Ecco Qui certainly worth the walk

If you like Italian food, and your wallet is $20 light, Ecco Qui is one of the best Italian spots in Philadelphia.

The restaurant at 32nd and Chestnut is tailored to a college student's lifestyle, as it boasts a bar, outside seating, numerous entrees under $10 and iron cast Dragons to show that it is in the heart of Drexel's campus.

As for the food, Ecco Qui offers an array of classical Italian entrees for $15-20, but also has whole sections of the menu for pastas, pizzas, calzones, paninis and burgers - all of which have single-digit prices.

I started my meal with a solid caesar salad ($7). Then, I went for something less conservative in the Il Giardino ($8.50), essentially an Italian sampler platter featuring prosciutto, eggplant, olives, provolone and tomatoes, as well as some zucchini and roasted peppers. The highlights of the dish were the prosciutto and the olives, but all of the flavors blended well together. Some other appetizers include bruschetta, mozzarella sticks, quesadillas and wings.

For my entree, I sampled the chicken pesto panini ($9) and the "salta in bocca" pizza (9.75). The panini was simple, but healthy and filling, and was served with tri-colored corkscrew pasta. The pizza was my favorite part of the meal. Cleverly named after the classic chicken saltimbocca, this dish put those ingredients on the pie. Chunks of chicken provide substance, while the prosciutto, broccoli and spinach give a more delicate flavor. With the base of a crispy, relatively thin crust as well as quality cheese and red sauce, this popular dish is worthy of a strong recommendation.

For desert I enjoyed a creamy pumpkin cheesecake ($6.50) that was certainly a nice finish, and throughout the meal downed unlimited refills of my soda.

In all the food very tasty, especially for an appetizer-entree combination under $20. With the exception of the panini, each dish was more than big enough to split. The atmosphere was also pleasant - it has a casual feel while still maintaining as an Italian sit down restaurant. And when I saw Drexel head basketball coach Bruiser Flint eating at Ecco Qui last year, I knew the restaurant was the place to be.

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