Here's a look at Toscana 52, which just opened at 4602 Street Rd., just west of Route 1, in Bensalem (215-942-7770). Owners are Mario Longo and his son, Riccardo, who also have the Italian Bistro chain, Toscana in Cherry Hill, Tuscan Tavern in Blackwood, and Tuscan Brick-Oven Pizza in Mullica Hill.
Riccardo Longo said they travel home to Tuscany every year and wanted to re-create a Tuscan experience in Bucks. The bar area has a cozy lounge (see top photo), though the bar itself holds up to 75 and features 40 wines by the glass, wine flights, eight sangrias on tap and a champagne-by-the-glass and champagne cocktail list.
It looks old world (stone, wood) with some urban edges. The main dining room, which can accommodate about 150, has as its focal point a large pergola, under which is an illuminated onyx marble community table (bottom photo). There's also a 5-foot-tall, ultra-private booth they call the "Mayor's Table" because it's reserved for the mayor of Bensalem (rank has its privileges), and a heated outdoor seating area featuring a three-tier waterfall.
Modern Tuscan menu features crudo (Italian sushi), grilled fish and meats, pastas and homemade desserts. The "52" stands for 52 additional feature menus (one every week) focusing on the cuisine of 39 Italian cities plus 13 cities outside of Italy (e.g. Paris, Napa, Madrid and Rio). Prices are all over the map, topping out in the low-$30s. It's open for lunch and dinner daily.
Now, wrap your head around the idea that this used to be a Bob Evans.
Comments (4)
Just had dinner everything was wonderful. Are waiter Ryan was great and helpful.
Posted by Joanne | August 2, 2008 9:42 PM
Posted on August 2, 2008 21:42
About 12 of us went here as a celebration for completing a very intense bible study that last 16 weeks. Well let me tell you, this place is like no other place you will eat. My friends and I ate at this long table with dozens of lights under the top on the table, and they shine thru the table top. It was so elegant and you felt like you were a star lol. But the food is what did it,, I had pasta that was stuffed with lobster and a real like cheese. It was excellent. My friend had pasta stuffed with ricotta cheese and had a light pear sauce over top with cubed cooked pears.. I thought I was eating dessert. We decided to share and it was all so yummy. I am going back tonight to take my friend out to dinner and I can't wait. And you must see the dessert tray,, wow. And the waiter we had was so sweet and helpful. I know if you go here you will not be sorry.
Posted by Jeanette Jones | September 10, 2008 12:31 PM
Posted on September 10, 2008 12:31
ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE!!!
I went here for my 22nd birthday dinner. I had reservations for 11 people. When we arrived they would not seat us until everyone had arrived so we had to wait- no problem. Once 9 of us were there we asked to be seated whenever the table was ready. So they sat us at the large table in the center. Huge problem here because the party that was previously sitting there was still occupying half of the table! Why on earth would they seat us if the other guests haven't left yet!!! It was uncomfortable for both parties involved. When my final two guests arrived they had no where to sit. It was a disaster. After the meal I asked to speak to the manager and he was useless. He DID NOTHING FOR ME! and basically said happy birthday but i don't care what you have to say.
I have been in the industry and am in school for Hospitality Management and we are taught to do whatever it takes to make the guest come back. I would have been happy if he comped my $7 cake but he didn't offer to do anything at all. To me this is horrible service and I can guarantee you I WILL NEVER GO BACK! and neither will my friends. He lost a ton of business that night by ruining my birthday.
Not to mention the server didn't card anyone at the table for alcohol (hope the manager expects to be fined for this) and the food wasn't really that good. The only good thing I have to say is the restaurant has a nice atmosphere and has come a long way from bob evans.
Posted by Laura | October 9, 2008 5:40 PM
Posted on October 9, 2008 17:40
This restaurant has potential. The manager should get rid of the nasty waitress. After sitting with nothing for 15 minutes she offered to take our entire order at once and promising to "time" everything, the cocktails came out after we waited 15 minutes followed by the appetizers and dinner within 5 minutes. She forgot the salad course altogether. At her suggestion to buy us dessert, the 4 of us ordered 3 desserts. When the bill came with the deserts charged, we questioned her and she said she could only buy 1- for 4 people- "TACKY". My husbands chicken was raw and my dish was too heavy with nutmeg...BUT I am willing to try it again some of the other dishes looked great- advice to manager- fire the rude blonde waitress.
Posted by Cheryl | October 20, 2008 9:52 AM
Posted on October 20, 2008 09:52