  "Chef Merlino’s food is refreshingly uncomplicated. Each dish tastes like its respective ingredients, a rarity these days. Chipotle peppers thrum smoky heat into roasted butternut squash soup. Anchovies impart a salty nuttiness to Caesar dressing made from scratch. In the rustic rigatoni with spicy sausage and smoked mozzarella, roasted fennel releases a fragrant undertone of anise. Before adding tomato and cream for the sauce, Merlino deglazes the onions and garlic with a shot of Sambuca that caps each forkful with a licorice crescendo." --New Jersey Monthly
Manna and its seasonal American cuisine has the word "winner" written all over it, and it has so much to do with a talented and passionate chef in the kitchen, and his equally talented wife in the front of the house. For BYOB aficionados, this is as good as it gets. John & Victoria Merlino, experienced hospitality professionals, designed the menu around their favorite foods. The chef likes to keep it simple and allow his fresh and superb ingredients do the work. The restaurant has already developed a devoted following who appreciate Manna’s quality food, service and atmosphere.
Vicki makes the desserts at home, and John’s mom bakes her legendary pecan pies that instantaneously became a house favorite. There are only twenty-five tables, so reservations are highly suggested.
| Particulars Price Range:
$33 and under
Credit Cards:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover
Parking:
Street
Dress Code:
Casual elegant
Reservations:
Suggested. Walk-ins are welcome
Signature Dishes
Appetizers:
JUMBO LUMP CRAB AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO
Arborio rice, butternut squash, sundried cherries, mascarpone cheese, reggiano parmigiana cheese and jumbo lump crab.
WILD MUSHROOM BRUSCHETTA
Toasted semolina crostini, boursin cheese, sautéed wild mushrooms, reggiano parmigiana cheese, truffle oil.
Entrees:
VANILLA-MAPLE LAQUERED ORGANIC AMISH CHICKEN BREAST
True organic chicken breast, brioche stuffing, pecan crusted sweet potato casserole, roasted turnips.
OUR PAELLA
Jumbo shrimp, jumbo lump crab, clams, fish, chicken, chorizo, rice, saffron and tomato.
Dessert:
GRAMMY’S PECAN PIE
Made with Grammy’s secret ingredients, flaky homemade pie crust and whipped cream. |