Cook It, We Live It, We

BY CHRISTINE BARCIA

As families gather together for holiday meals, the search for the best restaurants in town begins. In Freehold, La Cipollina is the choice for many seeking out fine, Italian food. Since 1987, the Italian eatery has been owned and operated by Anthony Braica. “Customers come year after year for the food and service, but most important people feel comfortable here,” he explained. Braica honed his skills from a young age going from restaurant to restaurant learning what it takes to make it in “this highly competitive industry.” He turned this originally casual dining destination into an upscale BYOB (bring your own bottle) borough favorite.

The menu reflects both self-taught Braica’s talent in the kitchen and the restaurant’s motto: “We Cook It, We Live It, We Love It.” Featuring many culinary options, the menu includes artisanal cheeses, a charcuterie butcher plate, and antipasti, in addition to soup, salad, pasta, Risotto, main courses of fish and meat, and desserts. Carving his own culinary path, Braica creates “authentic Italian cuisine with French influences,” according to the restaurant’s website.

Braica’s grit from his early years in the food service industry was evident during the pandemic. Instead of going the route of most restaurants and offering only a take-out menu, he created a “Saturday Night Feast” for his treasured customers. “We charged $100 for a feast for two and created a conveyor belt system in the parking lot to deliver the food,” he said. Braica’s concept was a success not only for customers, but also for the restaurant’s workers. “We kept staff please see BITES, page 14