LaScala’s in CC Reopens renovated and with a new name

October 25, 2020 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

One of the perks of my job is meeting so many people, really nice people, and one of them is definitely Alicia DiMichele. You may remember Alicia from her popular VH1 show Mob Wives, but I only really know her from afterwards as a business women, a single mom, a popular social media star, who later married her best friend Rob LaScala, a successful restaurateur.

I attended their wedding 2 years ago at City Hall officiated by former Gov Ed Rendell. It was so beautiful.

And now their new venture, definitely a collaborative effort as Alicia helped with the interior design (the dining floor is the same one they have in their very white walled house) of the newly reopened formerly known as LaScala, now LaScala’s Fire 615 Chestnut St serving delicious, simple dishes created with recipes from Rob’s mom Rosemary LaScala, as well as Alicia, Rob told me.

Sausage and Rabe, so so good. I never have had a better dish as good as my grandmother **Madeline Libertella** made. She’s now passed, and the LaScala’s Fire dish brings back memories.

Chicken wings, Salmon, and the Ricotta Board. Mike loved his Chicken Parm, it was so big he’s having it for lunch today.

Rob told me he wanted to serve good Italian food, at decent prices, where people could pop in and out on their way to someplace exciting. He recommends people reserve a table via Open Table during these times. There’s indoor and outdoor dining. They have heat lamps. I felt safe, there’s hand sanitizer through out the place, and the staff was wearing their masks properly.

In addition to the beautiful dining area, they had a very large bar with lots of TV’s to catch up on your favorite sports team.

Alicia and Rob with their family on the left is my other BFF is my head **Maureen Vecere,** with her husband and **Vince Vecere.** Follow Alicia on Instagram and get to know her family. I just adore them, and her authenticity connecting with her followers. Also she shares her recipes with us as she prepares dinner, as well as what it’s like to live in a house with 5 men.

The LaScala Restaurant Group has several eateries in our area, in South Jersey and a newly opened LaScala’s Fire in Villanova.

LaScala’s Fire was a great experience. I loved the new bright look, the big windows looking out on Chestnut Street, great scene watching. The food was so good, each dish made with a little love and it tastes it. Mike wants to go back already, you know happy husband makes me happy.

The homemade Tiramisu was the best Mike’s ever had and that is his go to dessert. ( I snuck a bite and I concur.) Best of all LaScala’s Fire is easy on your wallet with most dishes under $20. HEAD ON OVER TO CBSPHILLY to see who was there last night at the Friends & Family fete, including her mom who I immediately recognized from Alicia’s InstaStories (2nd to last photo). What a doll!!

InBox: ROSALIE Opens In Wayne Featuring Authentic Italian Comfort Food

September 13, 2020 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Fearless Restaurants’ Rosalie opened on September 10, 2020, at the Wayne Hotel, 139 Lancaster Ave., offering Italian Soul Food. It is a labor of love deeply rooted in the formation of the restaurant for owner Marty Grims and Executive Chef Merick Devine that you can taste in the food!

Rosalie is currently opened for dinner only and opens for lunch on Saturday, September 12, 2020. Devine said, “Our goal is to cook real, Italian, comfort food. Food that has a soul, that just makes you feel good to eat. I am perpetually fascinated by the hyper rationality of Italian Cuisine and we plan to celebrate that. From Sicilia to Friuli, we are going to hit it all.”

The bar features a custom mural emulating the look of an old Italian street scene and trattoria styled booths in the bar dining area.

Rosalie is named for owner Marty Grims’ mother, a second-generation Italian immigrant. “The story of “Rosalie” is first and foremost about family. It is about generations of many families that have come together to bring Rosalie to life. It is about the families that will dine with us, that we will nurture, and treat as if they are our own. The notion of family is reflected in everything we do. The origins of the name and food, the way we treat our guests, it is ALL about family,” explained Grims.

Pizza Per La Tavola Fontal, Tallegio, Fig, Speck

Rosalie features 60 seats in Sala Grande, the main dining room, 60 seats on the Portico, the porch, and for private events, there are 32 seats in the Salotto, 30 seats in the Sala Piccola, 100 in the Atrio, the Lobby Lounge for cocktails or 150 in the Sala Grande. Rosalie is also available for buyouts and can seat 200 reception style.

“Rosalie will offer an international wine list of 120 bottles with a focus on Italian wine, the beer list will be a combination of local craft and international favorites and there will be Italian inspired versions of classic cocktails,” according to Fearless Director of Beverage Len Boris.
**I had a chance to eat at Rosalie last week with a few dozen friends in the media, and it was delicious. The food was fabulous, but the decor and ambiance of the newest mainline eatery was outstanding. I predict Rosalie will be the hot spot of 2021, but the expansive patio will be a big hit even sooner during this temporary new normal. As I told a reader on FB: It’s very nice. Peaceful. Beautiful decor, and it’s from the Fearless Restaurant group so we know it’s delicious. **
Make a reservation on Open Table for your next dinner.