An authentic Southern Italian restaurant is set to transport guests to Calabria this fall, no plane ticket required.
Two couples, Luciano and Tania Spensierato and Marco Mondello and Anna Bellizzi, all with roots in Italy, will open Bruzi at 281 Montgomery Ave., bringing a taste of their homeland to the Main Line.
Tania, a first-generation Italian American, told Whatnow Philadelphia Luciano and Marco hail from the beach towns of Paola and Cetraro, while she and Anna are from the mountain towns of Frascineto and Acri. Together, the team wanted to create a restaurant representing the entire region while highlighting its history.
“Bruzi, it’s the original name of the population from the region of Calabria. One of the most influential of the Bruzi’s was named Italo, and Italy was named after him. There’s a lot of ties of history with the name,” she said.
The interior will feature a light, inviting atmosphere with a full dining room, bar and private room. The team also plans to host wine dinners and special events.
“When we think of Calabria, we think of sunshine. It’s going to be very light and modern, but there will be some Calabrese, the characteristics and artwork that will tie to the region,” Tania said.
The menu will also pay homage to the region with offerings such as cured Calabrese meats and cheeses, shareable plates, homemade pasta, swordfish and slow-cooked sauces featuring various meats.
“We want that if you were to leave our restaurant and finally visit Calabria that you could go into the restaurant, look at their menu and see similar dishes. We want you to feel like you’re in Calabria,” she said.
The wine program will be overseen by Marco, a sommelier from Italy, while the cocktail program, featuring handcrafted cocktails, will be overseen by Luciano, an award-winning mixologist well known in the Philadelphia area.
Tania said the team looks forward to welcoming guests to Bruzi and sharing a piece of their heritage and family history with the community.
“When you go to Calabria, I love how when we bring friends or other family members have come to visit us, our family pulls them into the fold and makes them feel welcome. I think meeting people and creating a sense of community is what we’re excited about,” she said.
Bruzi plans to open by the end of October or early November. Stay tuned!
