Stylish and affordable, this gourmet-pizza newcomer is the perfect place for an in-between, impromptu meal.
Recommendations: The polpettini pizza, topped with tiny veal meatballs.
http://www.zavino.com/
Beth's thoughts:
I was early. That is unusual for me. So I did the logical thing: I sat at the bar and made some friends.
Before I arrived, I checked out the menu to plan my meal in advance. The cocktail list online told me all about a drink called Clove and Oak, which contained Rye Whiskey, Clove Syrup, Cherry Heerings and Bitters. That was right up my alley. As soon as I got the bartender's attention, which wasn't difficult at all, I tried to order this drink. He informed me that this is something they no longer serve and recommended the Winter "Fashioned" instead, so I ordered one. It was, of course, too sweet, but very pretty. Oh well. Next time I'll order it with an additional sidecar shot of bourbon. If there is a next time.
When David arrived, we moved to a table and ordered the Tasting Board, which consisted of the Chef's selection of meats and cheeses. It was very good and quite the presentation, but it was nothing that I had never seen before. I see Zavino is keeping Claudio's in business - the menu is sure to let you know that the cheeses travel from Claudio's on 9th up to Center City for the privilege of your discerning palate.
Next, we decided on two pizzas to split. We chose Philly Mag's recommendation, the Polpettini Pizza with ricotta stuffed veal meatballs, Claudio's mozzarella, crushed tomato, basil and shaved provolone. This pizza was tasty, but again, not something I would leave South Philly to order.
Our second pizza choice was some sort of pistachio pesto white pizza topped with arugula.
Lettuce pizza.
I have one word. No.
David's Thoughts:
For me, 50 Food Dates isn't only about experiencing the restaurants I've never dared to know, it is also about re-visiting the ones I thought I knew. I've been to Zavino before (only once), and my previous experience there was less than satisfying. But, like I said, sometimes adventures are second chances, and I'm glad I gave Zavino another shot.
My first impression of Zavino was a happy-hour visit with colleagues, and it was decidedly negative. Frankly, I found the space cramped, the service "pushy", the food adequate but overpriced and the drinks underwhelming. After my return visit, some of these criticisms haven't changed. The space is still small, but Beth was smart enough to arrive early and request a table for us. Suggestion #1: Don't bring a group. Zavino's space is great for a cozy dinner and conversation with close friends, but awkward and cramped when you try to squeeze in a party (happy-hour style).
Ironically, I ordered Beth's cocktail (a curious concoction of whiskey and mashed cranberries) during my initial visit, so I was wise enough to avoid a similar mistake. I settled on a draught beer- played it safe- which went really well with the meat/cheese plate. Suggestion #2: Zavino is not just a pizza place. Sure, they are known for their pies (more on this later), but I was most pleased with the rustic appetizer/cold beer combo. And frankly, who wouldn't enjoy that!
Next, we shifted gears into Pizza-mode. This was a letdown for me. The pizza at Zavino is tasty, but neither spectacular nor original. And, lets be fair, if you make the Philly Top 50 for your pizza... it should be both. If I were heading out for pizza, I wouldn't choose Zavino over Stella (next on our list) and I'm pretty sure most people can find equally delicious pizza close to home (honorary shout-out to Mama Palma's: my local brick-oven pizzeria).
While it wouldn't be my choice for dinner, I would definitely do drinks and apps at Zavino again. 50 Food Dates is teaching me that dining can (maybe should) be unusual and unexpected. Suggestion #3: Think outside of the box. Zavino is a fun destination, but it isn't going to satisfy your every need. If you're looking for a big pizza meal, you're going to be disappointed, but that doesn't mean that there aren't merits to their offerings. I would be happy returning to Zavino, even if dinner itself happened elsewhere.
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