Florence Ravioli Opens Outdoor Dining, 'Stays With The Times'

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Adapting to the ever-changing pandemic, Florence Ravioli in Scotch Plains has launched a new outdoor eating space for customers.

"We have really never done this. We have always been just a take-out place and cook to order," said Laurel DeFellipo Turchin. "I thought, 'Oh boy this is going to be different'. But you got to stay with the times."

Turchin's son, Les, purchased the eatery at 391 Park Ave. for his Italian mother about a year and a half ago.

"I am really a Realtor but I grew up making meatballs. I remember when I was 2 years old sitting on the counter making meatballs with my family," Laurel Turchin said. "So when I saw the place go up for sale I asked my son to buy it because I want to sell my meatballs."

When the pandemic hit Laurel Turchin said she started offering family meals at a discounted price to help the community. The platters ranged from chicken Francese to eggplant to ravioli to meatballs and fed 4 to 6 people for $30.

"We were doing about 40 dinners a night, it was amazing," Turchin said.

Now Turchin said they will offer all of the same favorites at their newly opened outdoor dining space along with cold cuts, desserts, pasta, entrees, and more. The outdoor dining is also BYOB.

The outdoor dining space is set up behind the restaurant with a tented and lit special sit down area and menu. It is open on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. They are also open for lunch every day and take-out.

For more information visit florenceraviolinj.com or call 908-322-7222 or facebook.com/Florenceraviolico.

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