Posts within the 'News & Views' Category


“Return” of Evviva to Narberth

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Michael Klein reports that Bistro Evviva, a 50-seat French/Mediterranean joint with former Taquet and Pond/Cassis chef Abde Dahrouch at the helm, will open this fall in the Montgomery Ave. mansion that currently holds a catering business and private party venue. Evviva opened as a restaurant in 1983, but converted to catering-only in the late 80s.

The bistro will both have a full bar and allow BYOB.

Evviva is owned by the Wakim Restaurant Group, who also owns Gemelli in Narberth with chef Clark Gilbert, Aldar Bistro in Bala Cynwyd, and Murray’s Deli in Narberth.

[Evviva Official Site]

Philly vs Main Line: Burgers

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

TJ's Burger

New feature at Main Line Dine, where we take a highly-regarded food experience in Philadelphia and compare it to a similar offering out here in the burbs. Will it be worth the trip to the city, or are you better off staying close to home?

Starting out we have Village Whiskey, Jose Garces’ happening burger joint and whiskey bar, selected recently by Philadelphia Magazine as one of the best burgers in the city, versus TJ’s of Paoli, who won Main Line Today’s “Best Burger” award in 2009.

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Alfredo to Replace San Nicola in Berwyn

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

The Trattoria San Nicola space at 668 Lancaster in Berwyn (they closed in April, supposedly due to an “expired lease”) will be filled soon by Alfredo, a BYOB from the same people who bring you Alfredo’s in Newtown Square (thus, it is named after the owner — Alfred Giannaccari — not the pasta sauce).

Expect a southern Italian menu with antipasto, pasta and plenty of fresh fish.

For those of you who love San Nicola, the Paoli location is still going strong.

Ashys Burger & Fries Joins Paoli Opening Craze

Monday, July 12th, 2010

ashys-burger-fries-paoli

We previously reported that Jake’s Frozen Custard will be serving up the self-proclaimed “best burgers in Paoli”… but did they include the soon to Ashys Burger & Fries in that evaluation?

Located in the former Cold Stone Creamery location within the Paoli Shopping Center (who knew they closed? I guess we were too busy waiting in line at Handel’s), the folks behind Ashys are the latest to jump on the “burger joint” craze that swept Philly proper last summer.

If you have any more details, please share.

Martini’s Italian Market to Open in Paoli

Monday, July 12th, 2010

A sign for Martini’s Italian Market – Specialty Food & Gifts has gone up in the space that formerly held First Class Travel Goods (between Testa Jewelers and Snappy Auctions) in the Paoli Village Shops.

Pattye Benson reports that the owner of Martini’s is the son of the owners of the old Martini’s Restaurant that was on Lancaster Ave. in Devon for many years.

Feel free to post more info if you have any.

Jake’s Frozen Custard Coming to Paoli

Monday, July 12th, 2010

First Whirled Peace brought frozen yogurt, now Jake’s is bringing a new concoction known as “Wisconsin-Style Frozen Custard” to the center of Paoli (in the building just east of Saxby’s on 30).

We don’t know what this custard is, but according to Jake’s, “Once you’ve tried genuine Wisconsin Style Frozen Custard, it is difficult to go back to regular ice cream, almost impossible to soft serve.”

In addition to frozen custard, Jake’s will serve “hot off the grill Brats, Deep Fried Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Curds and the Best Burgers in Paoli.” (According to them at least!)

There’s plenty more info at Jake’s website. (Special Kudos to the people behind Jake’s for having a website launched and functioning when they put their sign up!)

PB and U Coming to Wayne

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

pb&u wayne

PB and U peanut butter creation is opening on August 27, 2010 in Wayne, in the location of the old Stern’s costume shop, on E. Lancaster Ave by Margaret Kuo’s.

Sounds like a take on NYC’s Peanut Butter & Co., where you have all kinds of crazy sandwich creations or you can invent your own. Surely they’ll have something inspired by Elvis!

More info at their website.

Floret in Radnor Closed

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

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Floret has closed as of July 1, 2010.

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Floret Restaurant and Lounge will be opening in February 2010 at 175 King of Prussia Rd. in Radnor, replacing current tenants Pond and Bistro Cassis. This restaurant is a partnership between Scott Morrison (Nectar, etc.), Chef Dan Kremin (Barclay Prime, Buddakan) and the current Pond ownership.

The menu will be based on regional European cuisine prepared with locally sourced American ingredients. Says Kremin, “I cook with the freshest, local ingredients that have been prepared in a simple, approachable and familiar way, so that our guests will want to visit and dine with us frequently without spending a lot.”

Floret’s 90-seat lounge will offer hors d’oeuvres and small plates along with a selection of original burgers and salads to pair with specialty drinks, craft beers and wines. The 150-seat restaurant will feature steak frites, fish pommes soufflé and numerous other market and seasonal additions such as a house cassoulet, Amish raised chicken coq au vin, braised lamb shanks, chicken liver crostini, lasagna al forno and vegetarian shepherd’s pie.

The name “Floret” is inspired in part by the 1986 movie, Jean De Florette, which was filmed in Provençe. This classic French film starred Gerard Depardieu and Yves Montand, (born Ivo Livi) in Mansummano Terme near Florence, Italy.

Floret will honor all Pond party contracts as well as gift certificates sold under the Pond/Cassis name.

Floret | 175 King of Prussia Road | Radnor, PA | 610-293-9411| floretrestaurant.com (coming soon)

White Dog Wayne to Open in Late August?

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

This posting appeared on craigslist Saturday 6/19:

“Award winning White Dog Cafe is seeking experienced managers for a new restaurant serving fresh, local, sustainable and organic cuisine opening late August in Wayne, PA. Previous manager experience is required.”

They are also looking for Front of House employees.

Thanks to thedogatemyhomework for the tip!

UPDATE: (08/11/10) Current estimate for White Dog is late-September.

Genuardi’s Cornbread

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

I know this site is supposed to be about gourmet food, and supporting unique, independent businesses, but I don’t care. I freaking love Genuardi’s cornbread.

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