SJM_ToscanaRistorante_Profile_10_22_Reg3_profile 10 / 26 / 22 11 : 21 AM Page 1 PROMOTION B U S I N E S S S P O T L I G H T Something’s very good regional and international wine list and we’ve Cooking had a lot of luck with people com - With a brand - new bar ing in and enjoying the bar . a chance to experience and beautiful outdoor space , “ When COVID started , we something different . ” an exciting dining concept and decided to take the time while No matter which business was really slow to do menu patrons are the traditional favorites customers the construction , believing that ordering from , they can have always loved , Toscana 52 things would turn around . For - expect high quality , tunately , the past year has been including fresh fish of Cherry Hill c ontinues to stand very good and people are really delivered daily , such as out from the crowd . by MATT COSENTINO enjoying our refined outdoor red stripe , oysters , wild area . ” bass , dover sole and The outside space sits in sushi - grade tuna . ario Longo may have been born over front of the entrance and fea - Toscana is also revered 4,000 miles away from South Jersey , tures a canopy of lights , heaters for its homemade pasta Mbut there is no question that the native for crisp autumn days and drop - down plastic like gnocchi , ravioli and tagliatelle , as well Italian has developed quite the affinity for paneling to protect guests from wind or as desserts made daily by the chef . his adopted home . As a resident of Cherry rain . Of course , demand for al fresco dining Because of that attention to detail , Hill for 50 years and counting , many of grew during the pandemic , but even as Toscana has always been a popular spot for those spent running restaurants in the town - COVID has slowed , many people still prefer corporate holiday parties , and many busi - ship , he has become not only a trusted eating outside on a nice day . nesses from Cherry Hill , Marlton and other source for delectable cuisine but also a “ We surrounding towns are already getting on valued member of the community . noticed there really aren’t a lot of the schedule for the upcoming season . His commitment to the area is evident places in the area where people can sit out - Sample banquet menus on the restaurant’s at Toscana 52 of Cherry Hill , which has been side , enjoy the breeze and have a meal , ” website make it easy for customers to get a go - to spot for romantic date nights , family Longo says . “ We liked the idea of providing an idea of what to expect for their event , but dinners and festive gatherings of all kinds that for people , and we worked with the the offerings can also be customized to their since 2006 . The restaurant recently underwent shopping center to create a beautiful space . unique needs . massive upgrades , including a slight tinkering We have a waterfall with a pond that we Just about any type of gathering can be with the name , but the one thing that hasn’t keep stocked with koi , and overall it’s a nice , accommodated . changed is Longo’s passion for great food peaceful environment . ” “ We also constantly have requests for and giving guests a memorable experience . Visitors from near and far have also baby showers , rehearsal dinners , bridal “ This is my pride and joy , ” he says . “ I appreciated the “ 52 ” concept , borrowed showers — you name it , ” Longo says . “ We’ve still love coming to work every day . It keeps from the family’s restaurant in Feasterville , had plenty of huge parties and everyone is me young . ” Pennsylvania . The idea is to visit a different always overflowing with praise afterwards . ” Formerly known as Toscana of Cherry city or region each week and offer food and From local residents who have been fans Hill , the name was modified to reflect an drink specials related to that part of the of Toscana for years to those who are looking exciting new dining concept that incorporates world . for a new favorite influences from all over the globe while Italy is certainly well represented , but eatery , Longo and his maintaining the traditional Italian favorites they have also included places like Germany family welcome everyone to their new space that people have come to expect from the during Oktoberfest along with New York with open arms . family - owned and - operated eatery . But that and Barcelona . “ I feel like our following is stronger than isn’t the only difference , as Longo and his “ We have a dedicated menu with a wine ever , ” he says . “ More and more people are team also embarked on exciting additions pairing and popular dishes , both appetizers coming out , which we’re so happy about , at a time when the restaurant business in and entrées , from that particular area , ” especially with the way the economy is general was at its lowest . Longo says . “ People love it and seem to going . We feel fortunate that people are still ? “ Originally it was a BYO , but we’re very order off that menu more than anything supporting us . ” proud that we spent a significant amount else . Sometimes you find a restaurant that of money renovating the restaurant , creating you really like and you go there all the time , both an indoor / outdoor area with an enclo - but you end up getting sick of the menu Toscana 52 of Cherry Hill sure and a new bar with approximately 20 because you’ve eaten your favorite items so 1990 Route 70 E . | Cherry Hill | ( 856 ) 489 - 7373 seats , ” Longo says . “ We’re happy to have a many times . The 52 menu gives customers ToscanaCherryHill.com SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 19 issue 7 SouthJerseyMagazine.com 44 |