Philly Mag’s recent issue celebrates the region’s outdoor dining, so it seems like a good time to bring up our article on outdoor spots.

It may be a bit outdated, but you’ll fix that in the comments, won’t you?

Ian writes: “the famed Wayne Beef & Ale chalkboard says it’s the soon-to-be home of the ‘new’ Cooz’s Corner….”

The Beef’s ownership recently moved west to take over the Berwyn Tavern.

No word about the fate of Cooz’s actual corner.

Though we were disappointed that Bruster’s Frazer branch closed, our current favorite thing is Handel’s Chocoholic Chunk ice cream — DARK chocolate ice cream with chunks of dark chocolate. This insanely decadent creation just might be the greatest ice cream flavor ever created.

It’s barbecue season (at least it was at our house recently, with hickory-smoked ribs), but there’s problem: Where does one go for good barbecue between West Chester (Mabel’s) and Philly (lots of great options)?

Well, come July, I’ll say Jimmy’s BBQ, coming soon to the Westgate Plaza in Frazer (the one with Royal Thai Orchid and Staples, replacing that wicker furniture store). Jimmy’s catering business has already won awards (Best of the Main Line in 2007), so we’re certainly excited about this one.

Keep track of the opening at jimmysbbq.com.

You asked for it — you got it! The Big Easy Saloon in Paoli is now smoke-free, thanks in part (we think, at least) to the readers of this website. Nice work, everybody. ;o)

The former John Harvard’s location in Wayne/Devon has been taken over by 2 seasoned pros/vets in the restaurant biz - Joe Carney (Carney’s Cape May) and Steve Finley (Finley Catering). Both partners, who live locally, are very excited about bringing their new concept to the Main Line . . . which will be a tailor fit to the market and location. Full press release after the jump.

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Some good info on Villanova’s upcoming Maia (May 6!) in the Inquirer’s blog:

A Look at Maia

The Main Line’s version of Restaurant Week kicks off Monday with $30 3 or 4-course meals at places like Yang Ming, Bistro Cassis, Meridith’s and Cosimo. Personally, we’ve never found this “deal” to be a particularly good one, especially when the restaurant limits their menu, (plus, who orders 4 courses by themselves, ever?), but that shouldn’t stop you from trying out a new restaurant next week, if you are inspired.

[http://www.dinetheline.com/]

J.R. Monaghan’s, a sports bar with 13 plasmas from the Brownie’s 23 East owner, recently opened at 30 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore. Best part — it’s smoke free! Owner Joe Rufo suggests that Brownie’s might not be far behind on that front, assuming things go well here.