After years of hearing great things about this restaurant from our friends, Karin and George, we finally visited Melograno yesterday. Suggestion: They open at 5:00 PM and do not take reservations. If you're not in line by 5:30 PM, anticipate getting a table by 6:30 or 7:00 PM. Here's a review from the The Philadelphia Inquirer and an additional review from Philadelphia Weekly.
Crusty warm bread is brought out with olive oil with black pepper. We shared the antipasto platter which included Italian salami, proscuitto, grilled eggplant, grilled squash, black and green olives, fresh mozarella and bruschetta topped with three toppings - mushroom, salmon and artichoke. Everything was very fresh and flavorful.
We also shared two appetizers - chicken livers lightly fried and served with capers & tomatoes and calamari which came with canneloni beans, basil, tomatoes and garlic. Everything was done to perfection.
Jay enjoyed homemade pappardelle pasta with tomato sauce that contained olives, scallops and shrimp. The pasta was very light and heavenly.
Ken devoured the Bistecca Alla Fiorentina which was a porterhouse steak (medium) atop a white bean salad.
Karin satisfied herself with linguine with tiny whole clams in a white sauce with arugula and chopped tomatoes. The clams were perfect.
George had the special - lamb ragout with penne pasta. The flavors were wonderful.
For dessert, Karin and George shared the pistachio gelato. It was a little grainy, but had a good pistachio flavor. Jay had the chocolate souffle, which comes with a warm chocolate center, topped with vanilla gelato. She was fully satisfied.
We brought and enjoyed the following wines:
2000 I Giust & Zanna Belcore, a sangiovese and merlot blend
2001 Dolcetto d'Alba (Albeisa)
2003 Palazzone Grecheto (Umbria)
2004 Argiolas Costamolina
- Dress: Casual.
- Service: Outstanding.
- Decor: Simple with a view of the open kitchen.
- Portions: Perfect.
- Price: Moderate.
- Reservations: First-come, first-served.
