Rosalie Opening (Wayne, PA)

 On September 10, 2020, Fearless Restaurants will be opening up their latest spot with Rosalie in Wayne, PA. Owner Marty Grims & Executive Chef Merick Devine will be offering Italian comfort food and as with any Fearless Restaurants concept, the food will hit the spot and the design will be on point. Please see the press release below! 

Rosalie will open September 10, 2020, for dinner only and opens for lunch on Saturday, September 12, 2020. Devine said, “Our goal is to cook real, Italian, comfort food. Food that has a soul, that just makes you feel good to eat. I am perpetually fascinated by the hyper regionality of Italian Cuisine and we plan to celebrate that. From Sicilia to Friuli, we are going to hit it all.”

Rosalie is named for owner Marty Grims’ mother, a second-generation Italian immigrant. “The story of “Rosalie” is first and foremost about family.  It is about generations of many families that have come together to bring Rosalie to life. It is about the families that will dine with us, that we will nurture, and treat as if they are our own. The notion of family is reflected in everything we do. The origins of the name and food, the way we treat our guests, it is ALL about family,” explained Grims.

 

Rosalie features 60 seats in Sala Grande, the main dining room, 60 seats on the Portico, the porch, and for private events, there are 32 seats in the Salotto, 30 seats in the Sala Piccola, 100 in the Atrio, the Lobby Lounge for cocktails or 150 in the Sala Grande. Rosalie is also available for buyouts and can seat 200 reception style.

 

“If you’re not in Italy; you’re only limited by your imagination at Rosalie,” said Rosalie Designer Barbara Balongue of Balongue Design Inc. “Rosalie’s décor features wide plank European oak flooring, and backlit winery styled wine storage. The atmosphere is truly homey and openhearted. It’s special charm genuinely pays homage to the rustic Italian cuisine.”

 

The bar features a custom mural emulating the look of an old Italian street scene and trattoria styled booths in the bar dining area. All four of Rosalie’s dining rooms provide a uniquely intimate dining experience with their own personalities featuring vintage basket wrapped wine bottles, Polenta Paddles, vintage cutting boards, and ravioli rolling pins.

 

The outdoor porch, the Portico, has woven bistro chairs and marble top tables under lazy ceiling fans that transport guests to the seaside villages of Italy.

 

“Rosalie will offer an international wine list of 120 bottles with a focus on Italian wine, the beer list will be a combination of local craft and international favorites and there will be Italian inspired versions of classic cocktails,” according to Fearless Director of Beverage Len Boris.

 

Rosalie will be open Monday - Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday 10am -10pm and Sunday 10am- 9pm. Weekends feature an all-day menu following brunch at 2 pm. Rosalie will feature live music Fridays and Wednesdays from 5-9 pm, Saturday 5-9 pm, and Sunday from 11 am-2 pm.

 

The menu features housemade pasta and traditional stone-fired pizza as well as panini, antipasti, and entrees. Devine said, “The menu is pretty flexible in that guests can create their own experience as simple or as elaborate as they want. Want a few “stuzzichini” (traditional bar snacks/finger foods) and a glass of wine? We got you. Want to experience a more formal “Quattro Piatti” (traditional Italian four-course meal)? Well, we can do that too. We will source heavily from local farms and the menu will change frequently to reflect seasonality. We are not region-specific and instead plan to celebrate the eclecticism of Italian food by cooking from all the regions,” he added.

 

Before leading the kitchen at Rosalie, Devine served as the Executive Chef at White Dog Cafe in Wayne. Before joining Fearless Restaurants, he worked at Frasca Food and Wine in Colorado for over six years. While serving as Chef de Cuisine, Frasca was nominated twice for the prestigious James Beard “Outstanding Restaurant” award.

 

Devine said, “I don’t have a romantic story about sitting around my Italian Grandmas stove and watching her stare deeply into a pot of Ragu. That's not how my passion for Italian cooking started,” Devine said, “I wasn’t the guy who always knew he was destined to be a chef. I never even really liked to cook. But what I did like to do, was eat. I was very fortunate growing up that I had an amazing family that valued time together and always placed importance on it. It wasn’t until college that I started buying cookbooks instead of textbooks. I started skipping class to test new recipes and practice sharpening a knife. It was during this time that my career and path was ignited,” he added.

