Vitale's Restaurant in Teaneck was packed for a Wednesday night and it was not too far into my meal that I understood why. After 21 years of providing and perfecting the art of fine dining, Tony La Morte and his sister, Felicia Roveda have nearly mastered it.

The restaurant is large, or maybe it is just that Tony and Felicia have an eye and a taste for what really becomes a well-balanced meal. Skillfully thought out and consistent with the changing times, Vitale's is a place of newness and persistent appeal. The family owned establishment renovates and revises both its décor and menu with a creativity that draws the new and old back to their tables.

Bright, shiny wooden floors stretch themselves across the non-smoking section of Vitale's. Open and airy, large cut-outs join the atrium and main dining room as up-and-coming artists like Pina spray their watercolor portraits across the walls. The plates, hand picked from Bloomingdale's, splash their diversity (not a single plate matches) both empty and full, reminding us that Vitale's is not your ordinary place.

The restaurant buzzes with customers dining or relaxing in the adjoining room, which allows for a slightly different atmosphere. Dim lights and bookshelves line the smoking section. Another atrium hugs this side of the restaurant, as well. Tony, for the moment, serves behind the bar, laughing and joking with customers, natural in his surroundings. His staff is limited, but efficient. Working together as a team and Tony one of its members. There's something here for everyone at Vitale's, something that make you want to come back.

The long list of daily specials is one reason. From Appetizers to Entrées, eclectic offerings are certainly here. The waitress suggested the Maryland Style Crab Cakes accented with Remoulade Sauce and she was right. Gentle, lightly fried on the outside, warm and tender on the inside. Magnificent! The Warm Asparagus and Brie are served in a pastry, balanced by a lemony sauce. It was this combination that brought the word "eclectic" to mind. For the main course, the choice was not an easy one. The Grilled Pork Medallions with Grilled Apples and Cinnamon Demi-Glaze sauce seemed justified, necessary to satisfy the gaiety of the fall season. Although, the large variety of fish, pasta and meats were tempting, my choice was perfect. My companion chose the Pan Seared Chicken Breast with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers and bacon in a Port Wine sauce. No disappointments here. Everything is just so intriguing at Vitale's. Their desserts are made right on the premises, make sure you leave room, the portions are hearty.

It's no wonder that so many corporate parties are held at Vitale's. With full handicap accessibility and facilities to accommodate 165 people, a trained staff, fantastic atmosphere and mouth watering food, "Eclectic Offerings" does not serve the establishment with justice.

Open 7 days a week for Lunch and Dinner and catered events inside and out, find out more about Vitale's by visiting their web site at www.VITALES.com.

I was sitting here thinking that if I were writing an advertisement for Vitale's located at 293 Queen Anne Road in Teaneck, I wouldn't know where to begin.  Vitale's has sooo much to offer.  Would I make certain that the ad mentions their wonderful homemade vegetable bread?  Or the unique condiment holders (salt and peppershakers and sugar) that are different on every table setting or the decorative serving dishes that are unlike one another for every course?

Will it be practical to specify some of the mammoth creative and beautifully presented selections?  How about choices that include freshly made mash potatoes, all fresh vegetables, fresh seafood daily, etc.  And absolutely the most mouthwatering homemade desserts that you cannot find in other Italian restaurants?

Atmosphere.  Wouldn't want to forget the attractive and impressive atriums - one perfect for romantic dining and the other a handsome library/clubroom setting.  Then there's the white dining room with well-spaced tables for comfort and intimate dining.  Would there be room to refer to the "Special Wednesday Luncheon Buffet" of "All you can Eat" hot and cold selections including dessert served from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. for $6.95?  How about the party room and the outside catering?  Or the fact that gregarious co-owner Tony La Morte performs cooking shows for Bloomingdale's in Riverside Square and also chefs for many corporate companies including Manhattan College.

Vitale's is a family operation that has been in business for 21 years. It began with father, mother, brothers and sister and now is owned and operated by Tony and his sister Felicia Roveda.

I visited  Vitale's for the first time this past week.  A complimentary Bruschetta topping was placed at our table.  Then we shared each selection.  We chose the fresh mozzarella and tomato platter w/ proscuitto and red peppers ($7.95), proscuitto roll with arugula shaved parmesan and balsamic dressing ($6.95) and stuffed portabella mushroom w/ vegetables and fresh mozzarella ($7.95).  Wonderfully garnished and dressed, these appetizers were all tasty.  The soup of the day was Minestrone filled with vegetables and chickpeas ($1.95 crock $2.59 bowl).

Homemade rigatoni w/ spinach, cheese, mushrooms and Chardonnay wine sauce and angel hair pasta w/fresh vegetables in garlic and oil broth were our pasta picks, each $9.95.  Prepared al dente, these pasta dishes were superb.  We shared pork loin stuffed w/ proscuitto, mozzarella and Madeira mushroom sauce ($13.95).  We ate what we could and doggie bagged the rest since we saved room for dessert.  The homemade desserts were the perfect toppers to a super dinner.  Moist carrot and blueberry, lemon crumble cake were the greatest!

Easy to find, Vitale's is a MUST PLACE restaurant on your dining-out list!