MARLENE mangia bene
As Reviewed by ’The Fearless Foodies’
Debra Cavalieri and Rebecca Russell

Woodbury, NJ, is the home of a new posh restaurant which may be a clear indication of the successful rebirth of the Gloucester County seat. MARLENE mangia bene is a swanky Italian restaurant right on Broad Street that opened its doors in August, 2011.

We were greeted by co-owner Frank Filipek, who presented a remarkably welcoming atmosphere to each patron. Upon being seated, we instantly began to feel as though we were part of the extended family, in a cozy setting surrounded by family photographs taken of various dinners and gatherings, lining the establishment’s walls. Frank explained that most of the recipes are a tribute to Marlene Foglietta, the late mother of Maria Fasulo, a co-owner along with husband/chef Chris Fasulo. The restaurant is also named in her honor. This endeavor is clearly an offshoot of the love and admiration between long-time friends and now co-owners, childhood friends who grew up together in Bellmawr, New Jersey.

The story is a wonderful one. The food makes it better still. Some of our favorites included:

Asparagus and prosciutto wrapped in Panko breading and lightly fried plated with a creamy blush sauce - this was a virgin offering and was an absolute hit!!


Mussels Diablo-prince Edward mussels in Diablo sauce-this dish was an explosion of spice and flavor topped with grilled ciabatta slices-so scrumptious that it created a mussel convert from one doubting member of the team.







Mozzarella Burrata- fresh mozzarella stuffed with cream, heirloom tomatoes and a touch of pesto-this appetizer was a cool fresh complement to the Diablo mussels-successfully orchestrated to excite the palate.

Sunday Salad-a super tasty mix of various greens, dried cranberries, apple slices, candied pecans, sharp cheddar cheese in a light herb balsamic dressing-such an interesting combination of flavors and textures that made for a fabulous appetite teaser!

Our two favorites of the entrees offered were:

Pappardelle-large fresh wide fettuccine topped with Bolognese meat sauce-such a generous portion of what clearly is a perfected sauce satisfying our love for rich and hearty food!!

Veal Marsala-a sauteed veal cutlet with wild mushrooms, marsala wine in a bed of pasta-this dish knocked our socks off-coated the taste buds in a delectably light yet satisfying combination of flavor!!

Delicious cup of coffee served with desserts prepared by pastry chef Cynthia-a pumpkin cream puff and blueberry pie, which was topped with a candied lemon peel-each of these was spectacularly plated and delicious!!

These are only a sampling of the many wonderful choices presented by MARLENE mangia bene. Our waiter, Craig Zarnosky, made the entire meal flow flawlessly, showing apt attention to our needs throughout the dining experience.

Make it a casual night out with friends or family and dine here.
You are sure to EAT WELL!! 

MARLENE mangia bene
43 South Broad Street
Woodbury, New Jersey
856-848-8488

Meet Our ’Fearless Foodies’

Debra Cavalieri is an attorney with an office in Washington Township. She is also the proud mother of two boys.

You may reach her at 856-228-0222 or email her at debracavlaw4@gmail.com with any of your legal concerns.

Rebecca Russell is a Senior Client Services manager for Bayada Nurses- Pediatrics in Washington Township. Rrussell@Bayada.com