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Taormina’s Pizza & Pasta
Mallard Creek Shopping Center, 130 Almshouse Ro., Richboro, 215-355-8886.
Hours. 11am to 10 pm. Monday through Thursdays, 11am to 11pm Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 10pm Sunday.
• No smoking
• Wheelchair accessible
• BYOB
• Take-out available
Price range. Sandwiches and Panini are $5.25 to $8.45; pasta dn specialty dishes are $8.95 to $15.95; pizza and tomato pies run from $6.25 to $17.95
Parking. There’s plenty in the shopping center parking lot.
What’s the story? Josephine Taormina and her family have operated five restaurants – they were the original owners of Dolce Carini in Newtown, Bucks County. Now, they own Dolce Carini in Center City, and she has operated Taormina’s for more than two years. “We’re an upscale gourmet pizza and pasta place,” she says. “Most of our customers are regulars. Some come in two or three times a week.”
The scene. More than a pizzeria, Taormina’s has a bistro feel, with tile floors, wainscoting, and French country prints on the walls. Upholstered chairs are comfortable, and tables for two, four and six can be moved easily for larger parties. The dining room which seats 58, is cozy without feeling crowded. |
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What we had. A children’s portion of tortellini Alfredo ($5.50) was plenty for the three of us as an appetizer. My daughter couldn’t finish half her chicken parmigiana sandwich ($6.50), but she enjoyed every bite she had. My wife, a portobello mushroom lover, was happy with the shroom on her chicken veggie panini ($8.45), along with the grilled chicken, spinach, roasted red pepper, pesto sauce, and provolone that came with it. I was set to order the chicken caliente panini ($7.95), tempted by the bleu cheese and hot sauce on the grilled chicken. But I couldn’t resist the dish that looked so good at the next table – Cavatelli with shrimp and broccoli ($14.50). Both the pasta and the olive oil and garlic sauce were the lightest I’ve ever had. I’ll definitely go back for that dish.
Chef’s suggestions. Taormina says three of the most popular items are the vodka rigatoni ($11.95), tomato pie (6.25 for 10-inch, $10.50 for 16-inch), and vegetarian pizza ($10.95 and $16.95).
Nice touches. The cavatelli and fettuccine are homemade. The ice cream comes from nearby Tanner Bros. Dairy.
After you eat. In good weather head over to Spring Mill Country Club for a round of miniature golf or chip-and-putt. In bad weather, stay for a cup of coffee and a slice of fried cheesecake with vanilla ice cream, topped with caramel and chocolate sauce ($5.25) |
