Some of you have driven by the beautifully lit floor-to-ceiling arched windows of La Pergola’s upscale facade, wondering what delights await you beyond the glimpse of happy patrons enjoying fine Italian cuisine and their own special wine. Most are locals and loyal frequent customers who go to La Pergola to dine before attending a show at the Paper Mill Playhouse, to celebrate special events, or to simply enjoy a wonderful evening out with family or on a date.
Well, wonder no more! If you’ve never been to La Pergola, you’re missing out on authentic and freshly-made Northern Italian cuisine in an elegant indoor and outdoor dining experience. You’ll always feel welcomed as part of their family with the genuinely caring owners and attentive staff. For example, if they know a particular customer who loves a certain dish is coming in, the chef will try to include that as one of the specials that evening. “Food is like a poem to me.” Says Driola, co-owner and executive chef, “Every chef has a story. It comes from the heart.”
Since 2011, owners Agron and Driola Kaloshi, have been bringing the freshest and most authentic taste of Northern Italy to Millburn, New Jersey. They pride themselves on using the finest ingredients to make year round and seasonal dishes for their guests. Agron, is there every morning, overseeing the ingredients being delivered, to ensure that they meet La Pergola’s quality and flavors standards. From locally farm sourced produce, to the best cuts of meat and seafood. Afterall, creating a symphony of taste for your palette starts with the best ingredients available! One can say, that makes Agron, not just a co-owner, but a “culinary maestro” for La Pergola’s symph ony of authentic Italian cuisine.
La Pergola has a dedicated pasta station in their kitchen. “All of our pastas, gnocchi and desserts are homemade,” says Driola. “Our Risotto with Osso Bucco is a very popular dish in the fall as is our Rack of Lamb.” Figs are a traditional Italian fruit and in the fall, La Pergola serves freshly made fig tarts and figs stuffed with gorgonzola cheese and walnuts, as well as a chestnut cake that’s gluten free. There is also a delicious Chicken Rollatini made with prosciutto, spinach, and wild mushrooms. A year round favorite, their Pan Seared Tuna served with cherry tomatoes, roasted corn, arugula, and lemon dressing Some of the other dishes on the menu this fall and winter: Squash-filled ravioli, Braised wild boar with pappardelle pasta, Butternut squash soup, Tuscan soup with kale and cannelloni beans, and Stuffed quail.
You can enjoy La Pergola beyond their restaurant through their catering menu for small and large offsite events. Driola helps you choose the right menu to accommodate all guests, including children and those with special dietary needs or preferences. Many birthdays, anniversaries, engagement parties, wedding rehearsals, weddings, baby and bridal showers, graduations, religious occasions, and other events have been celebrated at the restaurant. Driola and Agron have a strong following. Dining guests are known to reserve the entire restaurant to celebrate their wedding at La Pergola!
“The events are as unique as the family that is hosting, and the menu is custom made just for them,” says Driola, “I can help them set an elegant table with flowers, candles, and their favorite wine or champagne [the restaurant is BYOB]. I'm there to make everybody happy.” If having a party at home, another great option is to pick up favorite menu items to offer your guests.
When the weather is nice, dinners and parties are often held on the lovely outdoor garden area. “I made it very special and beautiful with a lot of flowers and plants,” she says. “I really wanted to create a peaceful and quiet garden where people can escape. It's just magical.”
Make it a point to visit La Pergola and see for yourself, what makes this Millburn iconic Italian restaurant a destination for yourself and your family. Don’t forget to bring your favorite bottle to enjoy with their cuisine. So, this fall, come in and enjoy delicious traditional and fall menu with culinary creations that taste like they come from your own personal chef!”
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“Food is like a poem to me.” Says Driola, co-owner and executive chef, “Every chef has a story. It comes from the heart.”
