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Its name derives from the French word for “black,” but since its June 18 opening, Noir Restaurant & Bar, 1909 E. Passyunk Ave., has proven red hot among patrons. By blending his Montreal upbringing and Italian heritage, chef Marco DeCotiis has designed dishes that have delighted those diners so intensely they voted for the East Passyunk Crossing site as the top new restaurant.
“I think our draw is that we are lively and fun and offer plates that are a bit different because of my Canadian background,” DeCotiis, of the 2400 block of South Bancroft Street, said of the space that girlfriend Donnamarie Motto and her cousin Billie Motto own.
Seating 60, the establishment relies on local vendors and products from Canada to craft a menu laden with beloved items such as pappardelle bolognese, potato gnocchi, rice balls and stuffed artichokes. Food alone does not lure crowds, though, as beer, cocktail and wine lists and framed portraits help to up the levity. Management also is waiting for word on its application for a live entertainment license, meaning it soon could have guests nodding their heads to their meals and music.
“This really is an honor because the community has been so supportive,” DeCotiis said.
“Are you kidding?” Billie added. “We love our customers.”
The Industry built a second-place finish, with Will BYOB easing in to third.
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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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