My wife Sandy and I go out to dinner most Friday and Saturday nights. We’ve been doing this for years, and know that we’re fortunate as hell to be able to indulge ourselves in this way. The majority of those meals take place in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, which isn’t surprising, since we reside in those burbs. And once or twice each month we head into Philadelphia, a city with many fine aspects, including a pulsating restaurant scene that, like the universe, keeps expanding. Each of our Philly visits includes dining in a restaurant or pub. The abundance of good eateries is one of the reasons why I’m a major fan of The City Of Brotherly Love.
Sandy and I consider dining out to be a form of entertainment. It’s fun. Two Fridays ago (November 7th), in the burbs, we chowed down at a restaurant we’ve been to a lot: Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza. The Italian salad we ordered was A-OK, and the pizza that followed it earned, on my scale, a 6.8 out of 10. That’s pretty high praise from me, because I’m a pizza snob.
The salad and pizza filled us up quite nicely. There was no room for dessert, certainly not for cannoli, a not-on-the-light-side Italian pastry, which Sandy, almost in passing, mentioned was on the dessert menu. Cannoli — crispy, tubular shells of dough stuffed with one variation or another of a ricotta cheese filling — can be scrumptious. When the word cannoli left Sandy’s mouth, my mind lit up, and I found myself reliving a sublime gastronomic experience. Namely, the cannoli I’d swooned over a year or so previously, for they were perfection, at Little Nonna’s, an Italian restaurant in downtown Philly that’s hard to get into unless you’ve reserved a table at least several days in advance. I hadn’t eaten any cannoli since then. But the signs were clear. It was imperative that I interact with Little Nonna’s cannoli again. And soon. Damn soon. The next night, in fact, would be ideal.
Thus, as we were preparing to pay the bill, I said to Sandy that, when we got home, I was going to see if Little Nonna’s, by some miracle, had a table available for the following evening. The odds were low, but miracles, I hear, have been known to occur. The cannoli gods were with me. Back at the house, I couldn’t believe my eyes when Litte Nonna’s online reservation service offered a table for 7:00 PM on Saturday. I nabbed it. Cannoli, here I come!
We arrived at Little Nonna’s from a Philadelphia movie theater, where we’d seen Blue Moon, a literate and really good drama about Lorenz Hart, the brilliant but troubled lyricist whose songwriting partner was the composer Richard Rodgers. Little Nonna’s is a cool place. Dimly lit, casual and full of life. Sandy and I enjoyed the heck out of the salad we shared. Ditto for our entrees. The chefs there know what they’re doing.
One hour into the meal, the long-anticipated moment was at hand, as a plate holding two cannoli was placed before us. They were a vision and also deelish. The hazelnut bits, chocolate sauce and powdered sugar saw to that. But were the cannoli fully as good as those on the previous occasion? You better believe it! My idea to revisit Little Nonna’s was one of the best I’d had in a long while.
As we all know all too well, our lives zoom by. That’s why it’s important to have fun on at least a fairly regular basis. Anything less than that means we’re not in the best of shape. If I hadn’t followed through on my goofy cannoli-related impulse, I’d have missed out on a fun-filled mini adventure. Which would have been a shame. For most of my adult life, I’ve been a frequent fun-pursuer and a usually successful fun-attainer. I have no plans to change.
Yeah, Another Blogger 
“As we all know all too well, our lives zoom by.” I couldn’t agree more. We feel fortunate to be able to do the same, Neil. Enjoy a good meal out and a little adventure.
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Almost in the blink of an eye, we become senior citizens!
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Al Mansi was a Labor Negotiator I worked with many years ago. He was from Philadelphia and when he was in Seattle, we would all eat at a favorite Italian restaurant here. He always ordered the cannoli and bantered with the owner about how good it was back in Philadelphia. Now I wish I had paid more attention to the details.
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Cannoli can be absolutely delicious. I’m not a cannoli expert, but the ones I had at Little Nonna’s struck me as being the best I’ve ever had.
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ok, I’m supposed to be on a diet, and now I can’t rest until I get a cannoli. It’s all your fault.
