107697481
Food and music undoubtedly sate some of the most sensual cravings. For Frank Borda, tending to such desires proves uniquely enjoyable, as he owns, performs at and serves as the executive chef for FrancoLuigi’s Pizzeria, 1549 S. 13th St. For its combination of quality cuisine and tantalizing tunes, readers named the Passyunk Square destination the best spot for a romantic outing.
“We’re not fancy because we favor the quality of our products and music over the quantity of decorations and other elements,” Borda, a native of 10th and Tasker streets who resides in Chalfont, said of his establishment, which began as a pizzeria in 1984 and added a café a decade later. “That means great meals and performances for everyone who joins us.”
The nondescript pizzeria leads to the younger area, where as many as 58 patrons find themselves charmed by Italian fare such as the Pollo Puccini, which Borda, a tenor, deems his favorite and which honors his top composer, and musical treats four nights a week.
“The café is compact and I think that it and the food up the romance factor in perfect harmony, pun intended,” the proprietor, whose space regularly welcomes the Amici Opera Co. for stagings of world-famous pieces, said.
Ristorante Pesto set the mood in second, and Paradiso and Ralph’s Italian Restaurant shared 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
107705381
107697491
