S. Philly - Italian Restaurant - Casual

Mario B. wrote:

> I just started seeing this new female, and she has been to many
> restuarants, so I want to try to find a good Italian Restaurant
> with a nice atmosphere that myself or her, have not yet been to,
> to create new memories, I am sure you understand, please post some
recomendations for a
> any nice Italian Restaurants that are for casual dress, in the Center
City or S. Philadelphia
> area. I would be most greatful.
>
> Thanks.

Have you ever tried Ralph's in South Philly (760 S. 9th St.)?  It is a very homey kind of place (I wouldn't consider it romantic if that is what youare looking for) with good food.  Very casual dining room and casual dress to go along with it.  Definately worth a try. I also her Upstares at Varalli is supposed to be good Italian food coupled with a great view of the city.  Try here if you want someplace a little more romantic or special. Good Luck!

Someone wrote:

: I just started seeing this new female, and she has been to many : restuarants, so I want to try to find a good Italian Restaurant : with a nice atmosphere that myself or her, have not yet been to, : to create new memories, I am sure you understand, please post some recomendations for a : any nice Italian Restaurants that are for casual dress, in the Center City or S. Philadelphia : area. I would be most greatful.

My absolute favorite is La Grolla, at 2nd and Catherine.  The owner is a wonderful man from Turin.  The food is very authentic northern Italian cuisine and VERY good.  (I've lived in Italy, so I know the real thing when I taste it.  And very few of the "Italian" restaurants in Philly really are "authentic.") Pricy, though, so more of a "special occasion" kind of place, as dinner with wine will cost around $40-50/person.  But worth every penny.

If you go with that special someone, share a "grolla" after-dinner drink:  it's a combination of espresso, orange/lemon peel, sugar, brandy, etc., that is flamed and drunk from a communal "bowl" (a "grolla"). Traditionally, one shares it with others in a pledge of friendship.

Tom

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Tom Dilling

[email removed]
http://www.sas.upenn.edu/~tdilling/
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