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Hi. Is this Denise? — you’re listed as Anonymous. Cannoli definitely are not diet-friendly!
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the gods were smiling on you that evening 🙂 yes, it’s important to go out and have fun, share a meal with friends and vary the establishment. WE’ve been meeting up for over thirty years now, mates and I — mixed company —- on Friday evenings: pub then eatery. There’s usually 5 or six of us, some times nine on special occasions. I love Fridays 🙂
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You have a fabulous group of friends. It’s great to have a big bunch of pals.
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Eating out is a big Homestead favourite. Little Nonnas sounds like our kind of place.
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You’d like Little Nonna’s a lot.
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Sounds so lovely, but how pray tell, do the gods not bless you with extra pounds? Cannoli twice a week would add a pound a month to poor old me. Bon Appetite you lucky duckies!
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I’ve been lucky all my life, weight-wise. I don’t gain much weight. I guess my metabolism is pretty fast.
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Thank you, Neil, for your delightful tale of eating out and having so much fun. As the great Oscar Wilde wrote:
” Simple pleasures are the last refuge of the complex.”
Joanna
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Hi, Joanna. Oscar Wilde was wise and perceptive.
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Yes, Neil, that is why I quote his thoughts often!
Joanna
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I definitely believe in having fun on a regular basis.
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It’s a good approach to life.
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Absolutely
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Now I’m hungry 😊
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Have a cannoli!
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😊
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Gosh, those cannoli look good, although I have to say — as someone with deep Italian roots — when I was a child there was no such thing as a cannolo made with chocolate. The filling was just ricotta with candied fruit. Somewhere along the way, Americans decided they needed to sweeten up the filling and add chocolate! (Not that that’s a bad thing.) My favorite part of your blog post, though? “I’ve been a frequent fun-pursuer and a usually successful fun-attainer.” A recipe for a happy life!
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Hi, Paula. I can tell from your articles that the sentence you quote applies to you too. I get the feeling that you know how to enjoy life.
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Sounds great. Wonderful how ‘miracles’ can happen.
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Yeah, the pieces fell together nicely, cannoli-wise.
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HI Neil,
I’ll always vote for fun too! And over so many years. . . certainly have had some. All legit!!
Way back: before children (three , super, sons), husband and I used to treat ourselves to a night in the West End of London in an excellent Italian restaurant, sandwiched between a few Chinese. eateries. I don ‘t remember Cannoli (though feel I should!) but we dined well. Now we are ancient and mostly home-bound (but certainly not bored) we have fun remembering different restaurants we ate in: best fish soup n Portugal, an all-time fantastic nosh, again in Portugal. A memorable salt-beef sandwich opposite the Windmill theatre: known for near-nude dancers, stuffed with MEN!; our first Chinese meal near the River Thames, who only served chicken chow mein for a while . . .HUGE meals in NY. . .(1956). UK was just free from rationing, so we were like over-fed kids in a sweet-shop. I could go on. . .but won’t. Think I’ll write an artice on it though!
As always, thanks for your interesting blog!.
Joy xx
Cheers
,
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You have a great attitude and a great approach to life. You set a high bar!
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I’ve never eaten cannoli. Your description of it has me wanting to indulge.
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If cannoli aren’t available in your area, there are places that will ship them to you. One I know of is Termini Brothers Bakery, which is in Philly. There probably are many others.
https://termini.com/
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Thank you for the link. I give it a go.
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Sounds great, the cannoli and your philosophy both. Mangia!
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If we lived anywhere near each other, we could meet up for cannoli at a good bistro!
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I’d love that! But it’s almost 900 miles to here
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I agree. Enjoy life, have a bit if fun and appreciate that we are able to do so is essential🥰
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Absolutely!
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Glad to hear you managed to get a table at Little Nonna’s. Sounds like it was meant to be. Those cannoli’s look delicious!
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I was totally amazed when I saw that a table was available at Little Nonna’s. It’s a really nice place to dine in.
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holy cannoli, I want a bite.
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I could go for a cannoli right now!
