Although it hardly seems possible, a full three years have passed since I posted my initial review of Osteria Evansburg in Collegeville, PA. But since my wife and I live quite close by, and tend to stop in frequently, I thought an update might be entirely in order – or, perhaps, a first look for those who may be new to either my Website or this blog.
Three years, of course, can be a small eternity for some restaurants… or a very large one when you consider how many establishments go belly-up in their very first year. Fortunately, however, Roberto Mastrocola and Peter Paolucci’s Osteria Evansburg is alive and well and… flourishing.
Of course, there have been some changes. Given the current state of the economy, there have been a few cutbacks. Dispensers of olive oil (which can be an expensive proposition) and complimentary plates of roasted peppers no longer grace the tables. And prices, as they are surely prone to do, have morphed onward and upward.
Be that as it may, however, Osteria is still a bargain. If you come on a Tuesday night, for instance, you can chow down on all the mussels you can eat for a $13.95 (house salad included); and Wednesday headlines prime rib at $14.95, which also includes potato, vegetable, and salad. My favorite, though, is the Thursday pasta night, as diners get to mix/match their favorite pastas and sauces for a paltry $10.95. If my wife and I both go this route, we have more than enough for a full meal of leftovers the following evening.
And they’re not about to gouge you when it comes to the fruit of the vine either. Most wines by the glass go for $5.00 or $6.00 – a dollar less if you settle in at the bar for happy hour – and there are several very acceptable selections available.
Bargain prices, of course, mean very little if the food is beneath contempt… And I can assure you that this is definitely NOT the case. The homey Italian cuisine is always carefully prepared, nicely presented, and generously apportioned. You won’t go hungry here. Recently sampled, for example, was an excellent starter of roasted red peppers surrounded by a veritable armada of fresh mozzarella. And an entrée of moist and tender chicken rolled with prosciutto and fresh herbs and finished with a white wine sauce was every bit its equal.
For a casual, reasonably priced dining experience, Osteria Evansburg remains a consistent winner and highly recommended.
Bon Appétit!
TAD
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