Lawrence resident takes over Vidalia in the Village.
By: Lea Kahn Staff Writer
Salvatore Scarlata is well-traveled and well-seasoned in the culinary world, and now the Lawrence resident is poised to make his mark as a chef in his own restaurant Vidalia, a 42-seat restaurant tucked away in a small building at 21 Phillips Ave. in the village of Lawrenceville.
Mr. Scarlata, 29, purchased the restaurant last month from his cousin, Joseph Immordino, who had purchased the restaurant four years ago.
"This is my new home," Mr. Scarlata said of the restaurant. It’s actually his "second home," he said, adding that he lives in the Liberty Green subdivision, off Lawrence Station Road.
Mr. Scarlata, who was born in Italy and immigrated to the United States with his family as a 10-year-old, said he is largely self-taught as a chef.
His family owns the Red Moon pizzeria at the Mercer Mall, but he decided to branch out.
The Notre Dame High School graduate said he began his career at Diamond’s in Trenton’s Chambersburg section.
He moved to Tre Piani at Forrestal Village in Plainsboro, where he learned Continental cuisine from Chef Jim Weaver. He worked for a time at the Revere in Ewing and then took a job across the Delaware River to work at La Stalla in Newtown, Pa.
Mr. Scarlata also spent six months in Italy, learning to cook authentic Italian cuisine.
The difference between American and Italian versions is the ingredients. Lasagna as it is made in Italy incorporates a crème sauce, while in this country, ricotta cheese is used, for example, he said.
Although Vidalia has changed hands, Mr. Scarlata said, he has no immediate plans to change the menu.
The restaurant still offers pasta, veal, chicken, seafood and steaks and chops, along with appetizers, soups and salads. The chef said he may introduce more specials.
A take-out menu for lunch already has been introduced, and Mr. Scarlata said he is working on a new catering menu that will be ready after the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The take-out lunch menu features antipasto, salads, pasta and panini, or Italian sandwiches.
"I want to make people come in and make them happy," he said. "I want to offer great service that’s what we are here for. If people want to experience my ideas and my food, I am here to serve them."
Vidalia is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
It is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
It is open for dinner Sunday between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. The restaurant is closed Mondays. The telephone number is (609) 896-4444.

