girasole's a nice place, family owned and family cheffed. I'd go back.

[Rosie]

"Haven't tried Aquila yet, but Grappa at the Somerset Hills Hotel received three and a half stars in today's Ledger. Rosie was there a few months ago and liked it, I believe."

Never been to Grappa. I was at Christine's when a different chef was there.

[dbrociner]

I found Aquila to be very ho hum. Like a myriad of other Italian restaurants in northern NJ and I wouldn't drive out of my way to eat there. I would also say that Girasole is better, by leaps and bounds. Just my opinion.

[Rosie]

Had a great dinner last night at Girasole, which means sunflower in Italian, located at 502 Union Avenue, Bound Brook. Rob and Chef Alfonso Russo run an excellent establishment that serves consistently first-class food. Service was exemplary.

When seated warm Italian bread, addictive herbed olive oil and crispy bruschetta topped with chopped tomatoes were brought to the table. We started off with mozzarella with house-roasted peppers and prosciutto drizzled with extra virgin olive oil; grilled sweet sausage accompanied by a cannellini bean salad; a fabulous “don’t miss” seafood crepe; and a portobello mushroom with a zucchini stuffing. A very generous mixed green, tomato and cucumber salad with a light balsamic dressing came with dinner. Entrees were a special of pasta with filet tips, sundried tomatoes and mushrooms; potato encrusted breast of chicken with porcini mushrooms and roasted peppers in a port wine sauce; a juicy, tender pork loin; and a perfectly cooked grilled wild salmon with a mushroom risotto. My salmon came with a champagne sauce which I told them to leave off. A mixture of zucchini, carrots and broccoli added color and texture to the entrees. After our plates were licked clean we shared for dessert sorbet and a creamy caramelized banana concoction that was served in a martini glass. Cappuccino and coffee were good.

Girasole was awarded "Best Undiscovered Restaurant in Central Jersey" by New Jersey Monthly in August 2000. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday to Friday 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM; dinner Monday through Saturday 5 to 10 PM; Sunday 5 to 9 PM; BYO. This restaurant gets very busy and you should make reservations a few weeks in advance for a Saturday night. Call 732-469-1080 for reservations.

[jsfein]

Anyone been to Girasole lately? Friends recently recommended and we have a reservation in a few weeks.

[Rosie]

If Girasole was closer to my home I certainly would dine there more often. The portions are generous, prices reasonable, food delicious and service attentive. Wine was opened and poured and wine glasses replaced when a new bottle was opened.

We started out with warm Italian bread and crispy bruschetta topped with chopped tomatoes followed by an extremely tasty lobster bisque, mozzarella rolled with red peppers and eggplant and an endive/watercress salad. Entrees were potato encrusted sea bass atop whipped potatoes; salmon with a white wine/lemon/herb sauce accompanied with a tangle of zucchini, carrots and string beans and whipped potatoes nestled in a phyllo pastry cup; and pappardelle with filet tips, sundried tomatoes, and mushrooms. We shared two desserts-- a chocolate cake and ice cream.

Girasole has a web site at http://www.girasoleboundbrook.com/ Make reservations a few weeks in advance for a Saturday night. Fish isn't listed on the menu as they serve whatever is fresh and in season as specials.

Girasole, 500 West Union Avenue Bound Brook; BYO. Call 732-469-1080 for reservations.

[markabauman]

Is this a branch of the same-named restaurant in Atlantic City? We're visiting near AC soon and this restaurant was recommended.

[Rosie]

Is this a branch of the same-named restaurant in Atlantic City? We're visiting near AC soon and this restaurant was recommended.

←

NO. But if you do go to Girasole in AC be sure to give us a report.

[markabauman]

Just made a reservation for two weeks from yesterday. Here is their link: Girasole- Atlantic City

[markabauman]

Is this a branch of the same-named restaurant in Atlantic City? We're visiting near AC soon and this restaurant was recommended.

←

NO. But if you do go to Girasole in AC be sure to give us a report.

←

As requested by Rosie, I’m providing a report of our dinner at Girasole Ristorante in Atlantic City this past Saturday evening.

Let me preface this by saying that this was our first trip to Atlantic City. We have been vacationing in the summertime in Cape May for almost twenty years, but have never stopped in Atlantic City. Although we have many friends who think that AC and Las Vegas are the ultimate in fun, we are not casino types and haven’t thought of those places as desirable for us to visit. But that’s what makes the world go round. Actually, we were staying in nearby Absecon, and only went into AC for dining.

Upon a friend’s recommendation, we went to the White House for subs. Fun, local experience. Friday evening, we went to Dock’s Oyster House for dinner. Convenient, free parking right next door. I had forgotten that this was St. Patrick’s Day and they were even busier than usual, per our server. Oysters were fresh and sweet, at least ten varieties available. Excellent fish specials that evening- halibut and red snapper. Excellent wines by the glass for pairing. Great service. However, conversation a bit challenging.

