501 Morris Ave.
(609) 394-9089
While probably best known for its hamburgers and sports fanaticism, Rossi’s is a Trenton landmark with much more to offer than just burgers and ball games.
Located at “Joe DiMaggio Corner” in Chambersburg, this is a family-run enterprise, as it has been since opening in 1933. Entering the bar from the front door gives a comforting, old-time feel reminiscent of maybe an Edward Hopper painting or a noir-ish novel. There is almost a sense of stepping back in time to place where tradition and courtesy count.
Past the bar and a step up is the dining room. Less than a dozen tables are situated to provide seating that is on the cozy side of tight when the house is full. The atmosphere is just right for the menu which trends towards the traditional; no-frills; homey. It’s like eating at Nona’s.
On our recent visit, while seemingly half of Trenton was standing on line in the cool mist waiting to get their final tomato pie from DeLorenzo’s on Hudson Street, we arrived to find the bar a third occupied but filling up. The dining room was consistently half full during our stay.
Joanna brought our menus and took our drink orders. Co-Muncher and I decided to just have a glass of the house Chianti ($5.95) as we perused the menu, and the specials board hung over the server’s station. We opted for the fried zucchini and sauce appetizer ($5.95) and the sautéed peppers and mushrooms ($6.95).
Either starter would have been sufficient for both of us and maybe one more person. The zucchini are breaded, fried batons; served hot, sprinkled with Parmesan and a cup of the house red sauce on the side. Excellent! Crunchy on the outside and nicely seasoned, the zucchini sticks are good as is or dipped in the sauce.
The mushrooms and peppers is another one of those homey, old fashioned touches: slices of mushrooms sautéed in oil and a little garlic along with long, hot peppers. The peppers are not so hot to blow out your palate for the rest of the meal, just a little heat to tickle the taste buds.
It took every ounce of restraint I had to not consume the whole basket of bread sopping up the savory oil in the bottom of the plate. The two of us could have easily filled up on these two starters, the bread and a couple glasses of wine, but we pressed on.
The menu is not extensive, but it offers something for everyone. We had little trouble finding several choices we wanted either from the regular menu or the specials that evening. Co-Muncher went for the Ravioli Rosé ($10.95) and I knew as soon as I saw it that I’d be ordering the veal and peppers that was a special of the night ($12.95).
Both entrees came with house salads, and the veal and peppers also was accompanied by a side of pencil points in the red sauce. Yes!
Not exactly thrilled with the Chianti, for our second round we traded up and ordered glasses of the Antinori Sangiovese ($6.95/$26 per bottle). This wine was a little smoother and more to our taste.
Our salads arrived when were only about halfway through our appetizers. Afraid that the entrees might not be far behind, we picked up the pace. We should have relaxed, as there was ample time to do justice to both.
The salads were basic: iceberg lettuce, a pallid wedge of midwinter tomato, slice of carrot and pungent sliced onions. Some blanched green beans and pieces of pickled cauliflower were uncommon additions. The salads, dressed in a basic vinaigrette, provided a little palate cleanse prior to the entrees.
The ravioli rosé arrived. There were 10 plump, cheese-filled ravioli in a pink sauce that Co-Muncher declared excellent. And filling. Half the order came home with us to serve as lunch the next day.
The veal and peppers came on a large platter. Chunks of stewing veal simmered with white wine, seasonings and sweet peppers. There appeared to be a blush to the sauce indicating a kiss of added tomato sauce. This dish is an all-time favorite of mine and although I’m more accustomed to more of a tomato-based sauce, this rendition was comforting and filling. The pencil points were a nice extra.
We were sated enough to skip dessert and coffee. Our bellies were full; our souls satisfied. Rossi’s is a little touch of old-school, home-style hospitality in a changing Trenton.
Rossi’s takes both cash and credit cards. They do have a liquor license.
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Rossi’s
