Italian Restaurant "Hop!"

On Saturday, June 6, 2015, Karin, George, Ken and Jay were to visit 3 restaurants for our Italian restaurant hop. Unfortunately, one was booked for parties, so we skipped it, and ended up going to 2. We still had a wonderful time!

Our first stop was Toscana, Tuscany Marketplace, 1990 Route 70 East, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003, where we enjoyed wonderful appetizers. Ken had a prior appointment, and couldn't make this leg of our journey. Mario was an awesome server!

We enjoyed Clams Brodetto (Manila clams steamed with garlic, white wine, shaved fennel & vine ripened tomato broth, served with herbed crostini). The clams were cooked to perfection and the broth was so flavorful! Couldn't stop eating it, even knowing we had other places to visit.

We also enjoyed Crispy Fritto Misto (polenta crusted calamari with fresh zucchini, artichoke, lemon and herbs, served with tartar and spicy tomato dipping sauces). Karin wanted extra rosemary, which Jay didn't quite understand until it arrived at the table. The rosemary was fried as well and was such a burst of flavor. An extra dish of tartar sauce was requested, because it was not your regular tartar sauce - extremely addictive!

Wine enjoyed:

Next stop on our hop was Il Villaggio, which was quite full unfortunately, so we went on to...


Da Soli Italian Restaurant, 116 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033. We enjoyed a 3 hour leisurely lunch once Ken arrived.

Suppli, our favorite appetizer. We ordered 2 orders of these deliciously crispy risotto balls filled with ground beef tenderloin and 'fiore di latte mozzarella cheese. So tasty!

We also enjoyed the shrimp and (gluten-free) gnocchi as an appetizer, which came with a Caesar salad. The gravy was very flavorful and the mushrooms were addictive.

Ken and George each had the Veal alla Saltimbuca (fresh sage, prosciutto, provolone cheese, garlic demi-glace sauteed spinach), which they thoroughly enjoyed. It came with veggies, which were quite tasty.

Jay and Karin shared the Veal Al Limone, which our server, Sherry, was kind enough to put on separate plates. Very flavorful and tender.

Dessert:

Ken actually ordered dessert, the apple pie with ice cream. Very good.

Jay, Karin, and George shared the flourless chocolate cake, which was the BEST Jay had ever had! Normally chocolate cake is too much, but this piece of chocolaty goodness was addictive. Oh my goodness!

Wines enjoyed:

We always enjoy our time with Karin and George and look forward to our next dining adventure!