Luigi & Giovanni Specialty Foods has been a staple in our community since 1976. From its beginnings as an old-world butcher shop and deli to the fast-paced present, Luigi & Giovanni’s has remained an important and delicious part of Newtown Square.
Last fall, John and Lou announced that they had opened Luigi & Giovanni’s Cafe at Ellis Preserve. The cafe offers all your favorite menu items and daily specials. It’s a beautiful space with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast or lunch meetings with clients, friends or family. When we last spoke to John and Lou, they said they were looking forward to opening up the cafe in the evenings for special buffets and events, and last month, they did just that with overwhelming success!
Their inaugural Taste of Italy event, held on Saturday, February 24th, offered guests a culinary journey through the flavors of Italy. The all-you-can-eat experience was full of delicious pastas, savory pizzas, flavorful risottos and irresistible desserts. Some of their main dishes included branzino, shrimp and linguine, porchetta, veal scallopini and chicken parmesan. Guests could bring their favorite wine or purchase from a selection of premium Italian wines that Luigi & Giovanni carry in their store on St. Albans Circle.
There were two available seating times, both of which sold out well before the event. The evening was made even more special by Nick Desiderio, a musical virtuoso hailing from the picturesque town of Guardiagrele, Italy. Nick has enchanted audiences as a one-man band, weaving magic with his accordion and soulful vocals.
“Lou and I were blown away by the overwhelming response to our first event,” John said. “We both had a vision to have our new space be a gathering place where friends and family could enjoy each other’s company over a fantastic meal.” Lou added that their chef’s passion for food and hospitality shone through and received rave reviews. One of the first online reviews after the event read, “It was undoubtedly one of the best events we have ever attended! We can’t say enough how well it was organized! The staff were so attentive and just absolutely wonderful. The food was amazing!”
With the sell-out success of their first Taste of Italy, John and Lou said they’re just getting started. Their next event, Taste of Italy: Regions of Italy, will be on Saturday, April 20th. They invite you to join them for a spectacular culinary journey through various Italian provinces. Two seating times will be available, 4:00-6:30pm and 7:00-9:30pm. Advance reservations are required at 610-353-2080.
Luigi & Giovanni’s Cafe at Ellis Preserve is located at 3807 West Chester Pike behind Chesterbrook Academy and is open Monday through Friday from 7am–3pm and available for special events on evenings and weekends. Luigi & Giovanni’s Specialty Foods is located at 3601 Chapel Rd, Newtown Square, and is open seven days a week. Their hours are Mon. – Fri. 7am – 7pm; Sat. 7am – 6pm and Sun. 8am – 5pm. For more information, visit www. LuigiandGiovanniCaterers.com or call 610-353-4014. To reach catering, call 610-353-2080 or email LGFoods@gmail.com.