THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Rare Italian Steakhouse

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Rare Italian Steakhouse Restaurant Review:

Joe Polutro's Italian food is the real deal. The former chef-owner of the lamented Mio Sogno restaurant in South Philly is back, this time with a new concept. He's now presiding over the kitchen of Rare Italian Steakhouse, with a menu that pays homage to both his Italian roots (stacked eggplant Parm, homemade gnocchi) and traditional steakhouse fare (pan-seared scallops wrapped in bacon, seared Tomahawk rib-eye, spinach salad). Low lighting, comfy banquettes and sassy art with a definite feminine theme set the tone, in case guests are in the mood for entertainment after dinner. Rare shares space with Christine's Cabaret, a "gentlemen's club" on the way to the airport, or car shopping, depending on the mood. But with its separate entrance, and peek-a-boo curtains (you can see the girls if you really, really try) and private dining room, Rare customers need not rally around the pole. Here's hoping that Polutro's talents won't go unnoticed for customers put off by the location, because that would be a real shame.