Pine Brook Eatery Offers a Unique Twist on Fine Italian Dining

By Patrick Minutillo

We can agree to disagree, but as far as I’m concerned, New Jersey lays claim to many of the finest Italian American restaurants in the Country. In the general Parsippany area alone, we are very fortunate to experience and enjoy a memorable dining experience at any of those elite eateries. I recently did get that opportunity with a visit to a relative newcomer to the local culinary scene, Elian’s Bistro Café, located in Pine Brook.

The color scheme of grays over natural brick, with minimal but tasteful décor, suits this small, family-owned and operated eatery perfectly. In the true sense of a bistro, the ambiance is one of a comfortable, intimate, warm, and welcoming atmosphere. Simple, yet with an air of unpretentious refinement. Ten small tables are spaced comfortably throughout the limited dining area to ensure customer comfort.

Large plate glass windows provide adequate and comfortable lighting throughout the entirety of the dining room. One large screen T.V. is set up quietly behind the host station, should that be of interest to anyone. The restaurant is named after Edgar and Merced’s five-year-old son, Elian.

Chef Edgar Sanchez, like so many accomplished chefs I have interviewed over the years, began his culinary journey working as a dishwasher at the young age of 16. Arriving in the U.S. from the city of Oaxaca, Mexico, in 1997, Chef Sanchez first settled in the City of Hoboken, where his first job was at the City Bistro Restaurant Lounge, eventually moving on to the Sonoma Bistro in Rutherford, where his mastery of Italian cuisine

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