From Italy with Love

I’ve visited Italy many times, even lived there but I’ve never been to Montalcino, Toscana.  Not until yesterday and all without leaving Philadelphia!
I heard great things about the Gran Caffe L’Aquila from my Italian friends from Italy and was excited to give it a try.
Who better than my mom to treat to an authentic Italian experience?

We started with the grilled octopus, it was a perfect blend or charred and spice.

The spaghetti alle vongole was amazingly al dente and reminded us of our time in Italy.
I ordered the mozzarella Di Buffala & Buratta with prosciutto which was served with roasted peppers and fresh Italian bread…Molto Bene!

The chefs Gelato tasting was the perfect fine (that’s ending in Italian) to our meal and solidified why Gran Caffe L’Aquila has been named best Gelato in Philadelphia.
The cafe has its roots in Italy, but when a 2009 earthquake destroyed both the town of L’Aquila and their cafe, the owners, Riccardo Longo and Stefano Biasini, picked up and came to Philadelphia.
“You can’t get more authentic then this,” said Riccardo and I agree!
The Upper Level which is where we sat is an authentic Italian restaurant.
“Here at the cafe we feature a different city of Italy and we feature the food of that city,” said Riccardo.
The lower level is a true Italian bar. They serve wine at night and coffee throughout the day. 
Owner Michele Morelli is the coffee connoisseur while Stefano Biasini specializes in gelato.
Riccardo says, “Stefano is the Italian gelato champion, international press world champion.”
Stefano makes traditional flavors like pistachio, but he also creates unusual concoctions.  I can tell you firsthand that the pistachio is delicious and probably my favorite from the selection presented to us by Stefano himself.
What’s even better?  The cafe will also be starting Italian languages in the next few weeks…Bravo!

Alya