Nick’s Restaurant & Catering, A Danbury Destination

Located on Starr Street in Danbury, Nick’s Restaurant & Catering is tucked away from the bustle of intersecting South Street (Route 53), but inside the eatery there is a constant buzz of activity. The restaurant tagged as “a gathering for family and friends” has been welcoming customers for more than 30 years for lunches, dinners, and special occasions. For the past 23 years, it has been under the ownership of Newtowners Tony Gallucci and his cousins Frank and Victor DeGirlamo.

 Catering is a significant part of the restaurant’s business, said Mr Gallucci, noting that the restaurant is responsible for lunches served at several area schools, including St Rose School and the Fraser- Woods School in Newtown.

Nick’s specializes in full-service, off-site catering for any size party. From graduations, business meetings, and corporate picnics, to weddings and private parties, Nick’s is happy to provide not only food items, but also staff, linens, tableware, and all of the other accoutrements needed for special occasions.

Private parties are welcomed at the restaurant, where the second of two larger dining rooms can accommodate up to 50 people. Larger parties can rent both sections of the restaurant. More information on Nick’s catering services, as well as sample catering menus, can be found at NicksDanbury.com.

A family-friendly restaurant, Nick’s is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday, and for dinner on Sunday. Stepping into the dining area from the foyer, guests are guided to either one of the more spacious rooms off to the left (often by a friendly staff member who was in place before the restaurant changed hands 23 years ago), or to the cozier dining section to the right of the entrance, where just 20 diners are seated in a light pine paneled room looking out onto Starr Street.

Linen-draped tables are topped with glass, so there is no need to fear spilling, for guests young or old. Every table is set with a cruet of olive oil, crushed red pepper and grated cheese, and a glowing candle. The two larger dining rooms are separated by an open arched doorway and a half wall that doubles as a planter, stretching from one side of the room nearly to the other. A large photo of Faeto, Italy, where Mr Gallucci lived with his family until he was 12 years old, fills one wall of the rear dining area.

Soft light falls from shell-shaped sconces and recessed lighting, giving a homey atmosphere that is amplified by the presence of Mr Gallucci mingling with customers.

As with any successful restaurant, Nick’s has its regulars who come in two or three times a week. “Sometimes we know who is here by the orders that come into the kitchen,” Mr Gallucci commented, and newcomers are made to feel welcome. Regulars are never bored with the menu, though. Mr Gallucci routinely creates new specials to supplement Nick’s standard offerings.

Whether it is the first or fiftieth visit, guest can start off the meal with any of several appetizers, from a simple garlic bread Parmigiana for just $3.95 or the elaborate hot antipasto for two, for $15.95. Stuffed mushrooms, clams and mussels Posillipo (prepared with garlic, white wine, and marinara sauce), and many more hot and cold selections whet the appetite. Diners can also choose from a variety of appetizer salads or soups, all of which are made on premises. (Regulars know to look for a seasonal daily special soup, such as butternut squash during the chillier months.)

Entrees fall into four categories: seafood, veal, chicken, or pasta. Six to ten specials are offered every day, as well. Seafood dishes include a broiled seafood platter with sole, scallops, stuffed clams, shrimp, and swordfish; calamari Lugiana; and shrimp served either scampi, fra diavolo, or baked stuffed.

Among the most popular dishes are eggplant “a la Nick’s,” thin slices of eggplant stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach, with a choice of brown or marinara sauce; and orcchiette a la Formaggio, small cup-shaped pasta tossed with prosciutto, artichoke hearts, and coated with mascarpone and Romano cheeses.

New this year and well received has been the veal Campania, pan fried veal scaloppini topped with sweet red peppers in a garlic butter sauce, and the stuffed chicken Marsala remains a favorite. The breast of chicken is stuffed with vegetables and served in a mushroom Marsala wine sauce.

Diners can choose from these or several other veal and chicken selections, including a breast of capon.

Five pastas and nine sauces provide the opportunity to customize an order, or choose ravioli, gnocchi with pesto, or baked ziti. All pasta dishes include a salad, and entrees come with bread crafted and baked in the kitchen. Dinner entrees range from $10.95 to $21.95.

Predominantly Italian, the eatery also feature’s Nick’s “own creamy version” of French onion soup, a New York sirloin steak, and a children’s menu. Little visitors are offered a ball of pizza dough to keep them occupied during the brief wait between ordering and eating.

Regular and Sicilian-style pizzas, the handiwork of Frank DeGirlamo, are made from dough made in Nick’s kitchen, and topped with Nick’s own sauce. Even the cheese that tops the pizzas is shredded in the kitchen. A variety of calzones and grinders means there is something for everyone. A handy pickup area near the front entrance makes take-home a snap, and all menu selections are available for takeout.

Wines of Italy have been selected to complement the meals, and are moderately priced, said Mr Gallucci. Nearly a dozen domestic and imported beers round out the wine and beer menu.

End the meal with one of the tempting desserts made in house, like the Italian cheesecake or the chocolate mousse cake, or the tiramisu from New York, all reasonably priced.

Nick’s Restaurant & Catering, 4 Starr Street in Danbury, is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to 10 pm; and on Sunday from 4 to 9 pm. Orders can be faxed to 203-748-2039, or call 203-748-2400 for takeout and information. All major credit cards are accepted. Check local papers for coupons and special offers, or visit NicksDanbury.com.