Rick Nichols profiles Basil DeLuca of Villa di Roma and what goes into making those handmade meatballs.

The meatball-making is the province of one man and only one, Basil DeLuca, 56, the middle of the three sons of Domenic (”Kaiser”) and Carmela, Villa di Roma’s founders. Basil does not merely oversee the meatballs; he hand-forms each one – up to 400 a week – singularly and painstakingly and possessively at that counter.

They have become beloved meatballs. And while cooking may not have been the life Basil would have chosen if his father had not mandated it, he is proud of these meatballs – made to the precise standards of his tutor, Uncle Sammy – and of the following they now have.

And in late August or early September, you’ll be able to purchase these meatballs from a new storefront down the block.

Meet the ultimate handmade meatball [Philadelphia Inquirer]

Tria is that old friend that you pick up the conversation with, like you haven’t been apart at all. Or if you rather, Tria is like those comfortable old jeans. But mainly Tria fits the bill for a big date or “solo nibble.”[Blogalicious]

How about a Georgian Easter? That’s what Elisa Ludwig had at Pirosmani in the Northeast. [Edible Complex]

Fried Asparagus, Chicken Bucca Bella, Eggplant Parmagiana and an excellent canoli make up this trip to Villa di Roma. [Foodaphilia]

It’s spiral sauced pizza at Franzone’s in Conshohocken [foodzings]

First was Penang, now it’s time to try Banana Leaf. No clear winner emerged but what’s wrong with having two favorite Malaysian places anyway? [foodzings]

Luscious and the Gastronomer go to for geleto at Capogiro everyday from March 27th to 31st. Sometimes twice a day and once, four times in a single day. See what these experts found to be their favorites. [gas•tron•o•my]

It’s a rare lunch date for Taylor, and Giwa, the Center City Korean spot on the 1600 block of Sansom Street is the place. [Mac & Cheese]

Marisa has a satisfying hit with Cafe de Laos. Sounds like the Mieng Kham appetizer is a must-order-dish. [Metroblogging]

Accidental knife toss aside, Hibachi Steakhouse provided good food and some tricks by the chef. [PhillyEats]