It was a good sign that there were customers waiting for Barosa to open when we arrived for lunch a few minutes before noon. Our ebullient host and hands-on partner, Joe La Rosa, said the three-year-old restaurant has enjoyed a steady stream of customers as he greeted returning patrons at a nearby table.
He even uses his party room (for 70 people) when, in the portioned bar area, there are people waiting to be seated in the softly lit dining area. Prime seating for early arrivals is the glassed-in dining area extension with its French doors that can be opened in good weather.
The menu is extensive and features authentic Italian dishes. We started with a large bottle of sparkling Saratoga water ($5) and the cold antipasti ($5.95). La Rosa explained that the large antipasto is his first “gift” to his customers. And a gift it is with an impressive selection of meats including salami, capocollo, prosciutto and mortadella, along with provolone cheese, roasted red peppers and black or green olives to make it a great first course.
With the antipasti, we enjoyed an over-flowing basket of crusty bread, garlic knots and mozzarella sticks. La Rosa explained that since he grew up in the family bakery, he knows the importance of the breadbasket. (It was so good we even took some home.)
From the menu’s “Carne” (meat) section, I chose an entr/e of five two-bite Lamb Ribs with a rosemary coating, small potatoes, steamed carrots and string beans ($19.95).
My partner chose the Red Snapper Livornese with saut/ed onions, anchovies, capers and black olives ($17.95). Abundance best describes both entrees. La Rosa explained that fresh ingredients are delivered daily and that someone goes to the fish market every morning. Kudos to Chef Loyola.
When La Rosa told us most of the desserts are made on the premises (in one of his two modern kitchens), we opted for a sampling of the Tiramisu, Italian cheesecake and flan. Some of the other desserts are from the renowned baker, Bindi of Milan, Italy. A nice Italian touch with the desserts was the bottle of Sambuca placed on the table along with the Espresso and American coffee.
Just two doors down from the corner location of Barosa restaurant is the recently opened Barosa To Go, a take-out pizzeria, and catering establishment serving the same dishes as the restaurant in addition to made-to-order pizzas as well as calzones, rolls, paninis and wraps. (Brick oven pizzas, “Next Door Pies” ($13), come from the mother restaurant.) On premises pies range from the regular size “Everything Pie” ($20) to “BBQ or Buffalo chicken ($22). We chose La Rosa’s and my favorite “Sicilian pie with fresh tomato sauce and Mozzarella cheese” ($14) which comes sliced into 10 servings - great idea for a party! Yes, they do deliver and catering is available.
Barosa Restaurant/Barosa To Go
62-29/62-37 Woodhaven Blvd.
Rego Park, NY 11374
718-424-1455
HOURS: Open 7 days. Monday to Thursday noon to 10 p.m.;
Friday and Saturday noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
PARKING: Valet after 5 p.m.
CREDIT CARDS: All major cards
RESERVATIONS: For parties of five or more
FEATURING: Family oriented (children menu); Full service bar.
ACCESSIBILITY: Widely spaced tables at street level.
CATERING: On and off premises
PRICES: Appetizers: $5.95- $13.05; Salads: $5.95- $6.06; Pastas: $9.95- $12.95; Barosa Burger: $8.95 plain;
Entree: $13.95- $26.95 and Desserts: $4.95- $5.95. Specials in the evening only as posted.
