Zana D merges with sister restaurant, the Dautaj

WARWICK - As of Jan. 1, two of Warwick’s most popular and successful restaurants, owned and managed by the same family, have joined forces. After five years, Alberto Dautaj closed Zana D at 22B Railroad Ave. He will consolidate both his Warwick restaurant operations at the Dautaj at the Warwick Inn, 36 Oakland Ave. New plans include a larger selection, a bar menu, additional staff and a special celebration this Spring. Dautaj also owns and manages two other restaurants: Arta Restaurant in Ringwood, N.J., and Momento in West Milford, N.J. “Zana D was a very successful restaurant from the beginning,” said Dautaj, “and my family and I want to thank everyone who supported us these past five years.” Although the consolidation has some practical and economic advantages, Dautaj explained that a slowing economy was not a major consideration in his decision. “When we first opened Zana D we changed the image and turned what had been primarily a bar into a first-class restaurant,” he said. “I would never have closed Zana D if the reason was only that the economy was slow. But we had a problem with our lease renewal and consolidating operations at our other Warwick restaurant was the best course of action at this time for us and the community we serve.” The Dautaj at the Warwick Inn opened in April 2006. The mid-nineteenth century building was originally a stately Victorian home and today diners can still experience the elegance of that era with the restaurant’s décor and furnishings along with three working fireplaces. There is also a white grand piano in the bar and lounge area where friends can relax and enjoy the atmosphere while choosing from an extensive selection of cocktails, beers and wines. The cuisine is mainly Italian but New York steaks, lamb and seafood dishes are also popular choices. And there is an early bird as well as children’s menu. On Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 3 p.m., the restaurant features a special five-course dinner for $17.95. The Dautaj also offers catering as well as a private room for special occasions. When weather permits, many patrons may prefer outdoor dining on the restaurant’s Victorian front porch, often while enjoying live musical entertainment. The Dautaj at the Warwick Inn was named after the Dautaj family. Owner Alberto Dautaj was a professional singer and also had a degree in French Literature, which he earned in his native Albania. But when he first emigrated from Albania to Italy he began working in restaurants and fell in love with the business. From Italy he moved his family to Quebec City, Canada, where he became a Sous Chef of French and Italian cuisine. Then in 1988, Dautaj and his family moved to the United States where he worked for several upscale restaurants in New York City. He and his wife Arta opened their first of many restaurants in Teaneck, N.J., in 1993. “All of my chefs are very experienced and they’ve been with me for many years. But if I should find one more great chef,” Dautaj laughed, “I’ll just open a new restaurant - maybe in Warwick.” The Dautaj at the Warwick Inn is open seven days for lunch and dinner. The lounge remains open until later hours. For additional information, call 986-3666 or visit www.thedautaj.com. Artist and baker What is unique about Laura’s Sweets Bakery, formerly known as Lovely’s Bakery, is that owner Laura Vreeland is not only a baker but she is also a commission artist. And, as a result, her custom baked goods are always in demand for special occasions such as bridal or baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and the like. Vreeland and her husband, Tim, have two daughters and two sons, but she can count her years of baking experience by her daughter Gianna’s birthdays. “Gianna will be 20 years old this January,” said Vreeland. “I baked her first birthday cake with a ‘Big Bird’ on it. When friends and family members saw that, they began asking me to design and bake cakes for them.” Vreeland refuses to use molds. Everything, including two and three-dimensional cakes, is hand sculptured. “This is a true artisan bakery,” said Vreeland, who installed a professional kitchen in her Warwick home. “I do everything from scratch and I use all natural ingredients.” One of the reasons her baked goods are in such demand for particular events is that her customers can choose the theme, the colors, the lettering, the icing and even the number of servings for a special occasion and the cake will be creatively customized for that one event. If it’s about a house warming, for example, the cake could feature a three-dimensional replica of that particular house. Laura’s Sweets Bakery offers delivery throughout the tri-state area and free local delivery in Bellvale. Shipping on cookies, sweet breads and cookie favors is also available. For more information or special orders, call 988-9334 or visit www.laurasweetsbakery.com.