TimesLeader.com

April 23
‘The food speaks for itself’

BY MELISSA KELLY mkelly@theabingtonjournal.com

CLARKS SUMMIT- There are plenty of places to eat, drink and be merry in the Abingtons, including favorite restaurants that have been around for years and new ones that are quickly becoming favorites, such as Bazil. Open for almost three months, this New York style restaurant is aiming to make a delicious name for itself.

At right, server Joe Georgetti holds the dessert tray at Bazil.

Above, Bazil offers pasta, chicken, veal, fish and many other dishes. Above is a featured menu item, the striped bass.

ABINGTON JOURNAL PHOTOS/ MELISSA KELLY

A table for two, set among the dining room in Bazil.

A table for two, set among the dining room in Bazil.

Times Leader Photo Store

Peter Montana, a New York restaurant owner, has family that resides in the local area. He recalled visiting them years ago and admiring the area. Montana has since become a resident of Clarks Summit, and has owned and operated Basilicos, in Dickson City, for five years.

The opening of Bazil was a longtime in the making. “I always wanted to do fine dining, and there was never a place available.” But that would change when The Fire Grill closed, “I live in Clarks Summit, this place came available. I thought it was a great opportunity for a New York style Italian restaurant.”

After renovations to the interior, the creation of a New York style Italian restaurant menu and fine dining and loud/friendly Italian atmosphere, arrived Bazil. Montana said, “It is a great neighborhood. It is a neighborhood.”

Bazil hours are Mondays through Thursdays, from 5 to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m., at 1101 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit. Reservations are not accepted. Going the extra mile for customers, Montana and ‘Captain’ Alberto Romano arrange and set up an extra table brought out from the back to accommodate guests during a Friday evening dinner rush. Each night, Montana explained, the kitchen is scrubbed and hosed down. “The kitchen is spotless, and I am proud to have any customer walk into the kitchen.” The traditional menu was a collaborative effort of Montana, Chef Chris Barcia and others from New York. The menu includes Vitello (veal), Pesce (fish), Primi (pasta), Antipasto, Brodo (soup), Pollo (chicken) and much more.

Future plans for the restaurant, Montana hinted, may include later dining hours. He also said that he would like to offer a Chef’s Table where customers will be able to sit for a private meal. The restaurant also offers valet parking.

“From the moment you arrive, until the moment you leave, old fashioned Italian is happening,” Montana said, adding that he likes that the restaurant is loud, as the customers are enjoying themselves. “The food speaks for itself,” he said.

Want to eat at Bazil?

What: A New York style Italian restaurant

Where: 1101 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit

Info: 586-5517

Hours: Mondays through Thursdays, from 5 to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 5 to 9 p.m.