Harvest Recipes from Hackettstown Purveyors

Marley’s Gotham Grill

Profile and photos by Alison Hein

The banner outside claims that Marley’s is the “home of 101 wing flavors and then some”. Seriously? Is this possible? With co-owner and Chef Bruno Pascale’s crazy wing obsession and kitchen innovation, it certainly is. Flavors range from Kickin’ Chicken to Embalming Fluid, and Chef Pascale’s continuous desire to experiment with sauces and seasonings (the current wing count is 140 and rising) means there’s always something new on the horizon.

Marley’s extensive menu offers a full range of delicious entrees, but it’s not surprising that Chef Pascale picked one of his unique chicken wing recipes for publication – Bea Irish Man Chicken Wings. Laced with both Bailey’s Irish Cream and Jameson Whiskey, thickened with brown sugar, butter and heavy cream, these wings make a delightfully rich and different dish for autumn.

The Star Ledger’s Munchmobile recently ranked Marley’s as one of Jersey’s best for their “big, moist, cooked just right” wings.

“The wing thing started when we first opened as a Monday night challenge”, says Pascale. “I thought, let’s get people in here and see how many wings they can eat. We started with ten flavors and then I said you know what? I’m gonna do 101. Our latest is Cashew Bacon Brittle. I make nut brittle and grind it up, fry the wings, roll them in Nutella and then the ground brittle.”

But wings are not the only thing on Marley’s extensive menu. Chef Pascale and co-owner Joann Donaldson offer a full listing of “crazy, casual cuisine” including American favorites like burgers, soups and salads, as well as Northern Italian dishes such as Angel Hair Pasta and Chicken Marsala. The restaurant has been open for four years, and the atmosphere is bustling and friendly. You can join friends in the pub-like bar area for drinks and small plates, or sit down for a full meal in the cozy dining room.

Marley’s makes local Centenary College students feel welcome, accepting the school’s 10% discount Cyclone Card, hosting special student events, and providing comfort food at a reasonable cost. Mondays are reserved for 50 cent chicken wings. On Taco Tuesdays, $2 dollar tacos, margaritas, and Coronitas are served. Thursdays are Three Dog Nights - 3 substantial hot dogs like The Godfather, Cardiac Arrest, and The Joisey – can be purchased for $7.50.

When I jokingly asked when Veggie Night is, Chef Pascale responded, “If you’re a vegetarian I’ve got tofu wings in every flavor. We can also accommodate gluten-free options, or tailor food to customers’ specific needs. We’ve got something for everyone. We like to say that the food is so good, you’ll leave here howling”.

Indeed, Chef Pascale has a deep love of food and a passion for offering “great food and service for a reasonable cost”. He started his first restaurant, a pizzeria, at age 17 and never looked back. In addition to running Marley’s, Chef Pascale also operates two summer concession stands, and teaches in the culinary program at Middlesex County College.