Totaro’s Restaurant

Enter as strangers…leave as friends!
By Joe “Krausey” Krause

Meet Andrew Totaro. Father, owner, Father, wrestling coach, Father, community supporter and the leader of the Conshohocken revolution! Andrew believes in the town of Conshohocken, believes in the people and believes that if every restaurant in Conshy joined together, they would all flourish.

“I remember when my father owned this place,” said Andrew. “Everyone who entered always left with more friends and that is how we do it today, 49 years later.”

It all started in 1961 when Vince and Yolanda Totaro operated the popular & hidden watering hole on Hector Street where local patrons met after work to unwind. In the 70’s, Totaro’s expanded their imported beer selection. In the 80’s, Totaro’s changed again, adding a small chalkboard menu that included daily homemade pasta specials and a wine cellar.

In the 90’s, Andrew Totaro welcomed Dan Kreglo as his partner. This little sleepy spot, tucked in behind the tumbleweed, graduated to a Zagat Rated, top performing destination,(Ranked  in the World Edition) where strangers would find friends and endless reasons to continue to come back. Together, Andrew and Dan grew to become the best in the business, providing delicious cuisine to the residents and visitors of Conshohocken.

Jefferson University Hospital + The Philadelphia Eagles + Totaro’s Restaurant equals Heart Healthy Tailgating and the now famous Heart Healthy Chili, created and produced by Dan. It’s not why this restaurant is famous, nor does it validate why they have received the distinguished ZAGAT RATED TOP RESTAURANT AWARD every year for the last 20-years. (World Edition) Simply, it’s part of what they do!

If you want confirmation of just how delicious the food at Totaro’s is, ask Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie or chairman Bill Giles of the Phillies, who both are fans of Totaro’s. Or just stand outside of this hidden gem on a Saturday night and sample the opinion of the patrons. The stories that are wrapped within the walls of Totaro’s include the late publisher Walter Annenberg, who boldly gave Andrew Totaro his own marinara recipe following a meal, only as a gesture of respect.

Some of the scrumptious standout courses at Totaro’s include Jumbo Crab Cakes, which are lightly breaded and prepared with a shrimp and chive reduction sauce. Another highlight is the Linguini Monsignor, with jumbo shrimp and scallops sautéed in olive oil with garlic, plum tomato, shitake mushrooms and basil tossed with tomato basil linguini and crabmeat. Wild Boar is also a favorite among their highly-regarded game dishes—herb crusted, pan seared and served with roasted finger potatoes with a mushroom demi glace.

Desserts are created from the wonderful mind of Totaro’s personal pastry chef of 15 years, Leslie McLaughlin, who has been satisfying the sweet palate of their guests’ hidden obsessions for memorable after dinner experiences. Tiramisu & Coconut Cranberry Aborio Rice Pudding are two popular choices, followed by a presentation of homemade desserts created fresh daily from Leslie’s hidden file of sweet surprises.

For those who like a jolt of energy to get them going in the morning, Totaro’s welcomes their guests with open arms by offering a free cup of coffee every morning at 7am, despite doors not officially opening until 11am.

Totaro’s also specializes in business meetings and special occasions, such as weddings, graduations, birthdays and showers. They also offer private wine dinners and happy hours, along with off-site catering.

On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the Restaurant gave out free turkeys! They hosted a Fund-raising Event for the Giongo Boys and they have hosted Pre-Game Shows on 97.5 The Fanatic, Monday Night Shows with Rocker, Ray Koob and proudly provide the quietest best Live Music in Conshohocken. In June, 2010, Totaro’s will go International when they host the International Dragon Boat Festival, feeding thousands of athletes and as many as eight-thousand spectators! (They don’t know it yet, but they are in for a great surprise).

Totaro’s is a real place, a restaurant that will always follow what they have always preached; The answers Yes, now what’s the question and somewhere, hidden behind the tumbleweed, are the stories that will only be told by Andrew and Dan when you get there while you enjoy the memories of an incredible experience.

Find out why good things come in small packages by visiting Totaro’s Restaurant, the unexpected treasure hidden in Conshohocken that serves outstanding portions with a delectable taste from an ever-evolving menu.

Totaro’s Restaurant is located at 729 E. Hector Street in Conshohocken. For more information on Totaro’s Restaurant, visit www.totaros.com or call (610) 828-9341.

Joe “Krausey” Krause is a freelance writer and can often be found treating himself to the mouth-watering cuisine at Totaro’s Restaurant.