Before I get into telling you about my tonight’s wonderful dining experience, I need to take care of something that Burnell, my friend and inspiration, made me aware of; that I failed to post the photograph that one first prize at the Plastic Club. So here it is: “Luminaire in the Square”
It is one of my favorite and best works. It is part of my series of Rittenhouse Square photographs. I see it as a joyous and positive representation of urban living in the winter, and a true view into how I feel about Philadelphia.
Now about the food!!!
As you may know Alice and I eat out several times a week. We usually make our rounds to our favorite restaurants which are very good and also affordable which is essential given we eat out so much. Places like Cafe’ Laos on 11th street, Pesto on South Broad and the Sahara grill on 13th and Walnut being three of our favorites. But occasionally we remember to go to Franco and Luigi’s Pizzeria on 13th and Tasker. This place has great pizza but it also houses the High Note Cafe’ .
This restaurant can’t be any more Italian and charming. It’s decor and soul is opera. Pictures, album covers and memorabilia abound. A large screen has operas showing in between the live music which varies from accordion to piano on any given night. The waitstaff sings opera and show tunes every 20 minutes or so. And, they can sing!! tonight Alice and I had to tear ourselves away after two hours of wonderful music and food.
Alice and I always get the appetizer of roasted red peppers and provolone cheese. These may be the best roasted red peppers in the city. At the waiter’s suggestion we ordered the four Cheese sachetti with grilled chicken in a blush vodka sauce with shaved truffles. The serving was generous enough that Alice and I could share the single entree,( which we do on a regular basis).
The sachetti were walnut sized sacks of the most delicately thin pasta filled with a four cheese blend of Fontina, Ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, & Mozzarella, with a hint of seasoning. The chicken was carefully seasoned and sauteed with the vodka sauce exquisitely marrying the textures of the chicken and pasta. if I were to drown in this vodka sauce I know I would be going to heaven. Alice and I agreed that it may be the best pasta dish we have had in a long time; and we have had some really good ones.
For the perfect low key relaxing and satisfying dining experience in an Italian opera house restaurant you must go to the High Note Cafe’
Armond Scavo
