Danilo Angelucci is a man with a vision, and that dream is becoming more evident as we watch the construction crews at work at Anthony’s Cucina Fresca on Lancaster Avenue, in the center of the borough. Angelucci, the restaurant’s owner, has partnered with M&H Design and Consulting for a physical expansion on the property while remaining open. “We promise to keep the dining experience enjoyable while we renovate,” he said.
This isn’t the first time Angelucci has experienced a significant challenge firsthand. In May 2015, a devastating fire in his original location at the North Park Plaza destroyed several businesses. Though he was underinsured, the day after the fire, he began his search for a new location. He said, “I was not giving up. I come from a hard-working, dedicated family, and we weren’t about to let this be a setback.”
Almost a blessing in disguise, the former Avalon Pasta Bistro location across town was available. With the assistance of members of the Downingtown community, food suppliers, business associates and friends to pitch in with financial assistance, landscaping, painting and prepping, the current location opened in July 2015.
With new ovens and attitudes, the pizza business quickly thrived by adding the capability for authentic Neapolitan and New York-style pizza crusts. “We wanted to be sure that our loyal following was served the best and to do something that was new to the area,” said Angelucci.
Today—with near-cult pizza status in the area—the eatery is ready to expand. With a brand-new liquor license, a new executive chef from Italy and the elevated menu evolving daily, it looks as though Anthony’s is poised for success again.
Breaking through the front wall to open up the petite space and increase the seating (literally hearing saws and sledgehammers as we sat chatting), Angelucci’s eyes lit up as he explained the wine bar concept he has planned for the establishment. “We already offer an excellent selection of wine from Italy’s seven regions including Piedmont, Liguria, Valle d’Aosta and Veneto, and we’re set on keeping the price affordable for the area.” He continued to explain that “the wine bar will be along the back wall and feature a tapas menu and cozy seating,” which promises to inject a sense of approachable sophistication to the building. The decor will continue to be authentically homey to tie in with the stone and soft, gold stucco walls over top of the rich, dark wood floors.
Pastas, breads and desserts are all made onsite from scratch and will continue to serve as the springboard for the rotating menu. One can find beef and Sicilian octopus carpaccios mingled with super-hot wings on the list of appetizers catering to everyone. Traditional Caesar and cinnamon-marinated pear salads fight for our attention. Sandwiches, steaks, burgers and, of course, pizzas compete with signature entrees like chicken bacon roulades, saltimbocca and San Remo salmon. Kids get top-billing here as well with vermicelli and meatballs or standby chicken tenders with fries. Daily specials promise to be fresh, creative and scrumptious.
Angelucci is also adamant about making sure his existing customer base is satisfied during (and after) the expansion with his takeout business, “because they are who helped make us who we are, but we also want to offer the community a place to bring the family, friends or a date, because they deserve it.” Mangia!
Parking is onsite, and the restaurant is open every day.
Find Anthony’s Cucina Fresca at 78 W. Lancaster Ave. in Downingtown; phone: (610) 873-5544.
- Photos: Ed Williams
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