This popular neighborhood restaurant in West Orange, which we had never dined at before, is less than a mile from our house and worth a visit for traditional Italian cuisine. The service at La Primavera was so efficient and caring, and the food delicious, that we plan on visiting more often. Regulars were addressed by name and welcomed with a handshake or hug. With tongue in cheek I said to Lowell, “Nobody knows us!”

Warm bread, olive oil in a cruet containing garlic and rosemary, along with slices of pizza were placed on the table; a different and impressive start to our meal. The orecchiette had layers of flavor from chunks of garlic, creamy cannellini beans, broccoli rabe, sweet sausage, diced plum tomatoes and a garlic and oil sauce. The portion was split for us in the kitchen and large enough to be an entrée. We lapped it up.