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Buddies Real New York Italian Kitchen

by Joe Lyons

I have found that among my New York friends, the terms New York or New York-style take on different meanings. Some think of New York as Park Avenue and the Hamptons. Some think of Brooklyn vs. the Bronx. You never want to get in between Yankees and Mets fans. If you followed the World Series, you know what I mean. About the only things that New Yorkers agree on is that New Jersey is NOT New York, even if their football teams do have to play there.

So it came as no surprise to me, having eaten several times at Buddies Italian Kitchen, that none of my New York friends could agree on what is good and what is not. One associate (a Yankee fan) even tried to tear down a Mets autographed photo on the bar wall.

Allow me to jump ahead. Right away, I need to let you know that Buddies has the best Philly cheese steak sandwich I have ever had ($7.25). Most are too fatty and you spend most of your time pulling your bit away from the gristle. It must be the quality of meat that they use here--but it is a joy to eat this sandwich. No, I have never eaten such a sandwich in South Philly, but I cannot imagine it to be much better than this. I do know that others that I have had have always disappointed me.

Speaking of disappointments, we debated as to what type of parmesan entree to have and since I simply cannot allow eggplant to touch my lips, we settled on the chicken ($9.95). It was dry.

We actually began with the traditional antipasto plate ($7.25). This one included a hard-boiled egg, which I loved, but the conversation led to a disagreement about the tradition of antipasto. It's not a big problem. I know I am right.

Manicotti ($6.95) is an Italian crepe full of cheese and covered with meat sauce. The veal Marsala ($11.95) comes with a wine and mushroom sauce.

Although I did not order it on the night of our review, I have had Buddies Lasagna ($8.95) before. Like the chicken parmesan, it needs more sauce. The answer would seem simple. Just remember to ask for extra marinara when you order.

Speaking of ordering. Someone asked for a pizza to take home. It came out packed and ready to go. I presume it was good, but I never got to try it.

Maybe next time.

Buddies Italian Kitchen is located at 8153 Aspen, off Foothill, just east of Haven in Rancho Cucamonga. (909) 476-8400 Ask for Larry Guarnieri.