Tucked away in a shopping center is Marie’s, a quaint little Italian restaurant. When you walk in you are instantly greeted with the smell of fresh pasta sauce. It’s enough to make someone feel like they are walking into grandma’s kitchen.
I was excited to try their arancini, 3 huge rice balls filled with cheesy rice. Marie’s serves them with their homemade vodka sauce, rather than traditional red sauce. It was certainly a nice surprise. The crunch of the arancini was incredible while the creamy insides stayed extremely hot. I could taste hints of different cheeses in every bite. I know they classify this as an appetizer, but I am convinced that rice balls can be an entire meal.
I could not pass up the opportunity to try their mac n’ cheese. This too was classified as an appetizer so I expected a small dish; when it came out it was anything but small. The baking dish was still bubbling as it clearly just came out of the oven. A nice crispy layer of baked cheese laid on top. They used a combinations of 6 cheeses that blended together with perfection. The prosciutto added a touch of meaty saltiness that worked well with the creamy texture.
I was not planning on getting dessert since I was so full, but the waiter surprised me with homemade cannoli. That is not something to pass up. The filling was smooth and sweet. I could tell that the cannoli shell was fresh. A perfect ending to a great meal.
If you are headed to the New Jersey area make plans to stop by Marie’s for a classic Italian meal. Visit their website at: www.mariesdeli.com
Enjoy!
T
