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When it comes to the Readers’ Choice Awards, it’s not uncommon to see Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant, 2500 S. Broad St., towards the top of the multiple winners list. Two years ago, the popular Marconi eatery walked away with “The fantastic four” collection of honors.
This year, owners Christian Varalli and Michael Gibson have topped the leaderboard in the BYOB and date night categories.
The former is a victory Varalli and his team especially cherish as it’s proof that the concept the duo started with 10 years ago is continuing to leave a lasting impression. When the liquor licence inquires come in, Varalli, who also shares the cooking duties with Gibson, never hesitates with a quick no.
“We want to stay a BYOB, which keeps our prices lower, and the restaurant on the busier side seven nights a week,” Varalli said. “Customers can enjoy a nice dinner more frequently with good quality food. It gives us a chance to be a little more creative.”
Ristorante Pesto, 1915 S. Broad St., cooked up runner-up recognition while Izumi, 1601 E. Passyunk Ave., plated third.
When it comes to date night, the lights shine brightly at Scannicchio’s where the romantic ambiance seems to be leaving a lasting impression. Varalli noted there have been several couples who have come to the establishment for their first date, and returned several months later to get engaged.
“We try to keep the atmosphere intimate and inviting,” he said.
It helps that the Scannicchio’s staff is made up of multiple generations of the Varalli and Gibson families. They all work together to create a memorable experience for the customers.
“I stress everyday that the customer coming in need to feel at home,” Varalli said. “We treat everybody the same.”
Pesto added another helping of second in the date night results while Noir, 1909 E. Passyunk Ave., sampled third.
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
2014 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Steak ‘Em Up French fries
Philip’s Steaks and Geno’s Steaks (tie) Cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies Hoagie
Lil Nick’s Deli Specialty sandwich
City Pizza Pizza crust
Green Eggs Cafe Brunch menu
Penrose Diner Omelet selection/Diner
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant Date night/BYOB
Ristorante Pesto Italian restaurant
Johnny Chang’s Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Breezy’s Café New restaurant (January 2013 to present)
Stogie Joe’s Tavern Bar menu
Nick Elmi Top chef
Sweet Tooth
Isgro Pastries Cannoli/Bakery
Pop’s Water Ice Gelati
Potito’s Cupcakes
Termini Bros Cookies
People
Jason Douglas DJ
The Business Local band
Bobby Rydell South Philly celebrity
Dana Smith Elementary school teacher
Vikings Mummers Brigade
Carl Arrigale High school coach
Neumann-Goretti High school team
Bryan Hughes Youth/recreation league coach
Nick Foles Philly pro athlete
Places
DiBruno Bros. Italian specialty store
Galdo’s Catering Hall
Ten Pennies Florist
Monti Rago Funeral Home, Inc., Funeral home
Packer Park Neighborhood
Epiphany of Our Lord Church Church
Lombardi’s Prime Meats Butcher shop
TLA Music venue
On the Move
Planet Fitness Gym/health club
DanceAdelphia Ballet program
Barry Playground Community pool
Fitness Works Place to take a Pilates class
And Let’s Not Forget
Bartender Category not on this list
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