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 Tull Bar - The Chadds Ford area can celebrate the transformation of the former Capozzoli's Restaurant into La Vignia - now serving "Italian Cuisine with a Mediterranean Flair." After more than 17 years of success in restaurants all over greater Philadelphia, Tasso Daskalopoulos has realized the dream of his heart, a congenial, elegant restaurant close to his home and family.
We were delighted by the appetizers. The Calamari Fritti ($9.95) were addictively good - a huge serving of tender sweet calamari enhanced by an intense balsamic reduction and the zing of strips of pepperoncini. We could have made an entire meal of the Beans & Greens ($7.95), firm fresh greens with creamy cannelloni beans in a generous garlic sauce. It's one of the ultimate Italian comfort foods. It's unusual to see Sperlani Fritti (fried smelts) ($7.95) on a menu. These were beautiful; a bare minimum of coating and fried tender and sweet. We will definitely come back just to experience these again and try the rest!
Our tasters were awed by the presentation of the Seafood Pescatore ($25.95) a round loaf of artisanal bread hollowed out and heaped with a mélange of seafood. It contained tender mussels, shrimp, littleneck clams, scallops, and lobster nestled in a light spicy tomato sauce. Chicken Veneto ($18.95) was fork-tender chicken, enhanced by a delicate caper sauce, scallops and shrimp. Veal Santorini ($23.95) was a meaty veal cutlet accented by cheeses, prosciutto, and luscious tender spinach.
As we ate we enjoyed the live jazz trio and relaxed in the hospitable warmth of this gracious family restaurant. Superb food in a lovely setting - we'll be back again.
La Vignia Restaurant & Bar
1410 Baltimore Pike
Chadds Ford, PA
610-459-9311 |
