Sonny's on the Lake boasts great views

Oak Ridge - As a young man, Sonny Ziva started from the bottom and worked his way up in the restaurant business. The Albanian native, acquired a vast knowledge of the business and of fine Mediterranean cooking. Ziva cooked in a number of metropolitan area Italian and American cuisine restaurants. Recently, his life-long dream of owning his own restaurant came to fruition when he opened Sonny’s on the Lake, on Moquis Road in Oak Ridge. The restaurant was formerly known as Labi D. “I knew of it and always loved the location,” Ziva said, “When it became available for sale, I knew I wanted to own it and make it into a fine Mediterranean cuisine restaurant.” Boasting magnificent, panoramic views of Lake Swannanoa (Swan Lake), the dining experience he offers is a combination of culinary excellence and a scenic backdrop. Sonny’s provides “a graceful and yet family oriented environment,” Ziva said, “We also provide live music on the weekend that will astound you with great interpretations of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and many others.” Both lunch and dinner menus feature a large selection of food. Appetizers include such offerings as Sonny’s Caprese, which is fresh homemade buffalo mozzarella, sliced tomatoes and fresh basil. The shrimp cocktail is made with jumbo shrimp and the Spiedini al Romana is sliced bread and mozzarella, lightly battered in eggs and a mixture of parmesan cheese. Clams Oreganato, Mussels Picante, Pasta e Fagiole, Escarole and Bean Soup, and several choices of salad round out the antipasto menu. From there, the menu expands into offerings of chicken, fish, meats and pastas for the entrees with dessert to follow. A children’s menu is also available adding to the family-oriented flare. “Our wine list is one of the best in the area,” Ziva said. Sonny’s on the Lake’s huge selection includes: “Champagnes and Sparkling,,” “White Wines of the World,” “Chardonnays of the World,” “California Cabernet Sauvignons,” “Red Wines of the World,” and “Red Wines of Italia.” In addition to regular dining, Sonny’s also offers parties for up to 100 people and does catering both at the restaurant and off location for any type of occasion. Restaurant hours are Wednesday through Monday, 12 noon to 10 pm. Sonny’s on the Lake is closed on Tuesdays. Call 973-697-3004 or visit www.sonnysonthelake.com The restaurant is five miles from Route 23 North or South. Take the Oak Ridge Road jug handle. This becomes Berkshire Valley Road. Make a right onto Moquis Trail and Sonny’s on the Lake is number 57. From Route 15 North or South, take the Berkshire Valley Road/Jefferson Exit. Make a left onto Moquis Trail, and Sonny’s is eight miles from Route 15. “ My goals with the restaurant are simple, Ziva said, “I want to offer excellent food and a good time for all.”