By Mike Steele
Mike Scotto is no stranger to the restaurant industry.
He grew up working at his family’s Hightstown restaurant, Scotto’s Pizza on Route 33, before owning and operating a variety of pizzerias throughout the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas (including Scotto’s Pizza Café in Mount Laurel, which he still owns today).
“I’ve been in the pizza business all my life,” Scotto said.
In 2000, Scotto attempted his first venture into the world of full service sit-down restaurants when he and his wife, Sandra, opened Jester’s Café in Bordentown City. The restaurant still serves Scotto’s traditional pizza, but a full selection of original salads, pastas, sandwiches and entrées are also available, giving Jester’s what he refers to as, “an American menu and Italian flair.”
One of the restaurant’s most popular sandwiches, the Farnsworth Burger, provides a fine example of the Italian and American combination. The half-pound angus beef burger is topped with roasted red peppers, gorgonzola cheese and a balsamic reduction.
Another popular dish, the Frutti di Mare, features a selection of mussels, clams, shrimp and scallops sautéed in a white whine garlic basil sauce, served over linguini.
The Senne Salad includes marinated grilled chicken, olives, bruschetta tomatoes and rigatoni over field greens.
Red, white, and margherita pies are available, as well as a selection of flatbread pizzas.
In addition to the standard menu, the restaurant serves new specialty dishes on a regular basis.
“We always have daily recipes that we make,” Scotto said.
Jester’s Café hosts a variety of events throughout the year, which include live music, festivals and weekly food specials. On Tuesday evenings, children eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Wednesday is Date Night, where couples can order two entrees and an appetizer for the fixed price of $49. Ladies Night is every Thursday and includes $3 premium drinks. The full bar features Happy Hour pricing weekdays from 2-6 p.m.
The restaurant is closed to the public on Sundays, when it hosts private events, such as weddings, corporate galas and birthday parties.
Scotto enjoys meeting new customers and chatting with regulars. He is happy see Jester’s Café become a place where the community can gather to socialize and enjoy good food.
“When you see people come in and enjoy it, that makes it all worthwhile,” he said.
Different events at the restaurant are listed on the Jester’s website and Facebook page.
Jester’s Café is located at 233 Farnsworth Ave. in Bordentown City. Phone: (609) 298-9963. On the web: jesterscafe.net.
