East Falls Restaurant: In Riva

In August of 2010 I wrote a post on Franco’s Trattoria which closed about a year later. A couple of months ago the restaurant re-opened as In Riva. I went there for brunch today, however, I wasn’t in the mood for anything on their menu. Charcuterie meats and cheese just does not scream Sunday Brunch for me. The breakfast pizza would have been good, but I’ve made a promise to myself to limit my pizza intake to once a week. Same goes for heavy breads like French Toast (Tostato Francese).

I went with Polenta and Eggs (pepperonata, rapini, grana padano). but I can never quite be sure I’m down for the idea of poached eggs – broken so the yolk runs out to mix with the dish. Yes, it creates a rich, creamy mixture. I’ve tried this before in a Bolognese sauce, but visually, and texture-wise it can be off putting.

Polenta & Eggs Tine Rating still undecided

Even though the idea was not to have a bread heavy meal, I thought it odd that the dish didn’t come with toast. However, when I asked for some, my waitress responded pleasantly and brought 4 nice pieces of piping hot, buttered Italian bread. Exactly what I shouldn’t have, but you need something to sop up an entree of this type.

The free WiFi worked fast and was easy to access. However, it got too cold inside the restaurant, so I decided to venture outside to the inviting bar, where I found an outlet and settled in to work; sadly to find the WiFi only works inside.

Luckily, I also at a Netflix DVD with me, so I sat there and watched – not a movie, but one of my favorite past TV shows, Girlfriends, which never got enough recognition for being a perfectly executed sitcom.

I spied a green concoction on someone’s table and asked what it was, the cute, friendly bartender answered, cucumber, mint puree (white rum, white wine, basil). I ordered it not knowing it only came in a carafe made for two and without knowledge of it’s hefty $23 price tag!!! Last time I order just from sight. He could have warned me. The drink was cool, refreshing, thirst quenching and perfect for a summer day, so I can’t complain too much. – 3 Tines

Overall Decor – 2 Tines
Bathrooms – 4 Tines
Service – 4 Tines
Coffee – 3 Tines
Prices – 3 Tines (average)