Saturday evening was dinner at Girasole Ristorante. They advertise “Valet Parking”, however, you leave your car off well around the block (for a $5 fee) and have a substantial walk to the restaurant (on a cold and windy evening). Might have tried to park on the street first, if I had known that.

We were warmly welcomed and seated without delay. I thought there might have been some delay and crowding as there was, unbeknownst to me, a major boxing event and convention were going on that evening. However, the restaurant was not at all overcrowded. After passing through the bar, we were ushered into the main dining room which was softly lighted, tastefully decorated and had an interesting fabric draping on the ceiling which apparently softened the noise. Our server, who was not Italian (actually she told us she was originally from Poland) had a good command and understanding of all the Italian nuances of the menu. At the end of the room was a large wood-fired brick oven, which they used for various dishes, including some interesting pizze that we saw. Save those for a returning lunch. The menu, although it emphasizes fish, is also strong in meats, both of which seem to be offered as daily specials, rather than usually listed menu items. For our antipasti, we chose a carpaccio di tonno. Beautifully prepared sashimi grade tuna was accompanied by a sun-dried tomato/black olive tapenade. Very clean and fresh. Quite a contrast to a recent dinner at a well-known Manhattan Italian seafood restaurant known for their crudo, where most of the fish seemed drowned in salt and oil. This was seasoned perfectly. A second antipasto was the Tortino di vegetali con frutti di mare. I mistakenly assumed that this was a typical cold seafood salad. However, it turned out to be a warm dish of beautifully prepared shrimp, calamari, tiny clams and some of the most tender, flavorful octopus that I have ever tasted. The seafood was over a mélange of roasted vegetables-zucchini, potatoes and peppers. All in a very delicate yet flavorful fume. For primi, we chose two of their homemade pasta dishes. I had the pasta alla chitarra with seafood and she had the tagliolini with shrimp, arugula and diced fresh tomatoes. One interesting note- both the pasta alla chitarra and the tagliolini looked identical. When I make pasta with a chittara, they come out square; these seemed round. Not that important a point, however. As a secondo, we shared a dish of spigola baked under a salt crust. The fish was incredibly moist, tender and flavorful. A little olive oil and pepper was all that it needed. Perfection. They have just started a cheese course and had their selection on a sideboard nearby. I wasn’t sure how they would serve the course. When I told the server I would like to try the cheese course, she had the chef himself come out (who is from Italy) and he served. He actually gave us a generous sampling of all the cheeses they had to offer- at a very reasonable price probably since they were new at this. The cheeses were all of excellent quality. However, unlike my ideal cheese plate (different types of milks, consistencies, etc.), this was somewhat partially like a flight or vertical tasting of wines. For milk, there was a wonderfully crystalline Parmigiano-Reggiano and a marzolino di tartufi. However, that was followed by probably four or five different types of Pecorino: a semi-stagionato from Pienza, a Sardo, one from Basilicata, one from Abbruzzo and another whose origin I don’t recall. All great, but repetitive. I would have loved a great dolcelatte gorgonzola, fontina, a caprino or some other soft cheese. It reminded me of a time I had a sample tasting at DiPalo’s in NYC, in trying out different pecorini. Perfect accompaniment of figs, apricots, walnuts and red and white wine jellies.

The wine list had a couple dozen each of reds and whites. I was a bit disappointed in that their Italian selections were limited and not terribly interesting. An adjoining table and we were surprised and disappointed that a couple of the Chiantis listed were not available that night. We had asked to speak to their person in charge of wine. He tried to be helpful and earnest, but it appeared that his knowledge of wines was still somewhat limited. He actually recommended a wine that was not listed- an old favorite of one of Livio Felluga’s whites, which went well with most of what we ordered. For the one dish that really demanded a red-the pasta-a glass of the house Chianti worked just fine. We noticed that a nearby table had ordered Prosecco-one of our favorites and another table ordered some type of sparkling wine, yet I did not see either listed on the wine list.

We were there for a little over two comfortable hours and could have stayed longer if we wished. As I mentioned before, this was our first trip to Atlantic City and had no real basis of comparison, especially to the restaurants in the casinos, which we might try if we ever return. I wouldn’t necessarily consider this a destination restaurant-unless you live within a short distance, but I do feel it is worth considering if you visit Atlantic City and don’t want to eat at one of the resorts. All of this was not inexpensive. Dinner, wine, coffee, tax but no tip was about $185 for the two of us. By the way, I discussed the fact that there are multiple restaurants with the name Girasole (sunflower, in Italian) that aren’t related. We concluded that since it is a noun, rather than a name, as such (e.g. Famous Ray’s), that there were likely no legal issues to contend with, at least for now.

[Jeff L]

Thinking of going here (Bound Brook place) with friends first weekend in May. Has anyone been lately and care to comment on it. I did notice some early reviews included menu items that still appear on the menu on Girasole's website. This is not a good sign unless the website hasn't been updated in quite a while.