Italian restaurant reopens grandly
GREENWOOD LAKE — On Nov. 15, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Greenwood Lake Mayor Barbara Moore and members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce joined owner/chef Tony Kolaj, his partner Jessica Stillman along with friends and staff members for the grand reopening of their restaurant, Al Laghetto.
The well-appointed and cozy Italian restaurant is located at 40 Route 210 (Jersey Avenue) on the west shore of Greenwood Lake near the West Milford, N.J., and Warwick border.
This past February, Moore and her husband James had just finished a meal at the recently opened Al Laghetto when their waitress notified them that they would have to leave because there was a fire in the building and the Greenwood Lake Fire Department was on the way.
“One minute we were enjoying a terrific meal,” said Moore, “and the next minute we were helping firefighters pull the hoses.”
That night the three-alarm fire, which began in an apartment above the restaurant, was brought under control within about 20 minutes.
But the resulting water damage forced Al Laghetto to remain closed for extensive repairs and renovations that were only recently completed.
Everything is back to normal now and local residents no longer need be envious of the rich and famous who often receive special attention at their favorite Manhattan eateries.
Fishing buddies with Bill Murray
Celebrity and award-winning chef Tony Kolaj, who previously worked in Manhattan, can rattle off names of well-known politicians as well as entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Robert Redford, David Letterman and Robert De Niro as among those who gave him a free hand in preparing their favorite gourmet dinners.
That was when he was the chief chef at Piero’s, a popular Madison Avenue spot frequented by celebrities in those days. He also had a loyal following among the cast members of Saturday Night Live and a memorable photograph with his “fishing buddy,” actor and comedian Bill Murray hangs on one wall of the restaurant.
Kolaj has been cooking since he was a youngster in Albania and then professionally in the United States since 1970. At that time he was given political asylum after escaping the Communist-controlled nation.
According to Kolaj, diners who visit Al Laghetto can expect the same service, quality and perfection in preparation that earned him the loyalty of wealthy celebrities but at much more reasonable prices. He intends to keep his restaurant affordable for local residents even though he refuses to compromise on quality.
Sinatra made his own drinks
Kolaj makes his own butter every day, picks-up bread fresh from the ovens of Rockland Bakery, creates special desserts by melting bars of fresh chocolate and orders prized Porcine Mushrooms from Italy at $50 per kilo.
In a whimsical reference to some of the famous personalities Kolaj has served, his special entrées have titles like Raging Bull, Scarface, Charlie’s Angels and Shrimp Sopranos.
Kolaj is also happy to make the selection decision a la upscale Manhattan restaurants for any patrons that appreciate that type of personal service.
And if he’s not too busy, Kolaj is also a great storyteller with numerous anecdotes about the stars such as Sinatra’s habit of making his own drinks behind a restaurant’s bar or using his private jet to fly his favorite onions in from Bermuda.
Although he was born in Communist Albania, Kolaj probably has a better knowledge of American and European history than most college graduates and he enjoys discussing that subject.
He has five children and six grandchildren that he could spend most of his time visiting, but Kolaj has no plans to retire.
“I’ll retire when I can’t stand up,” he said. “I enjoy it when my customers say, ‘This was the best food we’ve ever had.’”
Essential information
Al Laghetto is open every weekday, except Monday, from 5 to 10 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m.
The owners plan to soon offer lunch and Sunday brunch. A liquor license is pending and expected shortly. For reservations call 595-1800.