PARSIPPANY — “It has been a lifelong goal to own and operate my own restaurant,” said Matt Pierone. The dream came true on June 7, 2007 when, with the blessing of his wife Rosemary, he purchased the Gourmet Café. At that time, the restaurant had already been in operation for fifteen years. While Matt retained the name, he made the restaurant his own.
“Many people ask about my background so I thought I would share some of my story. I began washing dishes at the Cobblestone in West Caldwell, cooked at the Huddle Inn in Fairfield, and Columbo’s in Orange. I graduated from The New York Restaurant School in Manhattan with highest honors. While attending school, I worked at Gracie Mansion. The Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange was my next stop. At the Rainbow Room in New York City, I was the Poissonnier (Fish Chef),” said Matt.
He also worked as Executive Chef at the Racquets Club of Short Hills, Chef de Cuisine at Eccola Italian Bistro, Saucier at Rod’s Steak House, Chef at the Green House & Sous Chef at the Grande Café, Morristown.
“While it was great to work at such quality establishments, perhaps more important was my upbringing. Everyone who entered our home was greeted warmly and offered food and drink. This tradition of hospitality continues…” said Matt.
Matt is proud to offer high quality food at a reasonable price in a friendly Bistro setting.
Patrick Minutillo said “I’m proud to say that I stopped in at the Gourmet Cafe the first week Matt opened ten years ago and was so impressed, I’ve been coming back as a regular ever since.”
Chef Matthew Pierone has the reputation of being both humble and kind, a beloved and attentive chef-owner. Gourmet Cafe has served creative Italian food to loyal customers since 2007. He graduated from The New York Restaurant School. “He says owning his own place has been a dream come true. The Gourmet Cafe is hidden in a strip mall. Fans love the BYOB, warm, casual atmosphere – and of course the fantastic food, served for very reasonable prices,” said Pierone. The Gourmet Cafe is touted as one of the best values in Parsippany, which is why they are almost always booked solid.
The Gourmet Cafe is located at 136 Baldwin Road. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday for Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and for Dinner from5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. Saturday afternoons and Sundays are available for parties.
Since May of 2008, Matthew Pierone has made it a priority to utilize his restaurant as a way to raise money for many local non-profit organizations. Prior to opening the restaurant, Matt had always been personally involved with charity donations so he wanted his business to do the same. With the belief that as a part of the community it is necessary to help give back to those in need, “Make a Difference Mondays” donates 10% of the day’s sales to a designated non-profit organization. Matt’s generosity applies to all sales for lunch, dinner, take-out, and even gift certificates purchased that day. To date Matt has donated over $70,000 to non-profit organizations.
Gourmet Cafe is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information click here.