 

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY, Devine also served as chef de partie at Craft, Los Angeles. He developed his love and experience for pasta making while traveling throughout Italy working at an array of restaurants including the One Michelin Star La Subida in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy.

Moshulu 2019 Fall Menu

As you might already be aware, the Moshulu recently underwent a renovation. It still remains the only restaurant in the world aboard a tall ship. And the food coming out of Chef Anthony Bonett's kitchen is still top notch.

Clockwise from Right: Smoking Sazerac, Beet & Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese Croquette, Lobster Cocktail

Whether it's at White Dog Cafe or at the Moshulu, you'll find me enjoying the Smoking Sazerac. Easily enjoyed with an earthy and well-seasoned beet & arugula salad that came with crispy, salty goat cheese croquettes. The lobster cocktail was a delicious deconstruction of a lobster roll. Perfectly cooked, atop a buttery brioche round.

Clockwise from Right: Sea Scallops with Gnocchi and Black Truffle, Honey Sriracha Atlantic Salmon & Quinoa, Mac n Cheese

The seared sea scallops were nicely paired with a deep black truffle mushroom jus, with seared gnocchi. Hearty fare as we go into the colder months. The crispy Atlantic salmon made a believer out of crispy fish skin for the wife. Honey sriracha imparted a spicy sweetness in that crispy skin, with the meat being nicely moist and flaky. The tricolor quinoa was cooked in a nice stock and came with carrots and peas. And what's a Fearless Restaurants meal without their killer mac? So comforting! 

Key Lime Cheesecake 

The wife loves cheesecake and I'm all about key lime pie. Normally I defer to her, but luckily we had the best of both worlds with the key lime cheesecake. 

If you still haven't been to the Moshulu, make sure to stop by. Perfect way to enjoy the waterfront and have a meal on a boat! 

Moshulu Restaurant

401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. 

Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 923-2500

https://www.moshulu.com

Moshulu Renovation

The historic Moshulu just completed a renovation! It still remains the only restaurant in the world aboard a tall ship. The renovation includes a large lobby bar, perfect for happy hour and welcoming guests.

Barbara Balongue of Balongue Designs completed the new renovation. Luxurious, seafaring, and with plenty of maritime surprises, including a 69'' high Natural Beachwood fish light sculpture that hangs above the rich gold and marble Captain's Dining Table. 

As an iconic Philly landmark, the Moshulu still offers the expansive views of the city skyline and waterfront a la carte dining. Be sure to stop by this Fall to check it out! 

Fogo de Chao Summer Menu

Fogo de Chao is back at it with new summer menu items on offer! You'll find a Watermelon Feta salad and a Tomato Mozzarella salad, in addition to everything you'd normally find at the Market Table. And you can't neglect the myriad of meats, cut right at your table. 

Clockwise from Right: Picanha | Market Table Items | Pao de Queijo, Smoke & Honey Cocktail

New items include a succulent, crisp Grilled Pork Belly with Pineapple. Right up my alley. Like salty, gooey cheeses? Sample some of the Queijo Assado, a Brazilian-style cheese that's finished with spicy malagueta honey. 

Clockwise from Right: Queijo Assado | Coconut Creme Brulee | Grilled Pork Belly & Pineapple

These are included in your normal churrasco experience. And don't forget about cocktails and dessert! You can opt to go non-alcoholic with a new Watermelon Fresca, or a Grapefruit Elderflower Spritz and Pineapple Mint Lemonade. I went with the smooth and subtly sweet Smoke & Honey, featuring Monkey Shoulder whiskey, elderflower, and honey. And for a sweet treat to end the meal? Don't hesitate to get the Coconut Creme Brulee, topped with coconut ice cream. 

