


Fairway fare
Posted by Gloucester County Times March 21, 2007 1:00PM
Categories: Features
The spirit of Humphrey Bogart, an avid golfer, sets the
scene for Bogey's Club and Cafe at the Pitman Golf
Course
By Allegra Tiver
ativer@sjnewsco.com
Pitman Golf Course regulars who shoot too many
bogeys -- one-over-par on a hole -- during a tough
day on the links can now console themselves at the
19th hole over a Bogey's Burger and beer.
The spirit of Humphrey Bogart, one of Hollywood's
most avid golfers in his time, sets the scene for Bogey's
Club and Cafe, a new full-service restaurant and bar
that promises affordable food and fun.
"We're trying to promote a dining experience in a casual,
entertaining atmosphere," said Alfred Bartolomeo Jr.,
who, with partner Tony Christinzie, has a contract with
the county to operate the facility. "It's for everyone."
Open seven days a week -- from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily,
until 6 p.m. on Sundays -- the kitchen will crank out
breakfast, lunch and dinner (and snacks in-between)
under chef Anthony Verechia, who previously catered
for a local eatery.
Staff photo by Jonathan WellsChef Anthony Verechia
shows off some menu items.
Early birds can gobble up eggs or hotcakes before
hitting the greens, though a hungry golfer can start his
game off right with the signature "Bogey's Brunch
Burger" -- an 8-ounce burger with home fries, fried
onions and an egg on a roll.
Other unique delights include the "Bogey Balls," pesto mozzarella balls served with balsamic vinaigrette
and marinara, and the "Hole in One" steak-and-portobello mushroom salad.
Paninis with chicken and beef are served hot off the grill for under $8. Meanwhile, patrons can create their
own sandwiches from deli meats and cheeses, or choose from sundry wraps, for a comparable price.
The most expensive dishes, priced at $12.99, are found on the dinner menu, which features everything
from pasta with jumbo lump crab meat to steak, and from roasted pork tenderloin to veal Marsala.
"We set the prices with the community in mind," said Christinzie.
Certain selections, such as burgers and hot dogs, will also be served at the concession stand, located
next to the ninth green.
But getting good food at reasonable price is only part of the appeal at Bogey's Club and Cafe.
The duo has completely re-invented the establishment, owned by Gloucester County's Board of Chosen
Freeholders and previously managed by students from the Gloucester County Institute of Technology.
Bogart can be seen in photographs that line the walls (some with co-star Ingrid Bergman or wife Lauren
Bacall, others of him playing golf), while a Casablanca script tucked into a typewriter, stacked cigar boxes
and glass bottle of scotch evoke his character.
With a new liquor license in hand, the restaurant expects to draw a later crowd, potentially creating a hot
spot where there was none.
Staff photo by Jonathan WellsBar manager Terri Costello drawing a beer at Bogey's Club and Cafe at the
Pitman Golf Course in Mantua Township.
"During the evening, the restaurant will dim the lights and transform into a Humphrey Bogart setting,"
Bartolomeo said. "It's going to be a 'woo-hoo' kind of place.'"
Servers are expected to wear Fedora hats, dark shirts and burgundy ties as they cater to patrons, he said.
They may even entertain guests with a flip of a glass, a little dance or a song.
"We want people to think of this as a destination," said Christinzie, dubbed "Tony Fingers" for his
piano-playing skills. He is expected to grace the stage on the Yamaha baby grand piano, synched with a
newly-installed surround sound system.
A small dining area adjacent to the clubhouse was converted to a performance space/dance floor, which
can be sectioned off to accommodate private parties. The restaurant and bar seats 120, but more patrons
can grab a bite out on the deck overlooking the course.
Upcoming Saturday evenings will bring live singers such as Lou De Meis, who performed with Barry
Manilow, and Elvis-impersonator Keith (King) Gipson. Other nights would feature 92.1 radio personality
Lou Costello, who spins oldies, as well as open-mic and karaoke performances.
"We're like little kids," Bartolomeo said. "We want to have some fun with this place."
Bogey's has already booked nearly 50 events, from showers to weddings, and from graduations to
reunions. A 50-by-100-foot tent is now being revamped and landscaped to cater to the community.
Based on the overwhelming initial response, Bartolomeo is confident the outlook is promising. "A lot of
people have asked for this stuff. All we're doing is filling the need."

Staff photo by Jonathan WellsOwners Tony
Christinzie,left, and Al Bartolomeo at the baby grand
piano in Bogey's Club and Cafe at the Pitman Golf
Course in Mantua Township.t
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