Food News
By Thom Cardwell
© 2007 Thom Cardwell

Putting an upscale spin on pizza

Is it possible to transport the authentic taste of South Philly to the suburbs? Well, that’s the intention of owners Kim Strengari, Marianne Gere and chef Ralph Pallarino (Stella Blu and Gypsy Saloon) in the recently opened Bella Luna Pizza Kitchen, 116 Ford St., West Conshohocken.

Pallarino said that the trio is literally “taking over Diuccio’s Pizza and transforming it into an upscale spin on the traditional South Philly sandwich-and-pizza shop.”

All sandwiches will be made with Boar’s Head meats and the traditional South Philly seeded bread, according to Pallarino.

Highlights of the new restaurant’s menu will include the Philadelphia steak sandwich, the Bella Luna: sautéed chicken, chopped cherry peppers, shiitake mushrooms and tomato topped with provolone cheese; and the Angry Italian: prosciutto, sopressata, sharp provolone and cherry peppers.

Pallarino has created such sumptuous pizzas as the Red Luna with mixed cheese, San Maranzo tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil; the White Luna with mixed cheese, fresh garlic and extra-virgin olive; the Luna Clam Pie, a White Luna pie with chopped clams and sautéed spinach; Luna Puttanesca, a Red Luna pie with black olives and anchovies; and the Full Moon, with mixed cheese, goat cheese, prosciutto and sun-dried tomatoes with a touch of garlic.

Bella Luna Pizza Kitchen is currently serving lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday. For information, call (610) 825-7151.

Dock Street takes over University City

Veteran restaurateur Rosemarie Certo has quickly established herself in University City with the new location of Dock Street Brewery and Restaurant, 501 S. 50th St. at Baltimore Ave., in the renovated historic Firehouse in the Cedar Park neighborhood.

Certo, who has always been known for being “community-minded,” will bring some of her award-winning Dock Street beers brewed onsite, but will focus on alternative and experimental styles that will include double and triple bocks, fruit beers and IPAs. They will be featured at the bar alongside Pennsylvania wines.

The restaurant, located next to the Brewery, now features a simple menu at moderate prices, offering wholesome, fresh, organic ingredients as much as possible from local, sustainable businesses.

“Guests can enjoy their fresh brew in addition to satisfying their appetite by indulging in wood-burning gourmet pizzas, their famous Trio-fries, fresh salads, paninis and plenty of vegetarian options,” said Certo.

Certo said that Dock Street Brewery and Restaurant has been embraced by the neighborhood community of West Philadelphia “while building on Dock Street’s legacy by contributing and further defining the rich American craft beer culture that we pioneered in the mid-’80s.”

The Brewery will also host home-brew competitions, tutored beer tastings, brewing seminars, classes and monthly raffles to spend a day brewing with the brewer.

Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and 4-10 p.m. on Sundays.

For information, call (215) 726-2337 or visit www.dockstreetbeer.com.

Varalli introduces tasting menu

Longtime signature restaurants along the Avenue of the Arts, Upstares at Varalli and Sotto Varalli, 231 S. Broad St. at Locust, just introduced two new ways to enjoy their award-winning Italian cuisine and seafood selection: a “Beat the Crowds” menu at $33 per person and a tasting menu at $45 per person.

“We’ve been testing our two new menus over the last couple of months and have found the response to be overwhelmingly positive,” explained owner Joseph Varalli.

The “Beat the Crowds” menu features a four-course meal from soup to dessert and is available from 4:30-5:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The tasting menu, featuring a five-course feast of Varalli favorites, is available at all times. An optional wine pairing is also available with the tasting menu with extensive choices that will change seasonally.

For information, call (215) 546-6800 or visit www.varalliusa.com.

Bourdain invades the library

Culinary bad boy Anthony Bourdain, celebrity author of the recent “No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach,” will appear at 2 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Central Branch of the Free Library, 1901 Vine St., to read and sign copies of his “fully illustrated, outrageously commented journal of his far-flung and gastronomically adventurous travels.”

The New York Times best-selling author of “The Nasty Bites” and “Kitchen Confidential” also serves as host of his popular show “No Reservations” on the Travel Channel.

Not afraid to spend time in the kitchen, Bourdain also serves as the chef-at-large at Les Halles Brasseries.

The event is free and doors open 45 minutes prior to start time. For information, call (215) 567-4341 or visit www.freelibrary.org.