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Is it gravy or sauce?
Come on now, this is South Philly, and there’s only one correct answer.
“It’s always gravy. It’s the South Philly way,” Christian Varalli, chef and co-owner of Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant, 2500 S. Broad St., said. “When we had the place in Atlantic City [also Scannicchio’s], we said ‘gravy’ and people didn’t know what we were talking about.”
But on this side of the Walt Whitman Bridge, Varalli is speaking from a position of authority as his Marconi restaurant is the Readers’ Choice for gravy/sauce. The award-winning recipes have been passed down through the generations.
“Our grandparents taught us everything we know with our gravy skills,” Varalli, who also referred co-owner/chef Michael Gibson’s family roots, said.
Varalli said the gravy that is used on many of the dishes includes filet trimmings, meatballs and sausage.
Tonight, more than 500 people have a chance to sample a chunkier tomato version of the gravy used in their gluten-free eggplant Parmesan being served at Atlantic City’s Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala, which will benefit the Atlantic Cape Community College.
Of course none of these awards — including four in the 2012 competition — would be possible without the help of a dedicated staff.
“We have a very low turnover rate,” Varalli said. “We treat [the employees] well, and in response, they work to the best of their abilities.”
Ristorante Pesto got a taste of second, while Marra’s seasoned a third-place nod.
Contact Staff Writer Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: Gravy/sauce
Geno’s Steaks: French fries / cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
Johnny Chang’s: Sushi
Nick’s Old Original Roast Beef: Roast beef sandwich
City Pizza: Pizza toppings
Green Eggs Café: Sunday brunch
Penrose Diner: Waffles
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Business luncheon/banquet
FrancoLuigi’s Pizzeria: Romantic outing
Ristorante Pesto: Italian restaurant
Cantina Los Cabalitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Noir: New restaurant
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli (tie)
Potito’s Bakery: Cannoli (tie) / cupcakes
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Lerro’s Candy Co.: Candy store
Staying Active
DanceAdelphia: Dance studio
Girard Academic Music Program: Music program
Marconi Plaza: Place to walk your dog
Stickball: Schoolyard/street game
Guerin Recreation Center: Recreation Center
Wake Up Yoga: Place to take a yoga class
Places
East Passyunk Avenue: Neighborhood
Pennsylvania Burial Co.: Funeral home
Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School: School
St. Monica: Church
Ten Pennies: Florist
Chickie’s and Pete’s: Place to enjoy a game
Sports
Frank Natale: High school coach
Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School Saints: High school team
Citizens Bank Park: Pro sports venue
Chase Utley: Current Philly pro athlete
Ed Snider: Philly pro sports owner
And the Rest
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
Councilman Mark Squilla: Politician
Social Scene: South Philly Review section
Disc jockey: Category not on this list
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