Dinner & A Show in Red Bank – Making it special at Pazzo MMX

Upon entering Pazzo MMX {141 W Front St, Red Bank; 732.747.4551; pazzoredbank.com} in Red Bank, you are instantly welcomed into the warm embrace of long held Italian family traditions.  Your senses are filled with the sounds of jovial voices, uplifting music and sizzling cooking sounds from the open kitchen. Celebrities, actors and musical artists donning the walls in photographs are reminiscent of good times, good friends and good food.  Here is where you will savor the delicious tastes of classic Italian fare. The heritage of a family originally from Brooklyn is felt in the quintessentially New York Italian style restaurant. The ambiance at Pazzo MMX has made it a favorite for families to celebrate their holidays, birthdays, communions, graduations, christenings and corporate events. The beautiful covered patio is an added decorative rustic space that is frequently used for private events and family gatherings.  “MMX are the Roman numerals representing 2010,” explains co-owner Bobby Calavetta, as he describes how the restaurant first opened in Red Bank 13 years ago. “Pazzo means crazy in Italian,” smiles Bobby. “And we are crazy about food.” The partnership between Calavetta and the Dell’anno Family is also a bond of friendship. Mario Dell’anno’s legacy is honored in the painting prominently displayed in the main dining room along with his favorite celebrities.

The entertainment culture is represented in many photographs of familiar celebrities framed on the walls and hallways of the restaurant. This is why Pazzo MMX has chosen to be one of the Count Basie Center for the Arts’s leading pre-theater dinner venues. The Count Basie Center for the Arts is just a two-minute walk to Pazzo MMX where there is ample parking next door. When buying tickets for one of the center’s 200+ shows look for the Basie’s dining program which allows patrons to “make a night of it”. The offer includes $45 gift certificate, and a free appetizer at Pazzo MMX. When booking a table at Pazzo MMX be sure to mention you are seeing a show at the Basie or Two River Theater which is also located just minutes from the restaurant. Head Chef Andres Verde will be in the kitchen preparing some favorite dishes for guests who will be dining before a show. Start with the Calamari Fritti a fried calamari dish served with a side of marinara sauce and lemon wedge, it’s “the best around!” Then choose a popular insalata, the Burrata Mozzarella dish with prosciutto, Di Parma, poached pears, fresh seasonal fruit, honey & extra virgin olive oil. From the Pesce Menu, indulge in the Tuna entree, a pan seared blackened Ahi Tuna with wild mushroom truffle risotto, charred asparagus & balsamic glaze. Another recommend dish is the Blood Orange Glazed Salmon served over sautéed spinach with oven roasted fingerling potatoes & citrus vinaigrette. The Carne menu offers the juicy Filetto Di Casa a grilled center-cut Filet Mignon dressed with port wine reduction served with warm mashed potatoes & charred asparagus. The pasta at Pazzo MMX is always exquisite. Enjoy the Linguine Alla Vongole, a delicious linguine pasta dish with fresh baby clams, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes & parsley in a white wine sauce.

After the show Pazzo MMX has created the most delectable dessert for two. Indulge in the magnificent Pizzelle Tower a fresh homemade pizzelle stacked with Tahitian vanilla and dark chocolate homemade gelato drizzled with chocolate ganache and caramelized bananas. A variety of cappuccino and espresso drinks will pair nicely with your dessert or choose the sweet Ferrari-Carano Eldorado Noir Black Muscat or a glass of Taylor Fladgate Tawny Port.

The Pazzo MMX bar night life is not to be missed. Awarded one of the Best Happy Hours in Monmouth County, they serve hand crafted cocktails and perfect martinis. A unique Brooklyn favorite at the bar is FIG’getaboudit with Figenza Vodka, fresh fig purée, and lime.  Tantalizing flavors swirl in the Pazzo Punch made with Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum, Banana Rum, Malibu Coconut Rum, Creme de Coconut, grenadine, orange juice, and lime. Weeknight special events include, Half Off Pizza & Pasta Mondays, Ladies Night Tuesdays, and Wine Down Wednesdays. Happy Hour is always celebrated Mondays through Fridays from 3pm to 5pm and all-day Sunday.

For more information on upcoming Count Basie Center for the Arts events or Count Basie Center Academy of the Arts – and opportunities to take advantage of the Basie’s dining partner program, visit theBASIE.org or call 732.842.9000.