Ava
518 S. 3rd St.
(215) 922-3282
Minutes before my reservation at Ava, I was glued to my computer screen, compulsively hitting "refresh" in an attempt to read/watch/whatever the online log of the last bits of a Red Sox game. Knowing Street's impeccable punctuality rep was on the line, however, I was forced to tear myself away and hop in a cab before the final outs. Point? Enter Michael Campagna, Ava's owner, manager and beamingly proud father of 16-month-old Ava, for whom Campagna's wonderful Italian BYO is named.
When Michael came out at the end of our meal to introduce himself and have a little chat, it was soon revealed that he too was a pathological Sox fan, and was delighted to inform me of that night's win. But no matter what your baseball persuasion, or lack thereof, Ava is sure to stick with you as a gem among Philly's horde of Italian BYOs.
The cozy yet spacious feel of Ava is a welcome little twilight zone half a block off of raucous South Street. The menu, however, does not match the simple, somewhat sparse decor of the space. A bruschetta sampler with caramelized onions and parmesan cheese, truffled red and golden beets, and baked goat cheese ($8) exemplifies Ava's slant towards creativity and modernity. But don't worry, if more traditional Italian dishes are what tickle your fancy; you will not find a shortage of staple Italian pasta, salad, meat and fish favorites. Ava is reasonably priced (entrees generally run from $18-22), with options for appetizer or entree portions of pasta and risotto dishes ($7/14) and a variety that covers it all. Some things just have that ability to satisfy a spectrum of tastes -- like The Princess Bride.
So the next time you're about to book a table at Bistro La Uninspired, check out Ava instead. And if you start a "Yankees Suck" cheer you may get your mini cr?me brulee (flavors include amaretto, chocolate, and lavender) for free. Sweeeeet.
