Another Helping of Italian in Northern Liberties

Modo Mio. Paesanos. Monsu. Il Porto. Popolino? Italian-lovers, get out your BYO wine totes and say Cin Cin, because Peter McAndrews is readying to open his next Philadelphia-area spot at 501 Fairmount Avenue. The chef-owner has chosen the former Lafayette Bistro space in Northern Liberties as his location for Popolino, a Roman concept that will feature an antipasti bar and an emphasis on offal. McAndrews is also partnering with Stephen Flis, most recently a server and Resident Cheese Expert at the Fountain Restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. Flis will man the front-of-house, and of course, there will be a cheese plate on offer.

Seeing as it's ever more difficult to snag a reservation at Modo Mio, Northern Liberties should be a welcoming host to another helping of  McAndrews' inspired rustic fare. Popolino opens in early March.

Some of the menu highlights:

Fried Calamari with Dates, Hard Cooked Eggs, Mint and Garum

Veal Saltimbocca with Prosciutto and Fried Sage

Tavole Calde (or “Hot Table”) which is a staple in Roman Trattorie, a large table of room temperature dishes, consisting of house made salads, pickled or marinated vegetables, cured meats and fish

$40 Menu Turista, antipasti or the tavole calde items, primi piatti (pasta), secondi (main) and dolce (dessert)