Marabella Meatballs
If the name Marabella Meatball Co. has a familiar ring, it's because there were - until all the local ones closed the mid-90s - Marabella eateries across the city and down the Shore, the original dating back more than 30 years.
If the name Marabella Meatball Co. has a familiar ring, it's because there were - until all the local ones closed the mid-90s - Marabella eateries across the city and down the Shore, the original dating back more than 30 years.
Gabe Marabella presided over eight of them at their peak, along with other ventures with once-hot restaurateur Neil Stein. Now that he's semiretired, Gabe's wife Judy suggested they open a storefront family business featuring their signature meatballs, the hit of holiday parties they famously threw when their children came home from college.
The ground-chuck balls are baked, tender, a traditional mix of fresh garlic and moistened stale Italian bread. There are pork and chicken contenders, as well, along with various cheeses and greens for toppings. But it's the soft, flavorful veggie ball (formed from broccoli, cauliflower, and pine nuts in red gravy) that's been a surprise hit. Finally, a meatball joint made safe for vegetarians.
- Rick Nichols
Four-veggie-meatball sandwich, $8.50, Marabella Meatball Co., 1211 Walnut St., 215-238-1833, www.marabellameatballs.com.