Fogo de Chao 
1337 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 636-9700

https://fogodechao.com/

*Media Alert* Rosalie, the latest addition to the Fearless Restaurants

In late summer 2019, Fearless Restaurants will be bringing a taste of Italy to Wayne. Rosalie, will feature Italian soul food, "deeply routed in tradition, heritage, and technique." Executive Chef Merick Devine spent over six years at Frasca Food and Wine, a James Beard restaurant in Boulder, Colorado. Think "a perpetually changing menu sculpted by seasonality and the best of local and traditional Italian ingredients." 

Rosalie is named for Fearless Restaurants' owner Marty Grims' mother, whose family emigrated from Italy. It will be open for brunch, lunch, and dinner daily. It will also offer outdoor dining and plenty of private event space. This brings the count of Fearless Restaurants on the Main Line to four, including White Dog Haverford, White Dog Wayne, and Autograph Brasserie. 

Chima Philadelphia Spring Menu Additions

If you've never tried Brazilian BBQ before, be sure to stop by my previous post on Chima! A delectable spread of delicious salads, cheeses, and meats are made even better by the gaucho servers coming tableside to carve up some of their well-seasoned and prepared cuts of beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. 

Clockwise from Top Right: Beef Carpaccio, Brazilian Trio, Delicious Spread, Angus Picanha with Chimichurri & Jalapeno

This spring, Chima's got Angus NY Strip, Ahi-marinated chicken, & easily one of my favorites - an Angus Picanha with chimichurri & jalapeno. Perfectly marbled, it's got a good mix of acid and heat that's addictive. Pro-tip: Wednesday & Thursday from 6-8PM, Chima has live music and Happy Hour specials at the bar. Check it out! 

Chima Philadelphia

1901 John F. Kennedy Blvd

Phiadelphia, PA 19103

(215) 525-3233

https://www.chimasteakhouse.com/philadelphia-pa/

Trattoria Carina Review

From the folks that brought you the acclaimed Pub & Kitchen, Trattoria Carina is a casual Italian gem found in the Fitler Square-Rittenhouse area. And it may be our new go-to spot, right on the corner of 22nd and Spruce. This "Little Darling" has a small menu, but it's big on flavor and execution, all under the execution of Chef Melissa McGrath. And recently, Trattoria Carina has expanded to include brunch on the weekends! 

Fitler Square-Rittenhouse gem Trattoria Carina has added brunch!

To start our day, the GF and I enjoyed a citrusy-bitter Aperol Spritz and a sweet-and-spicy Bloody Mary, complete with a solid antipasti skewer! And including its bar program, Trattoria Carina is reportedly BYO (no corkage!). 

Gold Rush Apple Cake [$6]

 The apple cake is a must. Moist, soft, and buttery within, the grilled exterior helped to provide a nicely crisp textural contrast. Perfect to drape with some of that salted butter. 

Warm Castle Valley Polenta [$9]

Honey mascarpone, walnut granola, Concord grape

A unique take on typically savory polenta, we enjoyed the sweet acidity afforded by the Concord grape jam. Studded with plenty of the walnut granola and a bit of the honey mascarpone, this is a nice reprieve from any savory items you might order during brunch! 

Bucatini Carbonara [$23]
Bacon, Parmesan 

Savory, you say? How do you come to Trattoria Carina and not order the carbonara? Thick bucatini noodles are appropriately coated in egg yolk, plenty of Parm, and with a nice hit of black pepper. Interspersed throughout are salty nuggets of slab bacon. No need for any heavy cream here, folks. Trattoria Carina is doing it right.

Baked Eggs All'Amatriciana [$14]

Guanciale, Parmesan, Lost Bread Co. focaccia 

The smell emanating from this dish almost made me put my camera away. Almost. But as the GF likes to joke, the camera eats first. In a spiced up take on shakshuka, the savoriness of the "gravy" was perfect to dip the Lost Bread co. focaccia in. And as my fellow Master of None fans might say, "it's all bout that guanciale." The salty, fatty hits of the cured meat really made each bite. If only I could have had more bread (not that I asked!). 

