Tag Archives: food

Prunella by Michael Schulson – Philadelphia, PA

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Bluejeanfood

Prunella by Michael Schulson – Philadelphia, PA

Small Bites Radio has been named Top Hospitality Shows on the Planet from 2020 – 2024, #Bluejeanfood.com named Top Philadelphia Best Philadelphia Lifestyle Blogs and Websites from 2021-2024, Best Philly Food Blogs and Websites 2023-24, Top 25 Philly Food RSS Feeds in 2024, nominated by Metro Philly Newspaper 2022-23 Best of Philadelphia Arts & Entertainment, and winner of Metro Philly Newspaper 2023 Best of Philadelphia Arts & Entertainment.

Dining at Prunella by Michael Schulson is a transcendental experience that elevates the senses and delights the palate in the heart of Midtown Village Philadelphia. Nestled on the corner of 13th and Sansom, Prunella beckons with its effortlessly chic ambiance and captivating charm.

As you step into Prunella, you are greeted by a stunning white marble-topped bar, a true masterpiece that sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. Lush greenery and an iconic photo wall add to the restaurant’s allure, creating a space that is both casual and energetically vibrant.

The menu at Prunella is a symphony of flavors, offering an elevated take on American-style pizza that is sure to tantalize even the most discerning taste buds. Drawing inspiration from the floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, the culinary creations showcase the freshest seasonal ingredients, resulting in small plates and fresh pasta dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

One cannot talk about Prunella without mentioning its signature wine and beer list, expertly curated to complement the light and airy ambiance of the restaurant. Thoughtfully crafted cocktails add an extra layer of sophistication to the dining experience, providing the perfect accompaniment to each exquisite dish.

During my visit to Prunella, I had the pleasure of indulging in a culinary adventure that included the unforgettable Cheesy Parisi pizza. The name alone evokes a sense of whimsy and delight, and the taste surpassed all expectations. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, with garlic-infused mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce perfectly complementing each other to create a truly unforgettable culinary masterpiece.

In addition to the Cheesy Parisi, I also had the pleasure of sampling the White Claw pizza, featuring a delightful combination of mozzarella, roasted garlic, and basil, as well as the Big Nick pizza, with its rich porcini crema, earthy mushrooms, and creamy burrata. The Queen Bee pizza, adorned with spicy hot coppa, provolone, and drizzled with tantalizing hot honey, was a true revelation.

Overall, dining at Prunella by Michael Schulson is an experience that transcends the ordinary, offering a perfect fusion of culinary excellence, impeccable service, and stylish ambiance. Whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable dining experience, Prunella is sure to leave a lasting impression that will keep you coming back for more.

Again, in 2023, Small Bites with Donato Marino and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com was blown away by winning the Best of the Best in the Philadelphia Region Arts & Entertainment category out of 80,000 votes tallied in total through Metro Philly’s Best of Philadelphia for 2023. Truly appreciate everyone who voted for us.

As usual don’t forget to listen to the #1 listed “Food Radio Show Philadelphia” and the #1 listed “Food Radio Show South Jersey” Small Bites Radio. For a list of guests who have appeared on the show and more information click below:

http://www.bluejeanfood.com/smallbitesradio

#foodradioshowphiladelphia

#FoodRadioShowSouthJersey

#tophospitalityshow

#foodradio

#foodradioshow

#topphiladelphialifestyle

#toplisted

#bestfood

#bestpodcast

#bestofphilly

#bestphillyblog

#bestfoodfeed

#bestphillyartsentertainment

#metrophillybest

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Villa Nuova Ristorante & Pizzeria – Deptford, NJ

Posted on February 12, 2024 by Bluejeanfood

Villa Nuova Ristorante & Pizzeria – Deptford, NJ

Small Bites Radio has been named Top Hospitality Shows on the Planet from 2020 – 2023, #Bluejeanfood.com named Top Philadelphia Lifestyle Blogs, Websites & Influencers from 2021-2023, Best Philly Food Blogs and Websites 2023, nominated by Metro Philly Newspaper 2022 Best of Philadelphia Arts & Entertainment, and winner of Metro Philly Newspaper 2023 Best of Philadelphia Arts & Entertainment.

Step into the charm of old-school Italian hospitality this Valentine’s Day at Villa Nuova Ristorante & Pizzeria in Deptford, NJ. Tucked away like a hidden gem on a completely unassuming residential area road, this dining destination offers an experience reminiscent of stepping back in time. Despite its unassuming exterior and older decor, Villa Nuova promises an unforgettable evening filled with warmth, flavor, and romance.


The minute you step foot inside, you are entering a cozy dining room where the air is filled with the aroma of authentic Italian cuisine. Your senses are immediately captivated by the tantalizing scent of delicious food.