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The best cannoli I ever ate was in Montreal. I think it had whipped cream added to the cannoli filling. That might be a no-no in chef school, but it sure was good. Keep having fun!
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I think that bakers have come up with new versions of cannoli over the years. Who is this, by the way? You’re listed as Anonymous.
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This is Lori B. (Loribuffalo.com). I didn’t intend to be anonymous, but sometimes anonymous happens!
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I was introduced to the cannoli by my son-in-laws Italian family many years ago. I was quite pleased and have had many since. Now living with my daughter and that same SIL there are no cannoli as he was never a fan. He learned to cook many things from his mom, sisters and family. Cannoli is not on the list 😉
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Hi Deb. He needs to expand his list!
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I agree!
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I worked in Philadelphia for 40 years and always made many trips to South Philly for lunch and of course cannoli. We had at Termini’s bakery, Isgro’s bakery and other places. I love cannolis. Now that l live in the burbs the best cannoli l ever had is at Nonno’s bakery in Hatboro! They make the filling and crust. I take my friends there and everyone agrees they make the best cannoli!!!!
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Hi Joyce. I’ve seen that place in Hatboro. Haven’t been inside it though. I’ll visit it one of these upcoming days.
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Thanks, Jerry!
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Years ago (when you were a kid) we used to travel to Philadelphia to eat at Le Bec-Fin. In those days, it was one of the best French restaurants in the US and we managed to make up excuses to visit. Of course having a cheesesteak for lunch was on the agenda as well.
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I remember Le Bec Fin very well. Never ate there, though. Georges Perrier is mostly retired these days, I think. But, he’s legendary!
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Yes, he is.
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looks wonderful! I have never had a cannoli like that, a masterpiece. Yum
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“Masterpiece” is the right word!
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Sounds like my kind of adventure! We love trying new restaurants, but it’s also nice to return to the tried and true. 🙂
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Right, certain restaurants are good to go back to again and again.
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Just keep taking the fun option!
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I’m trying!
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Nope, definitely never change! I love eating out too, but sadly my waistline shows the damage a bit too much.
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Are cannoli available in Glasgow?
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Oh yes! There is quite a big Scots-Italian population.
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You know, Neil, I imagine I would enjoy your company wonderfully. It’s good to enjoy life and to seek out and have the pleasure of those things which appeal to you. Pizza doesn’t appeal very much to me, though I make it at home occasionally, but cannoli would be just perfect!
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If we lived near each other, we’d hang out together now and then!
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Good food is always an enjoyable adventure in my books.
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Thumbs-up to that!
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I like your attitude.
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Thanks, Jacqui. Appreciated.
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Cannoli is one of my favorite desserts, and I have heard that specific location gets it done as good as it gets. Mentioned to you on my site I will check out Blue Moon when it becomes available at home. Richard Linklater makes interesting films. This one looks like another winner. Ethan Hawke’s performance sounds like a memorable one. I agree we can never let go of our pursuit for fun. I have yet to grow up, so I’m already set up for success in that department.
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Hi Bruce. Ethan Hawke is amazing in Blue Moon. All of the actors in the small cast do a real good job. By the way, Linklater has another movie out now too: Nouvelle Vague.
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Hi Neil. Yes sir, I am aware of Nouvelle Vague and am interested in seeing it. He captures eras so well, and it sounds like he did a fantastic job doing so again with that one. Zoey Deutch is supposed to be wonderful in her role.
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I think that’s in the Ten Commandments, isn’t it — “Life, liberty and the pursuit of fun?” Or, well, somewhere . . .
Fun piece!
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If it isn’t in the Ten Commandments, it should be.
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Glad to hear the cannoli lived up to your memories!
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Yeah, they were real good. Little Nonna’s is a delightful restaurant.
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I can’t wait to try a cannoli! It sure does look deelish 😀
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Hi. If you have one, I hope you’ll like it.
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I agree that life zooms by too fast. So, why not have fun and enjoy things like cannoli often.
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To me, this year has flown by tremendously quickly, maybe even faster than 2024. It’s scary.
