We're all about reinventing ourselves — especially with the new year upon us. That's why we're raising a glass to Eddie Cerino's Casual Italian, which originally opened in Lakewood as burger joint Eddie 'N Eddie in 2012. After competing for hungry mouths with fellow gastropub neighbors Jammy Buggars and Deagan's Kitchen and Bar, owner Eddie Cerino decided to relaunch the spot with a refocused Italian menu in August 2013. Since then the restaurant has secured a following of loyal diners thanks to a lineup of comforting appetizers, pastas and pizzas. Get started with one of three varieties of calamari — try Cousin's Ron's bright and tangy version ($11 small, $20 large) with Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, wild mushrooms and fresh basil. While there's plenty of favorites such as spaghetti and marinara, chicken marsala and spaghetti frutti di mare, opt for the crispy gnocchi ($11 small, $14 large). Fluffy on the inside, these little pasta pillows are slightly caramelized on the outside. When paired with sliced chicken tenders, basil pesto, charred cherry tomatoes and a healthy dose of Parmesan cheese, it's definitely a filling meal. But not so much that we didn't have room for something sweet. The house-made tiramisu ($4.95) — a traditional dessert built with layers of coffee-soaked cake and mascarpone cheese — proved that while we appreciate change, we're definitely fans of the classics.
When You Go
Eddie Cerino's Casual Italian, 14725 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 440-799-4554, eddiecerinos.com
