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Brigantessa, Forneria Meridionale
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
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It was a long time in coming, but I finally made it to Brigantessa, Forneria Meridionale. Named in honor of Michelina De Cesare, a pro-Bourbon freedom fighter who fought and died against the Piedmontese invaders, the restaurant is one of South Philly’s hip dining spots which specializes in southern Italian fare.
Located at 1520 East Passyunk Avenue, Brigantessa offers a variety traditional dishes drawn from the unforgettable experiences of la cucina meridianale in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Decorated with original photography highlighting the splendor of the Italian south, the first floor—with bar and Neapolitan pizza oven—is intimate and cozy, while the upstairs dining area is roomy and better suited to larger parties. As to be expected from a southern Italian eatery, the staff was warm, friendly and very attentive. |
Hanging sign with Michelina De Cesare
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Luckily, the drive from NYC made us pretty hungry, so we still had some room for our main courses. My friend had the Mozzarella in Carrozza Pannini, a new take on an old classic, while I inhaled the Crispy Eggplant Pannini smothered in smoked scamorza, spicy ’nduja and a yellow Piennolo tomato agrodolce. Both sandwiches were served with homemade potato chips.
Naturally, the right thing to do after a meal like that was to take a leisurely stroll and explore the neighborhood. Our experience was so good, my friend and I agreed we would come back for supper before making our trek home. So we made our reservation and partook in some of the many things Philadelphia has to offer. (See upcoming post)
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A large photo of Michelina De Cesare also hangs over the beer taps
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For an appetizer we had the insanely delicious wood-grilled Lucanian Sausage with crispy polenta and Lacinato kale. My friend ordered the Regina Pizza, an authentic Neapolitan masterpiece covered with buffalo mozzarella, Piennolo tomatoes and basil, cooked to perfection following the strict regulations of the AVPN* in a famed Gianni Acunto wood-fired oven made with bricks from the volcanic ash of Mount Vesuvius. For my entrée I ordered the Saffron “Briganti Hats,” a delectable macaroni smothered in a cardoncelli mushroom and pork sausage ragu. I think I would have ordered this dish anyway because of the name, but I remembered reading a glowing review by our friend Danielle Oteri over at Feast on History and the choice became obvious.
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Photos of southern Italy adorn the walls
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Needless to say, our dinner was brought to its climactic conclusion with a piping hot espresso.
If I were a local, Brigantessa would definitely be one of my regular haunts, where I would happily sample my way through the entire menu and seasonal specialties. However, a few friends saw my "status" on Facebook and were disappointed they didn’t get to come, so I may be back soon enough to try some of the other dishes.
* Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana
* Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana
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Antipasti Della Casa, a delicious assortment of artichokes, olives, mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, sformato and stracciatella
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Our new pal Andre presents a couple of mouthwatering masterpieces
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Crispy Eggplant Pannini smothered in smoked scamorza, spicy ’nduja and a yellow Piennolo tomato agrodolce
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Caroline carves up some salumi with a vintage hand cranked Berkel slicer
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Saffron “Briganti Hats,” a delectable macaroni smothered in a cardoncelli mushroom and pork sausage ragu
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Pizza Regina
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Lucanian Sausage with crispy polenta and Lacinato kale
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1520 East Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 318-7341
www.brigantessaphila.com
