Danbury Destination—

Nick’s Restaurant & Catering

Nick’s Restaurant & Catering, “a gathering for family and friends,” has been tucked away on a Danbury side street for nearly 35 years, the last 20 under the ownership of brothers Frank and Victor DeGirlamo and their cousin Tony Gallucci, all Newtown residents. Located on Starr Street, which connects Triangle Avenue and South Street (Route 53) near the Motor Vehicles office, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and dinner on Sunday. On Mother’s Day, May 11, however, Nick’s will be open from noon till 9 pm.

Catering is a significant part of the 92-seat restaurant’s business. Mr Gallucci notes that Nick’s specializes in full-service, off-site catering, providing food and service for events ranging from graduations, private parties, and business meetings to corporate picnics and weddings. The restaurant also caters clambakes and provides the catering for the local US Army barracks in Danbury. More information on Nick’s catering services, as well as sample wedding and catering menus can be found on the restaurant’s website, NicksDanbury.com.

And as its latest venture, Nick’s has recently opened a café at the Medical Arts Building of Danbury Hospital, 111 Osborne Street, for patients and employees of the hospital.

The décor and the atmosphere at Nick’s on Starr Street is casual and family friendly, the tables covered with burgundy cloths and glass tops. A large photo of Faeto, Italy, Mr Gallucci’s hometown, graces one wall of the rear dining area. Mr Gallucci’s family came to the United States when he was 12; his cousins were born here. Many members of the staff were in place before the restaurant changed hands 20 years ago, and one server “has been here since day one.”

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 comments — and newcomers are made to feel welcome.

Among the most popular dishes are eggplant a la Nick’s (thinly sliced, stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach with a choice of brown or marina sauce); and spinach manicotti.

Predominately Italian, the eatery also features Nick’s “own creamy version” of French onion soup, a New York cut sirloin steak, and a children’s menu.

The appetizers range from $4.75 to $9.95 and include stuffed mushrooms, clams and mussels Posillipo (prepared in garlic, white wine, and marinara sauce), and hot and cold choices. Diners can choose from three soups, and four salads.

Entrees fall into four categories: seafood, veal, chicken, and pasta. Seafood dishes include a broiled seafood platter with sole, scallops, stuffed clams, shrimp, and swordfish; calamari lugiana; and shrimp — scampi, fra diavolo, or baked stuffed. There are five veal selections and five chicken, including a breast of capon.

Diners can choose from five pastas and nine sauces, as well as pasta dishes such as ravioli, gnocchi with peso sauce, and baked ziti. Salad is included with all pasta dishes.

Dinner entrees range from $12.95 to $21.95. In addition, six to ten specials are offered every day.

Regular and Sicilian pizza are on the menu at Nick’s, and a handy pizza pickup area makes take-home a snap. A variety of calzones and grinders means there is something for everyone.

All menu selections are available for takeout, as well, and are listed on the website.

To end a meal, Nick’s offers a tempting dessert selection of rum cake, tiramisu, chocolate mousse cake, and ice cream, to name just a few, all reasonably priced.

Nick’s Restaurant & Catering, 4 Starr Street, Danbury; 748-2400 or NicksDanbury.com. Open Monday–Thursday, 11:30 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 am to 10; Sunday, 4 to 9 pm. Orders can be faxed to 748-2039. All major credit cards accepted.