Café Prima Pasta is celebrating their love for garlic with $4.19 specials on Sunday, April 19th in conjunction with National Garlic Day. The three “breath-taking,” garlic-infused appetizers priced at just $4.19 include the Bruschetta, flaky Italian bread topped with chopped vine ripened tomatoes, sweet basil and garlic (orig. $9.95); Calamaretti Fritti, crispy calamari fried in a mixture of authentic Italian bread crumbs and robust roasted garlic (orig. $12.95); and Spinach Sautee, tender baby spinach sautéed in zesty garlic served over hearty cannellini beans (orig. $9.95).

If the permeating smell of the restaurant’s garlic force-field isn’t enough to keep patrons safe from Dracula, repellent vampire cocktails are also available, which include the Baby Prima Martini, Dracula Red Bloody Mary, Vampire Vodka Surprise, and Chef Carlos’ favorite Pinot Noir all priced at $4.19 a glass.

Whether people love it or hate it, the health benefits of eating garlic are now universally hailed. A member of the onion family, garlic has been used throughout recorded history for both culinary and medicinal purposes such as lowering blood cholesterol levels and reducing the buildup of plaque in arteries. It has a characteristic pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking.

“A little secret; 15 minutes before we open, I take a sizzling hot skillet of sautéed garlic out into the dining room and splash in some Italian white wine letting off an explosion of garlic goodness fill the air,” admits Gerry Cea, founder of his family’s business, Café Prima Pasta. “In addition to being part of our restaurant’s ambiance, the smell serves as a prelude to the handmade specialty pastas, fresh breads and desserts we prepare to order each day.”