When I venture to the City of Brotherly Love to pay call on Mama Vamp there is no question that culinary engagement will occur. My last trip though, had a distinct focus -- Italy. Mama Vamp wanted to feel like we'd hit Rome without jumping on a 7 hour flight.
Done!
First stop was 13th Street's Zavino for a lunch consisting of a board of antipasti complete with olives, roasted peppers, salumi, and more, alongside a genius pizza topped with tiny veal meatballs and sharp provolone (pictured above). The service was slow, but friendly. The crisp, ever so slightly charred, bubbly pizza made up for it all, especially when accompanied by a couple of glasses of vino.
Still, that wasn't enough Italiano for Mama Vamp. In a desperate need to replay our glorious introduction to Chef Marc Vetri's Amis, we sidled up to a table once more. This dinner was a bit different, kicking off with a salad of Fava Beans and Peas with Ricotta Salata, followed by a tongue-wagging worthy dish of Fried Lambs Tongue with Salsa Rossa. We couldn't resist the Gnocchi Alla Romana with Oxtail Ragu, but it was the plate of Guinea Hen Leg Saltimbocca with Prosciutto and Sage that drew oohs and aahs...
The meal was every bit as meraviglioso as our last visit, if not more so.
So, did Mama Vamp get her Italian fill? For the moment.
That said, I have a strange feeling that I better save up to take her on that 7 hour flight to Rome soon. And, until then, we have Philadelphia. Thank goodness.
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