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| Joanna Spitalieri of Spitalieri's Restaurant |
The Food Network just announced several new shows for 2014 including two new efforts from Bobby Flay (Flay Fit and Bobby’s Grilling Guide), Rewrapped with host Joey Fatone from N'SYNC, Rachel Ray’s The Big Tip, and The Valerie Bertinelli Project starring the "Hot in Cleveland" actress and her family’s recipes. One new program that the Food Network didn’t present during its up-fronts is an as-yet-unnamed pilot by the producers at Matador for a show following new restaurants and their openings. One of their initial pilot efforts stars Spitalieri‘s at 613 East Passyunk Avenue - right off of Philadelphia’s world famous South Street - which is due to open on April 29.
The space at 613 used to be a popular South Street eatery called Gnocchi until it ended its 16 years in business in December 2013. Joanna Spitalieri took over the space for her Southern Italian concept based on traditional home-cooked meals with tomato gravy recipes handed down by her mother, along with ravioli and meatballs, and chicken cutlet platters and clams in white sauce.
The Food Network found out about the opening and decided to make Spitalieri’s part of their series. On Friday, April 25, the crew from Matador and the Food Network started loading in cameras and lights (one day after Spitalieri's soft opening for friends and family), and will stay through the restaurant’s April 29 grand opening, watching as Spitalieri’s staff navigates last minute preparations and menu tweaks.
Photo ©Glamorosi 2014, all rights reserved
Posted on Friday, April 25, 2014
