DINE
A Family Craft
The Presta family has been keeping Manayunk ����������������������L By Megan Douress Photography by JPG Photography (jpgphotography.com)
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n warm spring and summer days, the corner of Main and Jamestown Streets is buzzing. The tables lining the sidewalk are consistently ��� with hungry foodies and beer ����dos, who bring their energy and appreciation for craft food and drinks to Craft Manayunk. It’s a trend that Antonio Presta knew the neighborhood was missing when he was presented with the opportunity to open his own bar and restaurant at 4141 Main Street. After all, Antonio was practically raised in the kitchens of his family’s Manayunk businesses throughout the years. “My dad moved here when he was about 18-years-old from Italy,” Antonio explained. “He didn’t speak a lick of English. I think he tried being a plumber at one point, he tried working at a car wash, and then he eventually got involved in the restaurant industry.” Antonio’s father and uncle owned pizzerias in the area before becoming ���“ edged restauranteurs. In 1989, they saw the potential Manayunk had and opened Bella Trattoria at 4258 Main Street, which was a neighborhood staple for 25 years. Meanwhile, Antonio’s cousin ran a lounge, Sapphire, at the corner of Main and Jamestown Streets. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Antonio said. “We’ve been doing this our whole lives — ever since I was 12-years-old. I would polish silverware for money on weekends. I went from being a busser to a server to a bartender. I washed dishes at one point. I was on the line at one point when I was 17. I pretty much did everything from top to bottom.” After 11 successful years as Sapphire, the lounge scene was phasing out. Antonio’s family came to a crossroads – either sell the property or come up with a new concept. Destined to be an entrepreneur, Antonio jumped in with a rebrand idea, inspired by his summers spent traveling throughout Europe. “I’m a big foodie, so I pulled ideas from everywhere I’ve been,” An-
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