So if you're looking for a new spot to hit up for brunch, please check out Trattoria Carina. Along with the delicious dishes, you'll get great service. In fact, ask for Bill if he's available. I know I'll be back soon for dinner! The angry crab pasta Craig LaBan raved about it is already calling my name. 

FTC Disclaimer: Special thanks to Trattoria Carina for having us in. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

Trattoria Carina
2201 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 732-5818
www.trattoriacarina.com

P.J. Clarke's Philadelphia Review

It took two and a half year's for P.J. Clarke's to open its doors in Philly, but based on the design and popularity when we stopped by, it was well worth the wait. Housed in the Curtis Center on 6th and Walnut, it's surprisingly sprawling, with plenty of dark wood throughout. Whether you want to dine in or simply grab a seat at the raw bar, P.J Clarke's has got you covered, especially with Chef Ned Maddock in as Executive Chef (Brigantessa, XIX). 

Aperol Spritz [Top Right] | Negroni [Bottom Left]

Our drinks were made well, with the GF's aperol spritz providing that slight bitter essence, with the floral orange notes really coming through. I was all about the Negroni, made with The Botanist, an Islay gin. There's a real emphasis on G+T's & whiskey at P.J. Clarke's, which is certainly on trend. 

Sea Bass Ceviche

Tart 3 Spring Apples, Radish, Jalapeno

We started off our meal with the ceviche, which featured fresh and snappy sea bass, tart apples, and radish. Mix away as you'll want all of the seasoning to immerse each bite. 

Maine Lobster Cocktail

Firecracker sauce

The lobster cocktail is a showstopper and a must. Perfectly cooked, meaty, and completely dispatched for you, lobster doesn't get easier (or tastier). Add in some of theTabasco to the Firecracker sauce - it's a bit sweet, with the faint hint of horseradish coming through.

The "Cadillac" Burger

Double-smoked country bacon, onion, American cheese, bread & butter pickles

A bit of miscommunication as my burger came unadorned, but nothing the kitchen couldn't fix in no time flat. The fries were on point - salty, crisp on the exterior and creamy within. 

Seared Sea Scallops

Toasted farro, celery root puree, lemon

Scallops were plump, sweet, and with a light sear. I appreciated the texture on the farro, with a creamy celery root puree and fennel rounding things out. The spritz of lemon really brightened out each bite. 

Bacon & Peas Mac n Cheese

The mac n cheese was everything I could have wanted in a side. Crisp, smoky bacon and sweet peas were interspersed throughout, with a substantive richness clinging to each bite of the cavatappi noodles.  

Dottie's Blondie Sundae

Magic Shell & whipped cream

Dottie's Blondie Sundae is a stunner. The blondie itself was hefty in its own right, perhaps to withstand the vanilla ice cream hidden within the chocolate shell. Decadent, rich, and a great sweet treat to end the meal. 

Beyond lunch and dinner, be on the look out for Happy Hour & Game Day specials. I can definitely see the raw bar being the ideal spot to grab a stool and slurp back a few dozen oysters. 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to P.J Clarke's for inviting us in. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and therefore, unbiased.

P.J. Clarke's Philadelphia
601 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
http://pjclarkes.com/location/philadelphia/

Iron Hill Brewery Center City is Open!

Iron Hill Brewery just expanded to bring craft brews to Market East! And with this, they maintain the stance that nothing's more local than beer that's brewed ten feet from your table. 

Owners Kevin Finn, Mark Edelson, and Kevin Davies note that Iron Hill is more than just a craft brewery and a scratch kitchen. In fact, their motto is "Craft Kitchen, Scratch Brewery." 

Flight of Iron Hill Craft Beers | First Pour with the Founders, Brew Master, Chef, & Management | Cheesesteak Eggrolls

After popping in for a media event, we were invited to stop by for a soft-open dinner. 

Hot Chicken Sliders | Bourbon King Stout 

I knew I had to start off with the bourbon king stout. This was definitely right up my alley - great chocolate and bourbon notes here. Paired up with the hot chicken sliders - I was very happy. The chicken was Crispy, with spicy cayenne notes. But the sweet bread & butter pickles really made it each bite. 

