PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, June 17th, Parsippany’s Gourmet Café celebrated its 17th anniversary as one of the Township’s premiere Italian restaurants. The cozy, comfortable, upscale/casual BYOB, the pride and joy of Chef Matthew Pierone (aka Chef Matt), is in the Baldwin Plaza at 136 Baldwin Road. The trendy eatery, a family-owned and operated business boasting a large, area-wide regular clientele, is the pride and joy of Chef Matt, who is known to continually roam the room greeting his guests, most of whom he knows by name, and serving up a complimentary glass of his homemade limoncello.
Many of those regulars dressed for the occasion, packed the restaurant, and many arrived bearing gifts to commemorate the occasion. Marie Fragomeni, a paralegal specialist representing Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, presented Chef Pierone with a proclamation recognizing the Gourmet Café and Chef Pierone for not only its high-quality cuisine and exceptional hospitality but for its commitment to the community and ongoing generosity to various local organizations and charities.
An extensive array of complimentary appetizers continued to arrive from the kitchen, one after another, as the assembled guests chatted, shared stories, enjoyed a glass or two of wine, and just enjoyed the afternoon. Everyone seemed to have a special connection and/or memory that endeared them to the Gourmet Café. Many shared stories of past special occasions, anniversaries, birthdays, or simply a memorable meal or two embedded in their memories. The dining room was filled with a communal feeling, and it is clear that you are welcomed as part of the family as soon as you walk through the doors into what has grown to be one of Parsippany’s most desirable establishments.
Parsippany Mayor James Barberio stopped by to congratulate. Also present were Past Parsippany Council President Michael dePierro, his wife Dee, and Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw. It’s hard to believe that 17 years have passed since Chef Matt opened his doors in 2007 and became a staple in the community.
It was a great afternoon to commemorate the occasion, and everyone in the room agreed they were looking forward to enjoying many more delicious meals during the next 17 years.
