Originally published on the Daily Local.
Derrick Wheeler never thought he would own a restaurant. He is a successful business man who lives in West Chester and also happens to dine out frequently. When he was in the market to expand his business holdings, Derrick researched over 800 different projects, from gas stations to day care centers to printing shops. Eventually, he decided to create a business that would highlight all of his experiences as a regular restaurant visitor. Vella is the fruition of his passion for food and fine dining.
Located in the former Freskada space, Vella’s menu is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of France, Italy and Spain. Freskada’s chef Alessandro Spaneeda has remained in the kitchen. When making over the menu, Derrick and Alessandro decided to keep some of Freskada’s most popular dishes, such as their wood-fired flatbreads and upscale pizzas for their loyal customers, but has added some new choices. Derrick explains, “I wanted to keep the things that worked and add new items to spice up the menu. While we offer flatbreads and pizzas, this is not a pizza joint. Our four flatbread and two pizza offerings are refined, classic, rustic.” He was quick to point out that Vella desires to meet the needs of its customers. With that in mind, gluten-free pizza dough is available and the kitchen is happy to customize a pizza or flatbread as long as the ingredients are available.
Derrick goes on to detail how he “believes a healthy diet is a key ingredient to a good life. That is why we try to incorporate lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and natural oils into our dishes. We pay special attention to the sources and quality of our produce, seafood, poultry and meats. We also try to avoid using processed foods and those high in saturated and trans fats whenever possible. We aim not only to serve really good food, but also food that is good for you.”
Vella’s dinner menu offers a tour through the northern Mediterranean with Italian favorites like their pasta Florence (grilled vegetables, Italian herbs,brie cheese, linguini, tossed in garlic oil and white wine sauce), Spanish specialties such as the paella de mar (calamari, mussels, littleneck clams, shrimp, white fish, chorizo, saffron, rice, fresh herbs and spices) and French delicacies like the Burgundy filet (beef medallion, Burgundy wine sauce, pearl onions and mushrooms, mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies). The entrees range in price from $14 to $26, making Vella a fantastic option for reasonable fine dining in the Exton area. The restaurant is BYOB.
In addition to dinner, Vella also is serving up a fantastic buffet lunch for $10.95. The buffet will feature daily specials, but will always have freshly grilled vegetables, Caesar salad, pita and dips, falafel, chicken skewers, pastas, chicken picatta and fish. The regular lunch menu offers a variety of salads, burgers, sandwiches and pasta, too.
Something new to this space is Sunday brunch. Served from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., the menu features stuffed French toast, crepes, frittatas, omelets and eggs made to order. Keep an eye on the open kitchen because Derrick tells me he likes to jump into the kitchen to help cook on Sundays!
Derrick, who co-owns Vella with his wife Sally, knew he needed a restaurant pro to help him on the managerial side of the business. He turned to long-time restaurant and catering veteran Kathleen Devine who brings 30 years of restaurant experience to Vella.
When looking to redesign the interior of the restaurant, Derrick thought about restaurants in the area where he felt the most comfortable, and immediately remembered Sovana Bistro in Kennett Square. Always one to research every detail, he discovered that designer Joseph D’Ambro was behind Sovana’s rustic charm, and so he summoned Joseph to help turn Vella into his dream bucolic setting. Derrick and Joseph designed Vella with the customer in mind. Derrick explains, “I dined out at least four times per week. I know what I enjoy in terms of tables, noise levels, lighting and general ambiance. I created a space to reflect that.” The restaurant is outfitted with distressed furniture and wood, simple, yet elegant lighting, and uses a color palette of rich creams, blacks and maroons. The floor to ceiling windows in the front of the restaurant allows diners to see and be seen. Vella is the perfect setting for ladies night out, romantic dinners, corporate events and private parties.
Hours of operation are as follows: Mon.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; and Sun., 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Find Vella at 120 Woodcutter Street in the Main Street at Exton shopping center; phone: (610) 524-3334. For more information, visit vellagrill.com and “like” Vella on Facebook.
Food photo credits: Ronna Dewey. Interior/exterior photo credits: Vella.