Gold Medal Baby Back Ribs

With a sweet Bedotter Ale BBQ glaze, I appreciated that these ribs weren't overly sauced and the spice rub came through. Fall apart tender, these were easily enjoyed. Fries were well-seasoned and had just enough crisp to enjoy the texture. 

Drunk Monk Burger

The Drunk Monk Burger was right up my alley, especially with the addition of the fried egg. Perfectly medium rare and with a well-seasoned crust, the burger was amped up by the rosemary truffle aioli and creamy brie. The Wee Heavy Ale caramelized onions provided additional depth along with the mushrooms. Pro-tip: ask for extra napkins! 

Bourbon Pecan Ice Cream

So if you're looking for craft brews and good eats, be sure to stop by Iron Hill Brewery. I'd highly recommend popping in for Happy Hour as well - especially if those hot chicken sliders are on the menu! 

Iron Hill Center City

1150 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107 

https://www.ironhillbrewery.com/center-city-pa

Louie Louie Review

Located at the Hilton Inn at Penn, Louie Louie is the Fearless Restaurant Group's latest offering. And while it's only been a week since their opening, it's clearly a hit. Because what's not to love? Sleek, with a gorgeous interior courtesy of Rohe Creative, Louie Louie offers American bistro fare with French inspirations. And the bar? Retro and gorgeous. 

Dual Old Fashioned [$13] 

White Dog Cafe's Jefferson's & Buffalo Trace Bourbons, Caramelized Sugar, Angostura

White Cosmopolitan [$12]

Faber Citrus vodka, Combier, lime, agave, white cranberry, sparkling wine

I enjoyed the dual old fashioned, which featured both their Jefferson Barrel select and Buffalo Trace bourbons, with the sweetness of the caramelized sugar really coming through. The GF's white cosmo was refreshingly sweet, with the triple sec and white cranberry offering up light notes that went well with the effervescence of the sparkling wine. And the etched rose made of ice? Instagram-worthy for sure! 

Yellowfin Tuna Tartare [$16]

Accompanied by buttered toast points, the tartare was well-seasoned and delicious. Easily enjoyed! 

Goat Cheese Arancini [$11]

Shaved manchego, almonds, Romesco

The GF was raving over the arancini - deftly fried with al dente rice and the creamy, yet tangy goat cheese coming through. The Romesco sauce offered a nicely acidic counterpoint to each bite. 

Warm Onion Tart [$12]

Puff Pastry, caramelized onions, taleggio, black olives, arugula

Sweet and rich caramelized onions sat atop puff pastry, with the brininess of the olives and the bitter arugula providing some balance. 

Comte Ravioli [$20]

Corn, favas, shiitakes, peas, basil

For her main, the GF enjoyed tiny ravioli, filled with comte cheese. Fresh seasonal peas and corn studded the broth along with favas and shiitakes. This was a nicely light summer dish. 

French Dip [$21]

Demi baguette, gruyere, black truffle mayo, shallot broth, pomme frites

For my money, I'd highly recommend the French dip. In fact, it might be the best sandwich I've had in recent memory (certainly the best French dip in Philly!). Moist, tender beef was draped with melted gruyere. It's all housed within a crisp demi-baguette that was slathered in black truffle mayo. And the shallot broth? Ridiculous rich! And you can never say no to any of the Fearless Restaurant Group's fries - always a standout and Louie Louie doesn't disappoint. 

Lemon Tart [$10]

Fresh berries, meringue kisses

After the French dip, I was glad we went with a palate cleanser of sorts. The lemon tart was, well ... tart with plenty of fresh sweetness coming through from the berries and clouds of meringue kisses to offer up some lightness. 

I'd definitely recommend stopping by Louie Louie. Beyond the Penn & Drexel students and families stopping by, I know it'll be a hit with the food and vibe that Louie Louie has to offer. Check it out and let me know what you think about that French dip! 

