We keep driving by, eyeing up the renovation of the old Locust Crest Tavern which has been transformed into La Porta Ristorante & Wine Bar. Peter McAndrew, who owns several Philly restaurants, has been renovating the space for the past few months, and according to All Things Media, the restaurant is due to open Thursday, May 17th.
About two weeks ago, we took a peek inside as a worker placed finishing touches on the outside hand railing. We even snapped a few photos of the un-opened Italian bar and restaurant.
Inside is definitely casual, with tile floors and rustic charm. An old weathered barn door hung from the wall. The wooden beams were offset with white painted stucco walls, though another wall appeared as though it was still being tested with paint colors. We’re whetting your appetite with these photos, who knows what last minute adjustments they are making?
Chef Peter McAndrews is well known in Philadelphia for his Italian restaurants Modo Mio and Monsu, as well as the sandwich shop Paesano’s.
Michael Klein from Philly.com posted a link to the menu on his blog recently. The focus is brick-oven pizzas, which “will be thin crusted and have areas of char, the classic way!” The roadside restaurant will also have spuntini (snacks) such as Montecato, Saltimbocca and Bruschetta. Pasta will round out the menu, which can be seen HERE.
La Porta Ristorante & Wine Bar is located at 1192 North Middletown Road, which is commonly referred to as Route 352. Phone number is 610-358-5104.
