Cuisine that delights and excites

By Sue Baldani

Growing up in a large Italian family, Mary Cumella loved making fresh pasta with her grandparents every weekend. This inspired her love of food and cooking, and as an adult, she went on to graduate from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and work with master chefs in many high-end restaurants.

Today, she’s the managing partner of Gioia Mia, which just celebrated its one-year anniversary in April. The name, meaning “my joy,” was the endearment her grandmother used for Mary as a child. The logo is actually in her grandmother’s handwriting, and there’s also a portrait of her in the dining room. 

When you walk in into the restaurant, the atmosphere is very warm and welcoming.  “It sort of feels like stepping into a cozy haven that wraps you in nostalgia and comfort,” says Mary. “You’re greeted by the aromas of the food and the gentle hum of happy conversations, making you feel as if you’ve been invited into my grandmother’s cherished dining room.”

Mary and her staff, with their genuine smiles and sincere hospitality, also add to the welcoming vibe. 

Of course, no matter how lovely and inviting a restaurant, it’s the food that really needs to entice and delight. This is where Chef Logan Ramirez shines by crafting approachably elegant cuisine. After training and working at many prestigious restaurants, at Gioia Mia, he “puts his broad experience and refined palate to use in crafting seasonal, locally-sourced dishes that are intertwined with elevated comfort,” says Mary.

Some of these outstanding and frequently requested dishes include Dressed Oysters with yuzu granita and shisho, Braised Duck & Taleggio Triangoli with duck jus, foie butter, and chive, and the Heritage Pork Chop, featuring pickled red cabbage, mustard fondue, blood orange mostarda, and hot honey.

Because the menu is seasonal and there are specials often offered, the options are always changing, so guests are inspired to try new combinations of foods and flavors. The restaurant also tries to source ingredients as locally as possible so everything on the menu bursts with freshness.

Since many of their guest come in regularly, Mary and her staff get to know them personally. She is the first face they see when they walk through the door. “We know the names of their family members and pets, and keep track of special occasions.” Many of these momentous occasions, such as birthdays, showers, and rehearsal dinners, are celebrated right in the restaurant, but outside catering is also available. 

One of the restaurant’s exciting new endeavors is a food trailer.  Lulu’s Truck offers authentic Mexican street food, as well as some globally infused dishes, prepared by head chef, Hugo Xochimitl. Chef Hugo was born and raised in Puebla, Mexico, and “developed a deep love for cooking at an early age, learning traditional Mexican recipes alongside his mother, Irma,” says Mary. During the past 14 years, he has honed his culinary skills, and is now an integral part of the Gioia Mia team.

The truck menu, which includes seasonal agua frescas, chips and guacamole, flautas, skewers, quesadillas, elote, and a wide range of taco options, plus some full size entrees like peanut mole, was developed by Chef Hugo, Pablo Flores and Reyes Toxqui, who are also passionate about Mexican food.

“The trailer is very fun and vibrant with eye catching colors and whimsical artwork,” says Mary. While it doesn’t yet have a stationary location, the truck can travel to festivals, pop-ups at breweries, and private events.

331 Bloomfield Ave

Montclair, NJ 07042

973-233-0350

GioiaMiaNJ.com

Written for Suburban Essex Magazine in NJ.