Anyone try the new Chestnut Hill Italian yet?

[JennBilMer]

I've heard that it's open and was thinking of checking it out this weekend. Has anyone been yet or hear anything about it?

[missclaudy]

Hey, where is this spot please ?

[JennBilMer]

It's where Al'Dana was, which I miss terribly! Two doors down from McNally's.

[JanR]

What's the name? byob?

[JennBilMer]

I believe it's called Bocelli and is a byo. Might try tonight and will report back

[JanR]

Please do. Would love to hear your thoughts. We need more good restaurants in Chestnut Hill.

[JennBilMer]

Unfortunately I have to report back that dinner was rather mediocre. Service was very friendly and attentive, especially considering how packed they were, but the food was disappointing.

I had the salad with mushrooms, which sounded promising, but was just greens with sliced, raw button mushrooms (why?). Husband had the carpaccio which was ice cold so rather tasteless. A friend had the portabella stuffed with sautéed spinach, which was just that (no cheese, no drizzle of balsamic. I do better myself at home). Another friend ordered the grilled calamari, which they told him they were substituting with fried, and was fine, but instead of the lemon aioli promised in the menu, it came with marinara.

My entrée was actually very good. I had the pesto pasta that usually comes with shrimp, but I asked for veggies instead. The pasta tasted homemade, was a generous portion and the pesto was quite tasty. Unfortunately my fellow diners didn’t fare as well. Two veal dishes were good, but overly salted, and pasta with chicken in a cream sauce was totally bland.

Price was good though and it was byo so it’s not without promise. Given it’s so new, I’d try them again in a few months.

[hungry100]

I haven't been, but I have heard good things about Bacio on Mt. Pleasant Ave. in Mt. Airy. Unfortunately, it never looks busy. Maybe we should try to patronize Bacio while the CH restaurant works out their kinks (and I speak for myself). We need to keep (and get more) good restaurants in the 'hood.

[gardens4me]

I will keep Boccelli in my hopes and prayers. My friends who eat at their other restaurant in Gwynedd love that place, so hopefully, this kitchen will straighten out soon. But Bacio....I LOVE this place. The lasagna is to die for. I'll never be happy with anyone's lasagna again after having this. All of the pasta is homemade-on the spot...nothing tough. You don't need a knife to cut through it! I always go during the week, as I have heard that they are packed on weekends.

[AmblerGirl]

I really hope it gets better, I'm going to stay optimistic. I have been looking for a good, moderately priced BYO in C-Hill since Cafe Barcelona closed (a moment of silence please...).

Boccelli in Gwynned is yummy, so hopefully this is just growing pains!

[JanR]

Anyone been here recently?

[PattiCakes]

Yes, I know the original post is old, but I caught it cruising through the boards.

You had me for a minute there! I've been to Bocelli in Gwynned, and thought I'd lost my mind when you said it was in Chestnut Hill. I hope they get their act togher -- the place in Gwynned is a favorite. It's the place I fell in love with grilled romaine salad. I'm interested in updats.

[lettura]

A friend and I ate there on a Friday night. The salads were good. We both had veal (picatta and saltimbocca). Both were lacking taste and the sides were lukewarm. The service was rushed-- dinners brought before we had finished the salads; not given enough time to look over the menu. We were not offered desserts, and were told that the table was needed. I find that reasonable if at the outset of dinner one is told that they are busy that night -- not at the end of the meal. I don't expect to return.