Buratti’s Italian Street Taco’s will bring a cross-cultural concept to Riverport Public Market, at 17 W. 2nd St. in Bethlehem, when it opens in the spring of 2022. Chef Dakota Phillips and Justin Rice say they are excited to introduce their elevated Italian-Mexican fast-casual/fine dining fusion to the area.
“I really want to marry these two cuisines,” Phillips told What Now Philadelphia. “I wanted to bring fast-casual/fine dining where it doesn’t hurt your pocket. So people can enjoy that experience but on the go. I think it’s time for this area to get into, not strange but, different cooking techniques that you see in places like the West Coast. Things that we’re missing out on over here.”
You’ll find traditional Mexican tacos like Tacos al Pastor, vegetarian, and healthy tacos, as well as unique tacos on Buratti’s menu like their Chicken Parm Taco with a parmesan garlic crust taco shell filled with grilled chicken and topped with parmesan crisp and basil caviar, which uses a molecular gastronomy technique called spherification. Buratti’s will also serve elevated sandwiches, pasta dishes, and appetizers like a milk cloud foam buratta, which is mozzarella whipped into a foam consistency that is encased in milk fat.
While those concepts might seem foreign, Phillips, who previously served as a chef at Pearly Baker’s Alehouse in Easton, hopes that all his customers will feel like family.
“I just want people to come in and feel at home. I want them to feel loved and welcomed by my staff. I want my food to tell a story and give you that feeling as if you’re sitting at my dinner table with me,” Phillips, who also worked in restaurants in Phillipsburg and Rehoboth Beach, said.
In addition to serving incredibly unique fare, Buratti is also seeking to keep its carbon footprint in check by sourcing local ingredients, steering away from single-use plastics, and using compostable utensils and packaging. Phillips says his goal is to eventually have Buratti be a self-composting business.
