FOOD

You Ask We Answer

Culinary Mysteries Solved

Published: Jun 5, 2007

Q: I used to get great Caesar salads at Alfio's in Glenside — they would make it fresh for you right at the table. Since that place is now closed, are there other local restaurants that offer made-to-order Caesars?

A: Bistro Romano's (120 Lombard St., 215-925-8880) tableside salad toss is a must-try for any diner hankering for a seamless blend of anchovies, lemon juice, cheese, garlic and egg. They're prepared for a minimum of two, so drag along some companions to enjoy the front-row prep show.

At Meritage (500 S. 20th St., 215-985-1922), executive chef Jason Goodman's made-to-order Caesar is bound together by warm homemade croutons designed to maintain their crispy texture. Tucked into cold leaves of romaine lettuce, they do well in absorbing the chef's garlicky dressing.

Many local inns and hotels go the toss-at-your-table route, as well, including the Historic General Warren Inne (9 Village Way, Malvern, 610-296-3637), the Durling-Kurtz House (146 S. Whitford Road, Exton, 610-524-1830) and West Chester's Dilworthtown Inn (1390 Old Wilmington Pike, 610-399-1390). Each spot uses fresh produce, house-cured anchovies, grated parmesan and coddled eggs — necessities, they believe, for the production of any true Caesar concoction.

 

Comments

My husband and I are celebrating our 25 wedding anniversary. On our first date my husband took me to DaVinci's on Walnut St in Philadelphia. Alfio was the Matre de. He helped to make our first date wonderful. Alfio later opened his own restaurant in Glenside. I was planning to take my husband to Alfios for our anniversary and I have recently learned that it is now closed. What ever happened to Alfio and his wife. Is there anywhere that we can get that great table made caesar salad?
Thanks,
Bette
by Nick & Bette Bruno on May 4th 2009 12:18 AM



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