By Jerry Del Priore 

Across my recent stays in Chatham, New Jersey, I had the pleasure of frequenting a number of fantastic places in the area, four to be exact. Great Italian food, aromatic, delicious coffee and tasty, healthy juices and smoothies were on the menu for this Brooklynite and his foodie fem, Maggie.  

Yes, my heart, not too mention my gut, was filled with joy and satisfaction. 

Café Villa –– 465 Main Street, Chatham, New Jersey 

First up was this non-descript Italian joint I visited with my Maggie. Hey, it’s a family owned and operated eatery, which opened its doors over 25 years ago and has been serving the community of Chatham and its neighboring towns ever since. So I figured it had to be at least decent. 

From the outside, I didn’t know what to expect, but the food smelled good. So we ordered away, first claiming the Crispy Eggplant Fritters, which were plump and outrageously savory.  

Next, I had the Tomato Soup, which was the perfect, creamy, delicious remedy for the cold, windy night. We spilt the Linguini & Seafood dish — sautéed clams, mussels, and shrimp, wilted spinach, and charred tomatoes. What a flavorful dish. 

Overall, our meal was reasonably priced while still being rather delectable. 

Rocco’s Tuscany Bar and Grill — 30 Cook Ave, Madison, New Jersey 

I took this recommendation from a plumber who has done work in Rocco’s kitchen, calling it place he would eat off the floors. Thankfully, we were spared, as it does own plates.  

Jungle Juice — 67 Main Street, Madison, New Jersey 

If you’re a proponent of healthy living (and even if you’re not), then do yourself a favor and enjoy a freshly prepared juice/veggie concoction or smoothie.

We ordered a Captain American — almond milk, chocolate protein, java, blueberries and all-natural peanut butter. Let me tell you something: it was over-the-top delicious, and absolutely refreshing.

While the Captain American isn’t cheap, it’s worth every penny for its awesome taste, and it’s certified personal trainer-approved, for its overall healthiness. 

Well, how else are you going to have enough strength and endurance to take on the evil Red Skull? Maggie enjoys one after her workout at the Max Challenge in Madison. 

Jungle Juice also serves up great tasting Acai and Pitaya Bowls, with locations in Cranford, Hoboken and Morristown, as well. 

Drip Coffee— 34 Main Street, Madison, New Jersey 

The smell of freshly brewed, good coffee puts me in a beautiful state of mind. That’s the feeling I get when I first enter drip, a quaint coffee shop — complete with Wi-Fi, plenty of tables, and outlets for plugs — on Main Street in Madison, where I tap away on my laptop while sipping some Joe in a great atmosphere for creativity. 

I ordered an Almond Milk Cappuccino, made perfectly with just the right amount of foam roaming the top of my tasty creation. 

The Mocha Drippuccino is a frozen treat I must try when the weather turns warmer, as well as the Pistachio Matcha Latte. 

There’s also an outpost in Chatham on Main Street.