Louie Louie 

3611 Walnut Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

(267) 805-8585

http://fearlessrestaurants.com/sites/louielouie/

Tavola Restaurant & Bar Review

This past week, we drove out to the burbs and enjoyed dinner at Tavola Restaurant & Bar. Located by the Springfield Country Club and golf course, the views are picturesque, yet the vibe is low-key and easily approachable. It was nice to be able to see the sun go down over the golf course while dining al fresco. 

Bread Service

Dinner started off with fresh-baked bread and an olive oil & garlic dip. 

French Onion Soup [$7]
Caramelized onions, beef broth, melted cheese, crostini

The french onion soup is a show stopper and sure to satisfy. All your cheese pull dreams will come true, with a broth that thankfully isn't overly seasoned and has plenty of caramelized onions. 

Crab Avocado Tower [$17]
Jumbo lump crab, avocado, salsa, shaved cucumber, radish 

Seeking a light starter? Look no further than the crab and avocado tower. A generous portion of jumbo lump crab provides the sweet and fresh flavors you're looking for, with the crisp cucumber and radish adding some texture to each bite. 

Crab Cake Sliders [$14]
Jumbo lump crab, Japanese mayo, corn salsa

Crab cake sliders are generously portioned, with sweet japanese mayo and corn salsa. Easily enjoyed with a side or two! 

Onion Rings [$7]

Sides you say? I'd definitely recommend the fresh-cut onion rings - deftly fried and abundant. A steal at $7! 

Burnt End Fried Rice [$25]
Plum BBQ brisket ends, carrots, edamame, snow peas, fried egg

We enjoyed the crisp texture on the rice, with sweet plum BBQ sauce and plenty of brisket interspersed throughout along with diced carrots, edamame, and snow peas. The perfectly fried egg will ooze on top, adding even more heft to each bite. 

So if you're in Springfield, PA or looking to enjoy brunch or dinner along with a round of golf, be sure to stop by Tavola. Pro-tip: check out Quizzo on Tuesdays and their live music as well! 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to Tavola Restaurant & Foodie Tribe for inviting us in. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

Tavola Restaurant & Bar

400 W. Sproul Rd. 

Springfield, PA 19064

(610) 543-2100

https://tavolas.com

Scarpetta Philadelphia Happy Hour

I had the pleasure of being able to stop by Scarpetta earlier this week and indulge in their latest creation. In collaboration with locally-distilled Stateside Vodka, the Executive Chef at Scarpetta is bringing forth the city's first boozy pizza. 

Clockwise from Top: Scarpetta x Stateside Vodka Pizza [$10] | Negroni Invecchiato [$15] | Palermo Old Fashioned [$15]

Not only is the dough vodka-infused, the creamy blush sauce, ricotta, and sun-dried tomato all have notes of Stateside Vodka as well. It's not overpowering at all and certainly apropos for the Happy Hour crowd. I appreciated the bright acidity from the sun-dried tomato, which helped to balance out the richness of the ricotta and blush sauce. Easily enjoyed with a cocktail or two. By the way, drinks are half-off during Happy Hour Sun - Fri from 4-7PM! 

Scarpetta's Bread Basket with Prosciutto & Broccoli Rabe Roll-Ups | Mushroom Arancini [$9] | Gorgonzola Crostini [$8]

The majority of Scarpetta's small bites are $6 during Happy Hour as well. The bread basket came with two favorites in particular - the broccoli rabe embodied South Philly flavors and a prosciutto roll-up offered up the salty savory flavors that satisfy with a proper drink in hand. The wild mushroom arancini were deftly fried, with al dente risotto within. There are several crostini on offer - we enjoyed a funky, yet sweet gorgonzola spread, with red-wine poached figs and crisp green apple on top. 

Crispy Fritto Misto [$13]
Calamari, shrimp, squash, eggplant, herbs

The fritto misto is a must. Not at all greasy, these were perfectly fried and allowed the calamari, shrimp, squash, and eggplant to shine. And the fried lemon slices? Really made each bite and easily enjoyed! 