We went with a great selection of take away food. Clams Casino, each little neck clam topped with peppers, onions, and crispy bacon, offering a perfect balance of savory flavors. As you delve into the Mushroom Trio, featuring a medley of white, shiitake, and portabella mushrooms sautéed with jumbo lump crab in a white wine lemon sauce, you’re transported to culinary bliss. Savor the comforting embrace of Chicken and Escarole Soup, followed by a refreshing mini salad, perfectly setting the stage for the pièce de résistance: the Chicken Marsala Dinner. Picture tender chicken breast sautéed to perfection, mingling with earthy mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich marsala wine sauce, accompanied by grilled veggies that burst with flavor. And for the pasta aficionados, Villa Nuova presents a delightful dish of little neck clams sautéed in a delicate white sauce, gracefully draped over a bed of linguine. To conclude this culinary symphony, indulge in a slice of heavenly cheesecake, the perfect finale to an unforgettable meal. Villa Nuova may not boast opulent surroundings, but it’s heartwarming ambiance and delectable offerings make it a must-visit destination for a romantic Valentine’s Day celebration and whether you choose to dine in or opt for a cozy night at home, Villa Nuova’s authentic Italian fare promises to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. This Valentine’s Day, treat yourself and your loved one to the magic of Villa Nuova Ristorante & Pizzeria, where every bite tells a story of love, tradition, and culinary excellence.

Again, in 2023, Small Bites with Donato Marino and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com was blown away by winning the Best of the Best in the Philadelphia Region Arts & Entertainment category out of 80,000 votes tallied in total through Metro Philly’s Best of Philadelphia for 2023. Truly appreciate everyone who voted for us.

As usual don’t forget to listen to the #1 listed “Food Radio Show Philadelphia” and the #1 listed “Food Radio Show South Jersey” Small Bites Radio. For a list of guests who have appeared on the show and more information click below:

www.bluejeanfood.com/smallbitesradio

#foodradioshowphiladelphia

#FoodRadioShowSouthJersey

#tophospitalityshow

#foodradio

#foodradioshow

#topphiladelphialifestyle

#toplisted

#bestfood

#bestpodcast

#bestofphilly

#bestphillyblog

#bestfoodfeed

#bestphillyartsentertainment

#metrophillybest

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Italian South Jersey Style

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Bluejeanfood

Arugula, Sewell NJ

http://arugularestaurant.net/

04-07-2012

Transforming a space previously held by a Mexican restaurant into a modern Italian restaurant is no easy task. Chefs Nicholas Tomasetto and Stefano Gervas have settled into the former space occupied by San Miguel quite nicely by creating a sleek and hip feel felt immediately upon stepping foot into Arugula. It is not perfect though, as I have a major complaint about the décor. The area in question is the design at the front of the restaurant where tables for two are present that gives Arugula a furniture style befitting 0001 Cemetery Lane where the Addams Family resides. Gomez and Morticia would be the only two people who could reasonably sit at these odd and quirky chairs for dinner. Thankfully coming with three other patrons, the Bluejeanfoodcritic was saved from the possible embarrassment and seated at a regular table, but I could not stop looking at this abnormality.

I started the evening with two appetizers, the Fritto Misto and Blue Bay Mussels. The Fritto Misto was good, not great, and certainly not worth fourteen dollars. At fourteen dollars a restaurant is pushing the envelope into entrée prices, and this is not easily forgivable unless the appetizer creates an unforgettable experience which this dish did not. Fritto Misto advertised to include zucchini, shrimp, and calamari. I will start by saying the shrimp included were perfectly cooked and generous in size, but in contrast the zucchini was practically nonexistent with only three microscopic slices put on top of the dish, while the calamari was rubbery and overcooked. Arugula saved itself once the Blue Bay Mussels arrived though. The Blue Bay Mussels not only changed my mood after the disappointing Fritto Misto, it had me do an about-face and is so good it exalted Arugula into a culinary contender. The portion size of mussels was glorious, while providing a perfectly balanced and slightly spicy broth that was enjoyed so thoroughly, it took sopping up two servings of Italian bread in the broth until not a drop of broth was left. YUM! FYI – picture below I could not wait to eat before the picture was taken, so this was not exactly how it came.

Apps at Arugula

Unfortunately this extreme high did not last long once my main dish was served.  Ordered was the grilled scallop on top of a short rib infused risotto. The scallops were good, but I was extremely disappointed having received only three tiny scallops on a twenty-four dollar entrée. The small dollop of short rib infused risotto did nothing to improve its chance of redemption either. The short rib was bland tasting, while the risotto was overcooked as well. This was too bad as after the Blue Bay Mussels, I wanted to fall in love with Arugula, not just like it.

Main Course

The problems experienced at Arugula are in sloppy or rushed preparation of the meal, and easily fixed if they can focus on their style and execution. I really believe their vision of a modern Italian restaurant is easily attainable and almost all of the elements to achieve this goal are present. They are just missing that “IT” factor right now, and if they can find “IT” they will become dangerous to the bottom line of other food establishments. Once “IT” is obtained they will become the oasis in a desert of unoriginal restaurant choices in the surrounding area they serve. Maybe one day when the waiter walks up to the odd chairs at the front of the establishment, Cousin Itt will be seated there with the answer.

Do I recommend for you to go to Arugula if in the area? Yes

 

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