Table for Two 6-24
Fresco Pizza and Grill
We were greeted and seated at a table for four at the bright, busy Fresco on a Thursday evening. We waited a bit for a server to bring water and open our bottle of Chianti while we were absorbed in deciding among the various menu choices.
We knew we’d have to try a stone-fired pizza, which would make for good leftovers, but were torn between more than 10 versions of panini, Angus beef burgers, pasta, and steak or fish entrees. Our friendly server was patient and returned for our order.
She quickly brought a plate of two small roasted green peppers in marinara and Asiago cheese with four slices of baguette to keep us satisfied until our food arrived.
The red sauce was slightly sweet and the generous chunks of cheese made the dish almost hearty. We had barely finished it when our pizza arrived.
The large 16-inch pizza with pepperoni and fire-roasted peppers ($18.99) arrived on a wooden board, which was placed on the stylish, raised black metal condiment holder.
We each tried a slice, which we thought was good, but a bit too thin of a crust for the Dessert Hound, who likes the more traditional Italian style.
The sauce — advertised as made from fresh, not canned tomatoes — was quite good, as were the toppings.
The chicken quesadilla appetizer ($8.99) could have served as a light meal. It arrived with the grilled calamari ($7.99). The quesadilla brought a good blend of white meat chicken and cheese on a grilled tortilla, with fresh guacamole and pico de gallo along with sour cream.
The calamari was a generous portion of tender chunks from the body, lightly sautéed with olive oil and lemon juice. A side of spring mix, red peppers, red onions, cucumber, cherry tomatoes and black olives dressed lightly with vinaigrette made this a light, refreshing starter.
By this point, we realized we had ordered more food than we needed, since we had eaten only half of the quesadilla. The busboy was quick to package it and the pizza and return them to our table.
The Carnivore ordered his half-pound Angus burger with bacon ($9), since the list of Monterey Jack, Fontina, Provolone and Cheddar cheese options left out his favorite, American cheese. He also substituted an order of fries (for an extra $1) in place of the waffle chips.
The burger arrived cooked medium-well, but still moist and flavorful. The bacon added some saltiness to the lettuce and tomato, sandwiched between a slightly sweet roll.
The crispy fries were very mildly coated and pretty good.
The Dessert Hound’s large bowl of Tuscan Chicken Pasta ($14.99) combined capellini, tender slices of chicken breast, sweet sundried tomatoes and pieces of broccoli in a tomato sauce lightened with white wine. An Asiago cheese breadstick served alongside was rich and flavorful.
Although she enjoyed the combination, she soon had to relegate the dish to tomorrow night’s dinner.
Since even the Carnivore had to leave some of his burger uneaten, dessert was out of the question that night. The dessert menu did mention a single homemade item among the purchased treats displayed in a case. Our server informed us that the owner’s mother prepares the Baklava ($4.50), so we ordered one to add to our packaged items.
The Greek pastry was nicely layered phyllo and small chunks of nuts with a hint of cloves and cinnamon. Although it was topped with honey, the pastry itself was not overly sweet, and it was quite enjoyable.
Overall rating: Delicious, classic Italian favorites and great service deserves 4 forks (out of 5).
The Dining Duo base their reviews on unannounced anonymous visits.
Fresco Pizza and Grill Location: 228 S. Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square (Shops at Springton Pointe) Phone Number: 610-356-4171 Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean Ambience: Trendy B.Y.O.B.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m.
Prices: Appetizers, soups $3 to $10; Entrées $9 to $25 Alcoholic Beverages: B.Y.O.B. Web site: www.FrescoPizzaGrill.com
We knew we’d have to try a stone-fired pizza, which would make for good leftovers, but were torn between more than 10 versions of panini, Angus beef burgers, pasta, and steak or fish entrees. Our friendly server was patient and returned for our order.
She quickly brought a plate of two small roasted green peppers in marinara and Asiago cheese with four slices of baguette to keep us satisfied until our food arrived.
The red sauce was slightly sweet and the generous chunks of cheese made the dish almost hearty. We had barely finished it when our pizza arrived.
The large 16-inch pizza with pepperoni and fire-roasted peppers ($18.99) arrived on a wooden board, which was placed on the stylish, raised black metal condiment holder.
We each tried a slice, which we thought was good, but a bit too thin of a crust for the Dessert Hound, who likes the more traditional Italian style.
The sauce — advertised as made from fresh, not canned tomatoes — was quite good, as were the toppings.
The chicken quesadilla appetizer ($8.99) could have served as a light meal. It arrived with the grilled calamari ($7.99). The quesadilla brought a good blend of white meat chicken and cheese on a grilled tortilla, with fresh guacamole and pico de gallo along with sour cream.
The calamari was a generous portion of tender chunks from the body, lightly sautéed with olive oil and lemon juice. A side of spring mix, red peppers, red onions, cucumber, cherry tomatoes and black olives dressed lightly with vinaigrette made this a light, refreshing starter.
By this point, we realized we had ordered more food than we needed, since we had eaten only half of the quesadilla. The busboy was quick to package it and the pizza and return them to our table.
The Carnivore ordered his half-pound Angus burger with bacon ($9), since the list of Monterey Jack, Fontina, Provolone and Cheddar cheese options left out his favorite, American cheese. He also substituted an order of fries (for an extra $1) in place of the waffle chips.
The burger arrived cooked medium-well, but still moist and flavorful. The bacon added some saltiness to the lettuce and tomato, sandwiched between a slightly sweet roll.
The crispy fries were very mildly coated and pretty good.
The Dessert Hound’s large bowl of Tuscan Chicken Pasta ($14.99) combined capellini, tender slices of chicken breast, sweet sundried tomatoes and pieces of broccoli in a tomato sauce lightened with white wine. An Asiago cheese breadstick served alongside was rich and flavorful.
Although she enjoyed the combination, she soon had to relegate the dish to tomorrow night’s dinner.
Since even the Carnivore had to leave some of his burger uneaten, dessert was out of the question that night. The dessert menu did mention a single homemade item among the purchased treats displayed in a case. Our server informed us that the owner’s mother prepares the Baklava ($4.50), so we ordered one to add to our packaged items.
The Greek pastry was nicely layered phyllo and small chunks of nuts with a hint of cloves and cinnamon. Although it was topped with honey, the pastry itself was not overly sweet, and it was quite enjoyable.
Overall rating: Delicious, classic Italian favorites and great service deserves 4 forks (out of 5).
The Dining Duo base their reviews on unannounced anonymous visits.
Fresco Pizza and Grill Location: 228 S. Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square (Shops at Springton Pointe) Phone Number: 610-356-4171 Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean Ambience: Trendy B.Y.O.B.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m.
Prices: Appetizers, soups $3 to $10; Entrées $9 to $25 Alcoholic Beverages: B.Y.O.B. Web site: www.FrescoPizzaGrill.com
