Though its name may suggest a bold menu, the fare at New World Catering and Food Boutique in Maplewood is more classic than cutting-edge. But that can be perfect on a cold winter’s day when the shop is serving chicken noodle soup with golden broth and chunks of carrot.
In addition to the cozy shop, with six tables, New World has an off-site catering business for private parties; the owners, Luigi Ficarra and David Zelaney, bought the business in 2006. If you’re hosting a Super Bowl or Oscar night get-together, for example, New World has themed menus with these events in mind. For game day, the choices include Asian grilled shrimp and two types of hummus (roasted red pepper and white bean).
If you just want lunch, the colorful cafe serves elegant sandwiches and salads. You can also order any of the dishes in the display case — maybe a slice of risotto pie. Lunch is served only on weekdays, though; the shop is closed on weekends except for catering pickup.
On a recent takeout visit, the warm Tuscan chicken sandwich with fresh pesto, Caesar dressing and lots of Parmesan cheese was on soft bread and pressed like a panino ($8.50).
On another day, a cup of Italian wedding soup with tiny, tender meatballs was good and peppery ($3.95); a salad with dried cranberries, roasted apples, crunchy walnuts and a creamy balsamic vinaigrette was filling ($7.95). Still, there was room for dessert: a lemon bar that was buttery, tart and coated with confectioner’s sugar ($1.75).
Dinner is easy to pick up, too. There is no set menu; you order whatever looks good in the case. On a recent night, that was the moist meatloaf ($8.95 a pound) with a side of creamy macaroni and cheese ($8.95 a pound).
New World Catering and Food Boutique, 6 Highland Place, Maplewood; (973) 378-9445 or newworldcateringco.com. Open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays (pickup only), 10 a.m. to noon.
