In many ways, Wayne has become the flagship Main Line town. It has perhaps the most defined “town center”, with walkable streets, ample parking, and an eclectic mix of businesses. When one thinks of great areas to go out to eat on the Main Line, Wayne surely jumps to the top of anyone’s list. Recently, however, as we watch one more independent restaurant close and await yet another lackluster addition to N. Wayne Ave., the dining scene seems to be in the midst of a moderate crisis.

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Avril BYOB will open in Bala Cynwyd on Wednesday, August 5, offering Northern Italian and Southern French cuisine.

Menu items include fresh-baked breads, Wild Mushroom Barquette with Sea Scallops $12 and Seared Duck Breast with Peach and Endive Tarte Tatin $22. A Bistro Menu will offer Espresso Foie Gras $16 and Bistro Steak Frittes $26. “Petit” plates range from $8-$16. “Grande” dishes average $18-$26.

Full Press Release after the jump, or view the menu here.

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Michael Klein reported today that Taquet will not return when the Wayne Hotel reopens after an extensive renovation.

Despite residing in New Zealand, Taquet also tells Klein that he is scouting the area for a location for a more casual restaurant.

More details here and here.

Here we go again…

The rumor mill is telling us that The Freehouse has been sold to the owners of JD McGillicuddy’s, and that another outpost of the popular Irish pub will be coming soon to Wayne. Former Villanova basketball standout Eric “The Assassin” Eberz, who was last seen (by us, at least) bouncing at the Ardmore “cut-cuts” location, is rumored to be taking on the daily operation. (edit: rumor confirmed by Michael Klein)

We can’t say that we are thrilled about another faceless mini-chain that focuses more on drink than food joining The Great American Pub and The Boathouse in Wayne, but the failure of The Freehouse to execute an interesting gastro-pub type menu has led to this.

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About a year ago, I came across an article about four friends who traveled to Texas with in search of great wine and great barbecue. It was an entertaining article, but I couldn’t help but wonder: Why I don’t have a job that allows me to to take wine and food tours?

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Azie on Main, which opens this Friday July 17th in the upstairs part of what used to be Maia, announced today that they will be offering a $25 discount to anyone holding a Maia gift certificate (through 8/31/09). It’s a nice idea, especially because the owners have no affiliation with the restaurant group that owned Maia.

MLD attended the soft launch of AoM last night, so check back soon for a report.

Michael Klein reports that Carmine’s Creole Cafe in Bryn Mawr has closed and will soon be replaced by Verdad, a “Euro-Latin” tapas restaurant. (Wait a second, didn’t we try that already?)

If you haven’t been following along, this ends a long, gossip-filled run of Carmine’s, which first appeared in Havertown in the late 90s. In 2005, chef John Mims moved his restaurant to Narberth. Just two years later, he relocated again to Bryn Mawr and partnered with current owner Howard Taylor. I’d tell you what happened next, but we don’t have all day. Some details can be found here.

Elevation Burger, the mini-chain that boasts 100% organic, grass-fed, free-range beef, has recently opened its first Philadelphia-area location in Wynnewood (50 E. Wynnewood Rd. — the shopping center with Borders in it.)

Let us know if you’ve tried it.

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