By Ken Alan
Reprinted from Main Line Today
In Nick and Kayla Amoroso’s La Padella, Media has yet another casual, welcoming neighborhood restaurant and bar. In the kitchen, this husband-and-wife duo excels at Italian-American classics modernized and retooled for today’s sensibilities.
Nowhere are the twists more evident than in chef Jim Stigale’s escarole soup, its one giant meatball (rather than many mini ones) resting in a sea of broth enriched by Parmesan rind. Also noteworthy is the veal Parmesan, which is cut thick to maximize juiciness — and the veal Marsala gets a bone-in spin in lieu of medallions. The seafood also deserves its top billing. Sweet sea scallops are delivered daily, and the cioppino (in a broth of white wine and tomatoes) is another fan favorite.
The Amorosos try to keep things lively all week long, waiving the corkage fee for those who BYOB on Mondays. And the bar is stocked with satisfying sips directly from Italy — like Malfy gins infused with fruit essences and natural botanicals. IAH
La Padella, 100 State Road, Media, Pennsylvania. (484) 445-4445.