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Sometimes acting on your instincts pays off! Or should I say, your taste buds. My husband is also a pizza snob. I can’t remember the last time we got bought a pizza he would rate above a 5!
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He’s a tough critic!
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You’ve no doubt earned the right to such an indulgence. The best part of retirement is the luxury of treating ourselves. The food looks tempting. Reminds me I haven’t had a pizza for a while, might have to rectify that, soonish.
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For me, a real good pizza and a real good salad and a real good beer are just about a perfect meal. And a real good cannoli would make it even better.
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Oh well, you can’t have everything perfect in life. How boring 😉
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Whoa! Now that is what I call a dessert. I am salivating from here! 🙂 Thanks for the tastebud temptation. Mel
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It tasted as good as it looks!
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I’ve never had a cannoli, but the way you talk about it makes me think I need to find a reputable spot to indulge.
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Go for it!
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Looks and sounds amazing – and yes, being able to go out to eat regularly is a great form of entertainment.
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I think that humans have an innate need for entertainment.
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It’s great that you’re so committed to enjoying life’s little pleasures 🍕🍰! The cannoli story itself is a treat 😋, and it’s awesome that you managed to make it happen and enjoy your favorite dessert. Little joys like these make life sweeter!
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“Little joys like these make life sweeter!“. — I couldn’t agree more.
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What? All these comments in a post about cannoli and movies yet not a single Godfather reference? “Leave the gun, take the cannoli” was the line, I believe.
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I should re-watch The Godfather. It’s a great one. Haven’t seen it in ages.
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What I wouldn’t give to have a metabolism that allowed dessert!
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Hi. I’m lucky in that respect — I have a fast metabolism.
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I had to laugh at your 6.8 out of 10.. maybe 6.85 would have been a better score?😀
Enjoying life is the best thing we can do!
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You’re right. That pizza deserved a 6.85 rating!
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😍
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You certainly know how to enjoy yourselves.
It wasn’t until I started watching shows with Italian Americans, like The Sopranos, that I picked up on what cannoli was. They sell them in a local ice-cream shop but not nearly as good as the ones you described I suspect.
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Plain cannoli can be kind of heavy and somewhat bland. Little Nonna’s cannoli are at a much higher level because of the hazelnut bits and the chocolate sauce.
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A mouth-watering piece of writing, for sure! Every time I hear the word cannoli, I think of the famous scene in one of the Godfather movies…..but I still eat ’em!
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I wonder when cannoli were first created. Wouldn’t surprise me if it was two thousand or more years ago.
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I really like that you said, “As we all know all too well, our lives zoom by. That’s why it’s important to have fun on at least a fairly regular basis. Anything less than that means we’re not in the best of shape.” So true! I’ve been researching happiness more lately, just to understand it in a practical way (and to write on it soon), because it seems like so many people struggle with it and don’t even understand how to be happy. We all want to be happy, yet many don’t live a life that makes them happy. We distract ourselves and make excuses and blame others. It’s sad… which is the opposite of happy!
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This link is to a book about happiness. It was a bestseller years ago:
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Many people don’t realize that Galveston, Texas, has had a thriving Italian community since c. 1900, and you can find wonderful authentic Italian food there. Mario’s on the Seawall is a place I can’t afford to visit often, but their handmade pasta dishes and gnocchi are superb. And, yes: they have cannoli!
Speaking of cannoli, an acquaintance reported this: the lady in front of him at the airport in Providence, Rhode Island, got her bag pulled by the TSA because of something suspicious in it. She started yelling, “It’s Cannoli dip!” The TSA seized it anyway. Clearly, some desserts are more dangerous than others!
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The TSA workers probably ate the cannoli later that day!
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You’re right, life is too short not to do (and eat) what makes you happy! As someone who really enjoys eating out, I can relate!
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Hello there. Doing things that are fun for us helps keep us in balance.
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I love that you two have date night 2 times a week. Those cannolis look super delicious!
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Hi Diane. When it comes to cannoli, the pastry chef at Little Nonna’s knows what they’re doing!
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Delish!
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Absolutely.
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