Award-Winning Treno Pizza Bar Features Fantastic Pig Roast in Westmont, NJ
Eye-catching sign’s arrow with nostalgic design directs me in can’t-miss fashion.
Story, photos by Sharon Kozden
There will be pig. Pork talk. Porcine photos. After all, it was a pig roast I’d attended. Just sayin’ because I’d shown a friend my snap of the roasted pig, and her less than enthusiastic reaction made me realize there may be others similarly sensitive or put off, and who don’t realize (despite the telling title) that this review is about a pig roast. Okay then: disclaimer- and spoiler alert stated right off the bat, I can proceed.
On an August evening, I nipped over the Ben Franklin Bridge and made my way to Treno Pizza Bar in Westmont, NJ for their “First Friday Party on the Patio,” featuring said pig roast. Never having attended one, I imagined the pig slowly rotating on a rotisserie spit, fat sizzling and dripping into a collecting vat and with crispy browned skin that would have my cardiologist wagging a warning finger and clutching his heart area to suggest (were I to indulge) an infarction.
If ever there was an evening when I wanted a margarita on the spot, this was it. It rained during my entire drive, there were no overnight accommodations available in the vicinity, and I was dealing the possibility that my beloved Maine Coon cat’s love nip (euphemism alert!) might not having been so endearing, after all. I can’t take much; this was more than much.
I was seated immediately at a table especially reserved for me. Sweet. Server Mihaela arrived in a flash to take my cocktail and starter orders. That night, I had the best wings I’ve eaten thus far in my days of winging it. Don’t miss Treno’s Tuscan wings. Plump and moist, they’re prepared with a killer combination of garlic, chili flakes, rosemary and parmesan and are accompanied by complimentary perfection in a creamy Caesar dressing. The spicy kick was mildly present. Incomparable. They haunt my dreams still. Sipping my Patron Silver margarita and not-so-daintily nibbling the wings, I began to forget about my aforementioned troubles and relaxed into a Friday evening party state of mind.
The shindig’s mini-menu listed five food specials (one of which was a dessert) at six bucks a pop. Because I had two servings of wings and wanted dessert, I had just two of the four foodstuff items offered and sorta-kinda didn’t eat the bread areas in full in the same way people often skip the bread altogether … the better to indulge in their meals’ meat and potato (so-t0-speak) elements.
I went with the Roasted Suckling Pig Slider with shaved picnic slaw and the Smoked Pork Flatbread, featuring white cheddar, sweet house barbeque sauce and fresh herbs. While the slider’s bun and the flatbread itself were delicious, I wasn’t keen on leaving with that uncomfortably full feeling, hence my leaving crumbs of bread behind. Don’t starving-children shame me, thanks. One of the dishes came with two little curls of the pig skin, which was a wholly acceptable in moderation way to experience the golden-brown delicacy. With the slider and flatbread, I paired one of the three featured specialty cocktails: the Frose, which was frozen rose with strawberry lemonade and tequila. I chose well. It was a lovely pale pink-hued and slushily refreshing temptress.
In terms of the ambience and mood, everyone seemed to be talkative and animated as folks ending yet another work week typically are. The backdrop of dense storm clouds at dusk was in stark contrast to the scene within, made even cozier by strung lights and the live duo that is local talent Class A Kings. Just when I thought the evening couldn’t improve, my plates were cleared, and the starring dessert was set before me. Sit for this name: Charred Pineapple Bread Pudding with rum custard cream. It was a sublime blend of ingredients with none screaming for more attention than another .. a veritable melt-in-mouth team effort.
Brandon stopped by my table a few times to check in. I got the feeling as I was munching away that he could tell without a doubt and even without asking that he’d encountered one happy foodie.
With exceptional food and drink, friendly staff and management and an all-that vibe, it’s no wonder Treno was a 2018 South Jersey Magazine‘s “Best of the Best” awardee. This is a DWR (Definitely Will Return) venue for me.
Class A sign, too. Check out the drinks’ and bites’ descriptors. I’m all in!
Congrats, Treno! Displayed with pride at entrance. Can’t be missed, nor should such an honor. The patrons have spoken.
Indoor seating wouldn’t make for a pig roast, yet I’d be remiss were I to omit an interior shot. Full moon-appearing, globe-shaped light fixtures and dark, rustic wooden tables pair well.
Incendiary! Bet this had something to do with Treno’s “Best of the Best” award.
My table’s artful reserved notice. For that matter, it was the only reserved table. I can’t deny the special attention to such detail doesn’t go unnoticed.
With modern style and cool, grey décor, the patio area and bar welcome light and fresh air courtesy of full-length glass windows. Just beyond and outdoors, two chefs were working their culinary roasting magic.
These smiles are genuine: Treno has one of the friendliest staff I’ve been fortunate to have served and tended to me. That’s something patrons want and won’t forget.
It’s my go-to cocktail for a reason. While I don’t tire of ordering margaritas, neither do I become bored snapping them.
Wait: could these possibly be the best wings I’ve ever tasted? In a word, YES!
No: you’ll not be able to each just one; however, one should be photographed in all its glory. These babies are the cat’s meow and more.
This roasting unit has everything necessary to get the job done, including instructions.
La Caja China translates to “Chinese box.” I had thought a rotisserie was used, although I’m not in the habit of shopping for roasting pigs boxes.
A job well done … or rather, done to perfection. These guys look satisfied with the result of their labor. Later, the foodstuffs proved they got it right, indeed.
Of the three featured specialty cocktails, the “Frose” (frozen rose) sounded most appealing. Pretty in pale pink!
Local talent Class A Kings were the patio party’s featured entertainment. Guitarist hams rock-star pose for the camera.
Four tantalizing $6 pork food specials were featured. Pictured is the Smoked Pork Flatbread.
Take a gander at the Roasted Suckling Pig Slider. I took more than gander … try mouthfuls. Delectable!
Hold me back from ordering seconds of this, the Charred Pineapple Bread Pudding. I’m glad I tried only two of the proffered four food specials, as I might’ve had to decline dessert. Fat chance!
