As the saying goes, “When one door closes, another opens.”
With the closing of the Granite Run Mall, Danny Malatesta had to find another hot spot to open up his shop, Dominic’s Hand Carved Roast Beef & Roast Pork. The bar and restaurant recently opened for business at 100 State Road in Media, former home to the Upper Providence Grill.
Dominic’s, named after Danny’s late father, is a family-owned business that creates authentic, delicious food, and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
The newly spruced-up eatery may feature a bigger space and larger bar, but if you’d ever been to the “UPG,” as the locals called it, it still has the same cozy, familiar feel.
During the fall season and chillier temps, I can’t help but crave home-cooked comfort food, and Dominic’s hot roast-beef and roast-pork sandwiches are a delicious choice. I’ve eaten at Dominic’s a few times, and have tried both the beef and pork with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. The meat was carved into thick slices, seasoned with the right amount of Italian herbs and spices, and the warm artisan roll was soft on the inside and crusty on the outside, just how I like it. For around ten bucks, you might think the sammies are a bit pricey, but with the healthy helping of high-quality meats and cheeses, they’re worth it. And if you like a bit more kick, as I do, the meals are served with hot cherry-peppers or horseradish. A note to keep in mind, these meaty, cheesy, carb-a-licious creations are not the tidiest to eat, but with a side of napkins, you won’t think twice about a little messiness.
I was too stuffed to try anything else on the menu, but will definitely return. A few other menu items caught my eye, like Italian long hots, bruschetta and mozzarella breaded with a side of marinara. There are quite a few starters to choose from, plus soups, salads and platters, all at pretty reasonable prices considering the plentiful servings.
I particularly appreciated the ambiance of the bar area. For an eatery that serves up casual fare, the laid-back and welcoming atmosphere complements the food. The bartenders and servers were pleasant and chit-chatted with me while I dined. The bar features a wide selection of draft beers served in ice-cold glasses, plus wine and specialty cocktails.
In talking with the staff, it seems the Upper Providence community has quickly welcomed Dominic’s with open arms, and they’re already drawing a crowd of regulars. Danny has plans in the coming months to bring in live music, add more specials and become a neighborhood favorite.
Check out the menu online and be sure to follow Dominic’s on Facebook.
Photo credit: Lauren Avellino Turton.
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