Lasorda’s Serves Up A Taste of Fall — Italian–Style!

Now that fall has officially arrived, it’s time to hop on the comfort food train. Maybe my opinion is a little biased, with a last name like “Corrado” and grandparents named Luigi & Maria, but when it comes to comfort food, Italian cuisine is where it’s at. That’s why I wasn’t surprised when Michelle Lasorda, of the authentic Lasorda’s Restaurant & Pizzeria in Exton, was eager to chat about the subject.

She was particularly excited since Lasorda’s is scheduled to participate in A Taste of Fall this Sunday, October 14th. The special event, presented by The Junior League of Philadelphia (JLP), is unfolding at Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse from 1 to 4 p.m. Several specialty food and drink vendors, plus many local organizations like Lasorda’s will all join forces to celebrate the new season and support the JLP’s Apple a Day Program.

If you were not planning to attend, the tempting talk I had with Michelle about kidney bean soup, pasta fagioli, and family food might send you searching for tickets. If so, find them HERE.

PA Eats: The Junior League of Philadelphia’s Taste of Fall event is family & food friendly, both of which mean a lot to Lasorda’s. Can you explain how important family is when it comes to your food?

Michelle Lasorda: For us, family and food are one in the same! Growing up my whole family was surrounded by food. We gathered at grandma’s house and spent the day eating, playing, talking and just having a great time together with siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles. I do not remember a time where food was not involved in everything we do. We love to entertain, cook, eat and have people around us!

TD: What are some traditional Italian meals that Lasorda’s offers as a way to de-thaw in the colder temps?

ML: Any soup that we make helps with that. We have hearty chicken or beef soups but bean and pea soups especially do the trick.

TD: There are a variety of food vendors expected to appear at Taste of Fall. What does Lasorda’s plan to contribute?

ML: We are definitely bringing pasta fagioli. Then we also plan to serve a hot pasta and kidney bean soup.

TD: Some proceeds from the Taste of Fall will benefit children in the Greater Philadelphia area. What were some of your favorite Italian dishes growing up?

ML: I loved meatballs and pasta, which is a staple, but as a kid my aunt’s homemade gnocchi was definitely the bomb! I also liked to eat and cook stews. Roasts were among my favorite, too!

TD: Are there any other events throughout the end of 2012 and early 2013 that Lasorda’s is scheduled to attend or host at their own location in Exton?

ML: We may be doing a wine tasting with my uncle Tommy if we can get him to fly in for it.

TD: Lasorda’s menu is nearly endless, plus everything is delicious. What are weekly specials that might help sway someone on what to order?

ML: On Monday, we have all you can eat mussels for $12. Tuesday means guests get a half-price appetizer with the purchase of two entrees, Wednesday is prime rib night, and Thursday is pasta night.

TD: Lastly, the event is celebrating seasonal dishes. What would you say Fall “tastes” like? Could you assign a signature dish to the season if you had to?

ML: We currently have pumpkin ravioli and pumpkin soup. Both of those scream fall pretty loudly.

Don’t forget to catch Lasorda’s & PA Eats at A Taste of Fall. You can also find Lasorda’s Restaurant daily at 123 East Swedesford Road, in Fairfield’s Shopping Center. They are open Sunday through Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Thursday through Saturday,  from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Lasorda’s is a BYOB. For takeout or more information, call 484-872-8185.

Photographs credited to Nina Lea Photography.

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