I decided to surprise my friend Avril with a last minute dinner invitation. She grabbed a bottle of wine and we headed to Giampino’s Cucina Italiana BYOB. Neither of us had ever eaten there...but I had heard the food was fabulous and had to see for myself what all the fuss was about. I also loved the fact that it was a BYOB! When we entered through the dainty doors, we were graciously greeted by the hostess. We also received a big smile and wave from a gentleman who was helping other patrons. After being seated, our waitress Crystal introduced herself and asked if we would like something to drink. Avril whipped out a bottle of Chianti and Crystal immediately opened it for us, gave us wine glasses and brought us glasses of ice water. She gave us menus to ponder and told us the specials ...which all sounded delicious! As we looked over the menu, we were both overwhelmed by the amount of selections. There was so much and it all sounded so appetizing. Avril asked Crystal what she recommended. She was knowledgable in all of the ingredients included in each dish and offered her recommendations.

Shortly after looking over the menu, the gentleman who was originally helping other patrons when we first entered came over and introduced himself. It was the head chef and owner, Joe Giampino. As other customers came through the door, I instantly noticed they all knew him. Waiving, they would call out to him by name, as they headed with the hostess to their tables-bottles of wine in hand.

Next came out a loaf of Italian homemade bread with a plate of dipping oil. You could taste the fresh garlic and spices. This was a perfect way to start off a meal.

I was going to start the night off with an order of Clams Casino ($9.50), but decided on the Vongole ($10.50) - steamed clams in white wine and garlic sauce since it was one of Crystal’s recommendations. Avril decided on the owner’s favorite app, Grilled Asparagus ($9.50). We then asked Crystal for some more time before we placed our main entrée orders since the menu was so extensive. She happily obligied and reminded us of the specials and that all dinners come with our choice of soup or salad. While enjoying our Chianti, the appetizers were served. The asparagus was crisp and fresh. It was paired with Parma prosciutto and shaved Locatelli cheese. The clams were served in a delicious white wine and garlic sauce with a side bowl for the shells. The sauce was so tasty that I proceeded to dip some of the homemade bread into it for an added bonus. Next served were our garden fresh salads, served with the dressing of our choice on the side.

The dinner menu was broken down into 7 sections: pasta, pollo (chicken dishes), vitello (veal), carne (steak and lamb) & risotto, pesce (seafood), baked dishes, and a kid’s menu. Every item is homemade. I repeat every item is homemade. This is so rare and noteable making this restaurant stand out from the others. Avril went with one of the nightly specials for her main course as Crystal’s description was too much to resist. It was Veal medallions ($23.50) sauteed with shrimp, garlic, onions, roasted pepppers, shitake mushrooms, and spinach in a white wine garlic sauce. It was cooked perfectly.

I was delighted when I saw Lobster Ravioli ($24) on the menu. There was a lobster tail amongst the pillows of lobster filled pasta when it was served! I have to say, this was the best lobster ravioli I have had in a long time. It was cooked al dente and presented in a remarkable Rosè sauce.

Other dishes that I was enticed by when selecting my main entree were the array of homemade pastas such as Penne, Rigatoni, Spaghetti, Linguini or Angel hair ($9.50+). The Chicken Voldastano ($18.50) which was stuffed with smoked mozzarella cheese, broccoli rabe and prosciutto finished in a mushroom sauce also enticed me, but after the steamers, I decided to stay in the seafood genre.

We were too full to order dessert. Avril even had to have half of her dish wrapped to go. If we had ordered dessert, I know exactly what we would have chosen. Giampino’s has dessert ravioli! It is their homemade pasta, filled with nutella and delicately fried, topped with powdered sugar. I could only imagine!

Avril and I had great conversation, great wine, and a fantastic meal. Joe came back to our table and before long we were all old friends with a lot in common. For starters, my friend had previously lived in Las Vegas, as did Joe. He was walking through The Venetian when by chance he found himself offered a position as a butler, catering to and cooking for some of the most prominent celebrities in the country (think Celine Dion, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and many others) when he received a phone call letting him know that the restaurant he had spent most of his life working in was up for sale. He was a graduate of The Restaurant School and knew the restaurant inside and out. He quickly purchased it and just celebrated his 5th anniversary as the owner. His menu creations and hearty portions have attracted a loyal fan base.

Giampino’s Cucina Italiana BYOB is located at 1254 West Chester Pike in Havertown (right by Eagle Road). For reservations, call 610-853-9330. If you would like directions, to preview the menu or to learn more about the restaurant, visit giampinos.com.