Gnocchetti Fritti [$9]

Ricotta salata, fonduta, prosciutto

The fried gnocchi were light within, but great texture on the exterior. Each bite was well-seasoned as well, with a burst of salt from the prosciutto and ricotta salata, along with the richness of the fonduta.

Whether you're looking to grab a drink with your business partners or seeking out a sleek setting in the heart of Rittenhouse Square, be sure to check to stop by Scarpetta for Happy Hour. 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to Scarpetta Philadelphia & Cashman Associates for inviting me in. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

Pizzeria Vetri: Spring 2018 Menu Review

This is part of a series of posts related to Pizzeria Vetri: [1], [2], [3]. 

I've always been a fan of Pizzeria Vetri. And there's no shame in my eating game - it's part of the reason why we decided to move to the apartment complex that houses PV Callowhill on its ground level. You likely know about the shift in ownership, but under the clearly capable hands of Head Chef John Sidoti (previously Chef de Cuisine at Osteria), the tastes and tenets that started with Chefs Vetri, Michaud, and Spence remain in place. We stopped by to check out the new spring additions to the menu and judging by the crowds on an early Thursday evening, Pizzeria Vetri remains as popular as ever!

Italian Derby [$12]
Bulleit rye whiskey, Fernet Branca, lemon, mint

Regular readers know I'm a fan of rye and Fernet respectively, so the Italian Derby seemed like a match made perfectly for me. Fernet acted as the bitters, with the bright citrus from the lemon coming on through, along with the freshness of the mint. Easy spring drinking. 

Strawberry Fennel Salad [$12]
Strawberries, shaved fennel, sunflower seed granola, watercress, banyuls vinaigrette

Strawberry fennel salad had fresh flavors coming through from the sweet strawberries and the crisp fennel. I enjoyed the bitterness from the watercress, which was nicely balanced by the texture of the sweet sunflower seed granola and the acid from the oak barrel-aged banyuls vinaigrette. 

Roasted Beets [$8]
Beets, robiolina, pistachios, parsley

Chef Sidoti was killing it with the execution on something as simple as the beet salad. Salt-compressed for 6 hours, the beets had an intensely sweet earthiness from having the moisture pulled out. Paired with the nutty texture of the pistachios, the creaminess of the super-smooth robiolina, olive oil, and parsley, this is a must-order, especially at $8! 

Wood Oven Salad [$12]
Asparagus, snap peas, spring onions, baby carrots, radishes, pecorino, lemon butter dressing

The wood-oven salad was seasonally spring - a cornucopia of roasted asparagus, spring onion, and sweet snap peas, along with sweet baby carrots and a nice bite from the radish. I enjoyed the salty funk from the pecorino, with the lemon-butter dressing tying everything together. 

Asparago [$16]
Shaved asparagus, fried egg yolk, Meyer lemon, mozzarella, parmigiana 

At the Callowhill location, the asparagus pie is a welcome spring addition to the pizza menu. Chef Sidoti is killing it with a fried egg yolk, designed to be picked up and drizzled all of your pie. Talk about yolk porn! The shaved asparagus provides some heft to each bite, with the Meyer lemon providing a punch of bright acidity. 

Funghi Calzone [$14]
Roasted mushrooms, garlic, scallions, ricotta, mozzarella, parsley

The calzones are always a winner at PV. Perfect leoparding on the crust, with a substantial glut of roasted mushrooms, garlic, and scallions, interspersed with creamy ricotta and fresh mozzarella within. 

Agnello [$18]
Roasted lamb, English peas, pickled red onion, young pecorino, parmigiana, mint, oregano

If you're at the Chancellor Street location in Rittenhouse, look out for the Agnello. Beautifully marbled lamb shoulder is roasted and pulled apart all over your pie. English peas and mint are the natural complement to the sweet grassy lamb, with the pickled red onion really making each bite. 

Here's hoping the wonderful weather continues and we're truly done with winter. There's no better way to enjoy it than stopping by for a drink and some good eats at your nearby Pizzeria Vetri. And even if the chill returns, you can certainly enjoy the tastes of spring. 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to Pizzeria Vetri and Urbn Food & Beverage for inviting me in. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased.