How did you come to live and/or work in Conshohocken?
I am originally from New York and I got transferred to Conshohocken in 2003 for work. Since then, I have quit that job and started bartending again. I enjoyed life here, so I decided to stay and not move back. There is a huge difference between New York City and Conshohocken. I will always love NY, but the great relationships that I have formed with people here is what makes me stay.
Tell us about your restaurant or bar….
I currently bartend at Totaro’s Restaurant and I absolutely love it there. Totaro’s was established in 1961 and was known as a “shot and beer” joint. Presently, Totaro’s is a Zagat rated restaurant serving amazing eclectic Italian dishes. I can honestly say that I love the food. The best thing about working at Totaro’s are the people that you work with. The staff is one big family and as a customer, when you enter, you are automatically adopted by the Totaro’s family.
What is your favorite dish or drink at Totaro’s?
Yummy….I love discussing food and drinks!! Let’s start with my favorite dish. I love love love the Linguine Monsignor. It is shrimp, scallops, crab, shitake mushrooms and diced tomatoes served over home made tomato basil linguine, tossed in a light broth. Because the sauce is so light, you can really taste the seafood….amazing.
Now let’s talk booze….I’m pretty easy to please, I enjoy a good Guiness, but as far as creating, I make a really good strawberry margarita. Just imagine, muddled fresh strawberries with a lime wedge mixed with tequilla, Gran Marnier, Cointreau and a splash of sour mix….so refreshing!!
Besides something from Totaro’s, what is your favorite dish or drink in Conshohocken?
Aside from Totaro’s, my favorite dish is the Margarita pizza from Pepperoncini’s. They make amazing pizzas, but the Margarita is my favorite. There is just something about their thin crust topped with fresh mozzerella, tomatoes and basil that makes me crave it all of the time.
What are you involved in outside of work?
I enjoy staying active and running. This year, me and my friends decided to do the Broad Street Run and a sprint Tri-athalon. We are definitely not competitive with these events, but it’s a lot of fun to train for and complete these races together.
At the end of the day, I just enjoy doing anything with my friends and family. Whether it’d be getting together to watch a game (I love baseball) or just to have a couple beers, it’s always a guaranteed good time.
Dream locale to open a restaurant/bar (don’t say Conshohocken)?
I would love to open a bar by Wrigley Field in Chicago. I recently visited and its amazing. There is such a great vibe as you walk through the neighborhood. Although the Cubs are not considered a successful franchise as far as wins are concerned, their iconic status makes the area a fun place to be no matter if they win or losse. I think it would be fun to have a laid back sports bar specializing in great beers and delicious wings.