In early September 2001, Le Castagne opened along the then-quiet 1900 block of Chestnut Street. Its owners, the Sena family, along with general manager Anthony Masapollo, were correct to anticipate the city's retail and restaurant expansion in and around that particular area of Philly, feeling their endeavor was sitting pretty with great promise. They could never have guessed, however, 9/11 loomed days away.
Going on five years and Le Castagne ("The Chestnut" in Italian) is indeed thriving, as are the surrounding blocks, now lined and burgeoning with major corporate players, just as they had predicted.
It might surprise you then for all of my chatter about the restaurant's prime real estate in Philadelphia that Le Castagne reminds me of an upscale New York eatery. This sleek and lofty space with its white marble floors, gauzy drapes and cosmopolitan vibe has a very Manhattan feel.
The menu is appropriately peppered with dishes laced with the eponymous nut. Like the seasoned, juicy chicken cutlets blanketed in an unforgettable sweet chestnut cream sauce. This came as a surprise since chicken is a menu item I normally never order out, especially at an Italian restaurant. That was two years ago and my mind still refuses to forget that amazing flavor.
If you think he has a way with fowl, executive chef Brian Wilson also creates a memorable veal paillard and his artwork-like gnocchi is, to me, the hands-down best west of Broad Street.
The bar is all-pro (as in professionals) weekdays at happy hour. It's no surprise -serve $5 Grey Goose martinis and they will come. The wine list features a heavy selection of impressive Italian wines.
There's also outdoor seating in warm months and I really like (and have recommended with much success) the be-draped semi-private dining room in the back of the spacious restaurant. This area seats 20 guests comfortably.
Life has been auspicious since 2001 for the owners and staff at Le Castagne. Like the Sena's other respected restaurant here in the big city, La Famiglia, their special chestnut on Chestnut continues to succeed in becoming another Philadelphia classic.
