STONE HARBOR – Fresh ingredients and simple preparations will be featured on the menu at Spiaggia Seafood Trattoria, a new family-owned restaurant open in Stone Harbor. Translating to “beach” in Italian, Spiaggia will make the most of fresh, local fish and other seafood so abundantly available in southern New Jersey.
Owner Marco Tarantino hails from Rome, Italy. A career as a restaurateur was not on Marco’s horizon; that is, until he met his future wife. “I really didn’t choose the business; the business chose me,” Marco acknowledged. “About 25 years ago, I went out on a date to an Italian restaurant, and ended up finding a wife and a job on the same night.”
He started work at that restaurant, and quickly embraced the business. He worked his way up the management chain in the industry, as he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at St. Joseph’s University. After many years as a manager for La Collina in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., Marco was offered a partnership in the Newtown Grill, an Italian restaurant in Newtown Square, Pa. He remains a co-owner today.
Marco also partnered in a restaurant venture, Sole’, located in Manayunk, Pa., and in Stone Harbor, N.J. When the restaurant closed, he saw it as the ideal time to get the family more involved in the business. Marco chose the former site of Sole’ to open Spiaggia.
“My wife Analia and my mother-in-law will be making the handmade pasta,” he said. “My mother is coming over from Italy to stay for a few months and help with the restaurant. The kids, Alessandra, Daniel, and Cristina, will be involved. This is a true family business.”
Marco’s wife is of Argentinian descent, and so the menu also reflects her heritage. The 14 oz. Certified Angus Beef Cowboy Steak is served with Argentinean Chimichurri sauce, and dessert offerings include Argentinian crepes filled with dulce de leche or nutella.
Spiaggia is located at 9800 3rd Avenue, Stone Harbor, N.J. During full season, the Trattoria will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested. For more information, including a full menu of items and prices, visit www.spiaggiastoneharbor.com or call (609) 368-9400. Specials and updates can be found at www.facebook.com/SpiaggiaSeafoodTrattoria
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