COFFEE BREAK: “We are a coffee shop, similar to those in Italy. People like to come in for coffee, pastries, or a light breakfast or lunch,” says Tino Procaccini, owner of the new Tino’s Tazza. Shown in the new renovated Kingston location, Tino looks forward to welcoming customers to enjoy the Italian-focused menu.
By Jean Stratton
Tino Procaccini is known for his outstanding artisan pizza. Owner of several pizzerias, he has had one success after another. Customers rely on Tino for the freshest, tastiest, and authentic Neopolitan-style pizza. This has been his pride and joy.
Now, he has added something new. Italy is still the focus, but Tino has opened an entirely different kind of eatery. Tino’s Tazza is a coffee shop, similar to those in Italy, featuring coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and other light fare.
Located at 4428 Main Street (Route 27) in Kingston, at the site of the former Tino’s Artisan Pizza Co., Tino’s Tazza opened in May.
“The pizzeria had moved across the street to the former PJ’s site,” explains Tino. “We had wanted more space for the pizza, and when that location became available, it was a good solution.”
New Adventure
Now, there was an opportunity for something new and different in the former Artisan Pizza location. A new adventure was at hand! As always, Tino was ready to meet the challenge.
Offering high quality food has been his focus since 1999, when he and his brother John Procaccini opened La Borgata Ristorante & Pizzeria in the Kingston Mall. Still in college at the time, Tino attended classes every morning, and then spent afternoons and evenings in the kitchen at the restaurant.
The work ethic has always been a very important concept in the Procaccini family, points out Tino. His parents had come to the U.S. from Italy more than 50 years ago, and as boys, he and his brother helped out in their father’s landscaping company.
That work ethic is still in the forefront of Tino’s business regimen, and in addition to Kingston, he now owns artisan pizzerias in Ocean Grove, Madison, Montclair, Rumson, Jersey City, and Berkeley Heights.
Why so many? It is the passion he has for his work.
“I wanted to spread the love!” he explains. “I’ve been in the restaurant business nearly 30 years, and it has always been what I wanted to do. Even though I am very busy overseeing all these different locations, when you love what you do, you don’t mind the added responsibilities.
Loyal Customers
“Opening the restaurants over the years has gone better than I expected,” he continues. “One led to another, and we have always had very loyal customers. Many have been with us from the beginning. They have become friends, and now there will be something different for them to look forward to with Tazza.”
He is very enthusiastic about this new venture. “We’re getting very positive feedback. People are enjoying its informal, friendly atmosphere, and we are reasonably and competitively priced. It’s the kind of place where people can feel at home. We have a lot of families, also business people from the neighborhood, Princeton people and beyond. Many are our former pizza customers.”
Breakfast is popular, reports Tino. “Bacon, cheese, and egg sandwiches, also yogurt and muffins, and the turkey sausage, fried egg, and American cheese served between potato waffles — all are big favorites.”
In addition, Belgian waffles with creme fraiche, fresh bananas, organic agave drizzle, and cinnamon; cinnamon yogurt muffins; croissants; bagels; and more are all available.
Other favorites are ricotta toast on toasted sourdough bread, with ricotta and honey drizzle; avocado toast, including toasted sourdough bread, smashed avocado, red onions, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño peppers, sea salt, and garlic; also almond butter banana bread, with almond butter, fresh bananas, chopped walnuts, and fresh cinnamon.
Light lunches have also become popular, and customers can choose from a variety of sandwiches and quiches.
Hot and Iced
Choices include ham and cheese croissants; The Melt, with ham, tomato, melted provolone, red onions, garlic, and mayo on sourdough bread; the always popular grilled cheese sandwich, the equally popular B.A.T. with bacon, arugula, tomato, guacamole, and mayo on sourdough bread; and also GF Swiss, Monterrey Jack cheese, bacon, and egg quiche; among other choices.
Many people also like to come in later for coffee and a pastry, points out Tino. Coffee is a big focus at Tazza, and it is from Italy. Tazza translates to “cup” in Italian. A variety of options are offered, from American to cappuccino, espresso, and latte to mocha, macchiato, and more. Both hot and iced are popular.
Something to go with the coffee? The selection of pastries will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. To start: chocolate croissants, cannoli, scones (blueberry and cranberry orange, among others); mixed berry tarts, apple turnovers, cinnamon yogurt muffins, pastel de nota, Bomboloni (Italian filled donut with powdered sugar), and cinnamon swirls — to mention only some of the choices.
Tino emphasizes that all of the food contains the freshest ingredients, and everything is homemade.
“We have a very healthy focus. Our concept is all-natural Italian food, using the highest quality ingredients. All our food is free of artificial preservatives, colors, sweeteners, and hydrogenated fats. It is all about healthy eating. Our passion is great food and sharing it with our extended family —you!
“We also make every effort to be environmentally-friendly, operating our family business with green standards in the hope of helping to have a better environment for future generations. These standards include recycling, composting waste, cleaning with natural agents, and using paper products and supplies from 100 percent recycled materials.”
Women-Owned Partners
In addition to the very popular coffee, Tazza offers a variety of teas, also juices and soft drinks from Natalie’s and Living Juices, women-owned local companies.
“It’s always challenging to open a new restaurant,” points out Tino. “Food costs can go up, and it is important to have an excellent staff. We are lucky to have a great staff. They are friendly and knowledgeable, and enjoy interacting with customers.”
Prices at Tazza range from $3.50 (coffee) to $6, $10 $12, and $16 for bagel lox. Takeout is also available. The coffee shop is open seven days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tino Procaccini looks forward to introducing many customers to his new coffee shop, and sharing his concept of personal service and offering the freshest, healthiest, and tastiest food, and superior coffee from Italy. Tempting the taste buds, for sure.
“I enjoy the interaction with the customers and our staff,” he says. “I look forward to continuing to serve our customers, and to be the best we can be. Benvenuta! Buon Appetito! Come and see us!”
For further information, call (732) 436-7555. Visit the Tino’s Tazza online link at tinostazza.toast.site.