Tony’s Place

Tony’s place opened in South Philadelphia at 10th and Jackson streets selling homemade roast beef and meatball sandwiches and original tomato pies, according to Bucks County magazine’s dinning writer, Frank Quattrone, “...(Tony’s) has evolved into an eclectic, even sophisticated restaurant.” Tony’s, has moved from the basics (tomato pies and hot sandwiches) to gourmet Italian dishes. Now in Ivyland and run by 3rd generation owner Joe Mallamaci, who eight years ago, hired Executive Chef William Lewis, a graduate of the renowned Johnson & Wales culinary school and gathered experience in Boston and Center City Philadelphia.

The menu at Tony’s Place still offers much from it’s South Philadelphia past— Meatball

Parm with Provolone or Philly Cheese Steak on a seedless long roll. Or the Triple Bacon Burger, Cedar Salmon, or the Wild Rice Bowl (where wild rice is blended with sautéed butternut squash and brussels sprouts, topped with orange-maple vinaigrette, arugula with pear and raisins, avocado, and a dollop of whipped sweet potatoes).

The Appetizers include such delightful offerings as Carpaccio of Short Rib (Spiced Short Rib, seared and served chilled and thinly sliced; garnished with pear and cranberry relish and parmesan arugula salad; Baked Brie that is topped with sweet oat crunch and cranberry compote and served with grilled ci- abatta bread. The list of appetizers is long and has something for every palate.

There are soups and 12 different salads to choose from, with additions such as Grilled Tuna, Grilled Salmon Filet, Calamari that can turn any of the salads into a full meal.

For entrees, being a carnivore, I suggest the steakhouse selections: Twin Filet Mignons, The Big Pork Chop and others. The entree menu is seasonal and offers such interesting foods as Cedar Roasted Atlantic Salmon, Char Grilled Filet Kebob, Blackened Chicken Alfredo, Vodka Crab Penne, and many more. Also, there is a large selection of beers, craft beers and IPAs and also a great wine list.

Tony’s Place is located at 1297 Greeley Place, Ivyland, PA 18974; 215-675-7275; www.tonyspla ceivyland.com. Open Sunday–Wednesday, 11 a.m.– 10 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Bar hours daily, 11 a.m.–midnight. Live acoustic entertainment weekends from 9 p.m.