Mantra giving way to Bar Amalfi
Al Paris and George Parkinson are converting Mantra, their pan-Asian eatery near Rittenhouse Square, into an Italian concept.
Al Paris and George Parkinson are converting Mantra, their pan-Asian eatery on 18th Street near Sansom, into an Italian concept called Bar Amalfi. (Pan-Asian is overdone around Rittenhouse, they say.)
The last night as Mantra will be Saturday. A cosmetic application (new artwork and china) will take a few days. Plan is to open as Bar Amalfi on Feb. 11 or Feb. 12. It'll be dinner only. Lunch will come later, they say.
Paris, who also has a hand in at Pat Bombino's in South Philly, is talking about such dishes as his nonni's meatballs, short-rib Bolognese, honey balsamic suckling ribs, and lobster ravioli. Prices will be $8 to $12 for apps; $10 to $12 for salads; $12 to $16 for pastas; and $12 to $18 for entrees. Since the cuisine of Amalfi is primarily pastas, flatbreads, pork and seafood, there won't be steak on the menu. But there will be four desserts: chocolate bread pudding, cannoli, cheesecake and tiramisu.