Over the years I have become a ""regular"" to this home away from home, Mr. Martino's Trattoria in South Philly. When dining out with friends it takes a strong recommendation to convince me to make reservations elsewhere. Quite frankly, I fear being disappointed by less than delightful home cooked food prepared with extrodinary love and passion. On rainy autum nights like tonight, my heart longs for the warmth of their pasta fagiole or the heartiness of the polenta and sausage (yummm! my mouth waters as I write - I think I'll go call in a reservation). When I step into the entryway of the restaurant I feel transported from Passyunk Ave into some secret spot hidden on some side street in Europe, going there is an experience...from being greeted by the charming Mr. Martino's, to being served by the regular staff who seem more like family than employees to the taste of their refreshing house vinagrette on baked ricotta not to mention the simple, clean delicacy of the white bean soup and of course making the decision as to whether it is a balsamic chicken night or a fagiole night or pumpkin sauce for that matter, my personal experience there is rarely complete without a finale of Lemon Tart, this dessert gives new meaning to fresh and bursting with flavor. This restaurant is complete heart and soul and I am grateful to have happened on it several years ago...the consistency is phenomenal...my favorite dishes then are still served to the same degree of perfect deliciousness today...
Pros: Mr. Martino's
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