The Connections Warren Watchung Edition Feb-March 2021

theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 33 DINING & TAKE OUT “I knew going into the show that I was going to stick to my roots and stay close to the dishes that I know work,” Joey remembers. By: Joanne Kleinle SALY G’S RESTAURANT & TAVERN 169 Washington Valley Rd, Warren 732-667-7400 www.salygsrestaurant.com Congratulations, Joey Gramaglia! The chef and owner of Warren’s popular Saly G’s restaurant was crowned “Chopped Champion” on the December 29th episode of the popular television cooking competition show, Chopped . He beat out three other chefs by staying true to what he does best. That is also his recipe for Saly G’s success. He took over the kitch- en of the family-owned Saly G’s in 2013. At that time, he trans- formed the menu to high- light his grandmother’s Neapolitan recipes while using modern techniques and plating to give them his own unique twist. Joey grew up in the restaurant business. His family owns several restau- rants and he learned how to cook from being in the kitchen, especially from his grandmother. Traditional Italian cooking focuses on fresh ingredients and the flavors each ingredient brings to the dish. Once he learned these basics, he perfected his technique and could give his own creative mark on traditional recipes. That is what he brings to Saly G’s and that is what made him Chopped champion. The competitors on Chopped are all professional chefs who are given a basket filled with often unusual ingredients that they are tasked with incorporating into an appetizer, an entree and, for the final two competitors, a dessert. The least favorite dish gets “chopped” and does not ad- vance to the next round. To make things more difficult, the chefs are cooking each dish in a high pressure, timed competition. “I knew going into the show that I was going to stick to my roots and stay close to the dishes that I know work,” Joey remembers. His baskets were filled with ingredients as varied as limburger cheese, a pickle bouquet and a french toast tower. These ingredients would, and have, thrown off many pro- fessional chefs, but not Joey. The menu at Saly G’s is filled with tra- ditional dishes as a base, but Joey incorporates seasoning and fresh ingredients that take a traditional dish and make it sing. All of the pasta at Saly G’s is homemade. All of the meats are hand select- ed, hand cut and seasoned to perfection. On the show, he knew how to take the best of the ingre- dients that he was given and in- corporate them into a traditional dish to make it even better. Saly G’s offers appetizers like clams casino and a vegetable tower with layers of eggplant, zucchini fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers and tomato with ol- ive oil and a balsamic glaze. They have a variety of homemade, flavorful pasta dish- es including mushroom ravioli and a truffle gnocchi with sweet onions, a brown butter sauce and toasted bread crumbs. There are a wide variety of chicken dishes as well as steaks, fish, veal and mouthwatering daily specials. The full menu and specials are available at www.salygsrestaurant.com. See for yourself why Saly G’s stands out above any competition. Call 732-667-7400 or go online for a res- ervation. The restaurant, located at The Corner Village at 169 Washington Valley Road in Warren is open daily for din- ner and for lunch every day except Sunday. You can dine in, take out or order from a delicious catering menu. The chef and owner of Warren’s popular Saly G’s restaurant was crowned “Chopped Champion” on the December 29th episode of the popular television cooking competition show, Chopped Pheasant Run Shopping Center • 169 Washington Valley Road, Warren 732-667-7400 SALYGSRESTAU NT.COM LUNCH & DINNER - RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED CATERINGAVAILABLE Come In & Enjoy Our New Extensive Wine List! We are Proud to Announce CHEF & OWNER JOE GRAMAGLIA is a Winner of the Food Network Show "Chopped"! Take Out & Curbside Pick Up Available NowAccepting Valentine's Day Reservations! Sushi, Ramen, Dim Sum, Poke Bowl, Rice Bowl, Hibachi, Bubble Tea 299 Route 22 East, Green Brook, NJ 732-624-9330 Order Online & Curbside Pick Up Available 7 DAYS AWEEK danzairestaurant.com Indoor Dining By Reservation Only Cannot be combined. Exp. 3/30/21 Cannot be combined. Exp. 3/30/21