Restaurant notes: Monsù coming to Italian Market
Peter McAndrews of Modo Mio and Paesano's strikes again.
Monsù is the name of the Sicilian restaurant that Modo Mio/Paesano's boss Peter McAndrews will open late next month at Ninth and Christian Streets, now home of the South Philly branch of Paesano's, his sandwich shop.
(About Jan. 14, Paesano's will move to 1017 S. Ninth St., formerly the site of Bebe's Barbecue.)
McAndrews, who traveled to Sicily recently with his chef Damien Messina, lays out the basics: Casual. Fun. Reasonable prices. BYOB. Sicilian cuisine, with touches of Spain, France, and even Mexico. Lots of desserts (think almonds). It will be open for brunch (eggs, sandwiches, antipasti) and dinner. Decor will include ceramics and bright linens.
As for the name: Monsù is a Sicilian corruption of the French honorific "Monseigneur," from the era when wealthy Sicilians hired French chefs to work in their homes.
He's hiring, too.
McAndrews is shooting for a Jan. 21 for both Monsù and the relocation of Paesano's.
McAndrews intends to keep Modo Mio, on Girard Avenue just east of Second Street, as his home base. He also has Paesano's across the street.