An interesting article in Main Line Suburban Life today reported a bevy of Wayne restaurant news & updates. To summarize:

• Taquet has been expanded and remodeled (specifically the bar/outdoor area), but nobody has yet to jump on the space. An ice-cream parlor almost closed the deal, but backed out at the last minute.
• No news on the White Dog Cafe, which is still “coming soon”
• Pop-Pop’s has closed in the former Wayne Beef & Ale location. No new plans have been established.
• Matador, the long-awaited Spanish/Mexican tapas joint, has been issued two stop-work issues and a citation for not getting permits for the work to the space, according to Radnor Township. As of last week alteration permits had been submitted but not issued yet by the township.
• Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza is still planned for the ACME shopping center.
• A Chipotle may appear in downtown Wayne “soon” (no further details were given).

Read the full article here.

The Paoli branch of Fellini Cafe has closed for good. Hopefully we’ll see another restaurant fill that spot!

Update:According to Michael Klein, records in bankruptcy court show that Fellini filed for Chapter 7 protection. Basically, it means that if approved, the corporate assets are sold and it’s done.

Thanks to readers Dave and Kander for the tips.

The Saxby’s on Rt 30 in Malvern has been replaced by Venice Pizza & Pasta, a traditional Italian joint. Plenty of different pizzas, pasta dishes and hot & cold sandwiches area available. Though we haven’t had the pizza, it looks like very good Italian-style thin crust.

Because the building is rather large, there is plenty of seating available, so BYOB is allowed and Free Wi-Fi is offered. No Delivery.

For more info visit http://venicepizzapasta.com/.

The lastest victim of the economic downturn is Narberth’s wonderful BYOB Margot.

MLD reader Steve reported that the restaurant was closed this Friday evening. This morning, an answering machine message states: “Hi, you have reached 232 Woodbine Ave. in Narberth. Ownership of this location has changed. Please look forward to a new restaurant coming soon. Thanks very much.”

Hopefully Margot will appear elsewhere soon, as in the meantime, her neighborhood gem will be missed.

Bryn Mawr’s Blush has closed after three years of business. Chef Nick Farina, who opened Verdad last week, has decided to focus exclusively on his new Tapas joint. Much of the staff will join him at Verdad.

No word yet on what will replace Blush in the space that has held a restaurant for 20+ years (Toscana, Bianca, Blush…)

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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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.