Battle of the Italian Restaurants, Hudson County Style

Due Gemelli on Park Avenue between 60th and 61st Streets v. Cavalino's on Park Avenue and 68th Street, West New York, NJ

Whether you go to Due Gemelli's or Cavalino's, the staff will spoil you rotten.  When going to Due Gemelli, buy a bottle of wine on your way there, the staff will uncork and pour for you.  Or you can just show up at Cavalino's and order from the full bar.

Start both meals with bruschetta;  Cavalino's will serve you two small, classically prepared pieces with the bread, or order the cheesy bruschetta at Due Gemelli.  You will love.  You will also love the appetizers at Cavalino, whether it's tomato and mozzarella or mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat (the mushrooms come in a buttery sauce to boot- save your bread for this!).  House salads precede entrees, with house dressings from balsamic vinaigrette.  Pandora feasted on crabmeat-stuffed shrimp at Cavalino's, all crabby and buttery fried goodness.  This feathered dinosaur started her veal parmigian, before realizing her tummy was full, and had to take the rest home.  The linguini for both Cavalino dishes was buttery and al dente.   At Due Gemelli, the veal is juicier, thicker and served on traditional spaghetti.  You will definitely want the tiramisu at both places, with Cavalino's tiramisu in a smaller portion size and creamier.

Both restaurants are also quiet places to go; you can actually hear whoever you're with and gossip all through your meal.  This feathered dinosaur won't reveal  Pandora's gossip except to say that you should never get on the bad side of a killer unicorn.  And this feathered dinosaur MAKES NO APOLOGY for the super speed with which she eats or the extra sangria she drank.

Due Gemelli Points:  This feathered dinosaur got to visit Due Gemelli in peace, without Pandora stabbing everyone on her horn;  The veal in the veal parmigian is a little meatier; the bruschetta is a great lunch all on its own

Cavalino's Points:  Liquor license allows Culuriel and Pandora to get fruity, ice cold sangria;  the stuffed mushrooms with crabmeat, awesome bread, and perfect tiramisu.  Weekday specials are good for the retired or those playing hooky from work.