Last October, one phenomenal Phoenixville Cafe soared above the status quo sub shop. Eleanor’s Kitchen, 6 S. Main Street, is gaining a loyal and growing following. What this quaint kitchenette lacks in size it makes up in big taste, generous portions (doggy bags may be required) and fresh ingredients.
Who exactly is Eleanor you ask? Not the owner’s girlfriend or grandma who inspired him to cook, but Max Cucuzza’s adorable pit bull/mastiff mix. While she won’t be found in front of the line, she does have her own wall dedicated to photos of her and her fellow four-legged friends (she is always accepting new companions, as long as they’re in a 4×6 photo).
“It all comes down to having fun with your food, that’s why I named it Eleanor’s Kitchen” said Max. With an eclectic music collection playing in the background (from punk rock to classical, it all depends on Max’s mood), frames of friends on the walls and a laid back and accommodating staff, Eleanor’s Kitchen has all the comforts of home. Currently, there are only a few cozy tables available, but as the weather warms patrons will be able to dine al fresco while taking in the scenes of the bustling Bridge St.
The restaurant business is in Max’s blood, having worked for his parent’s pizza shop for years. Now, the tables have turned and his father works alongside him in the kitchen.
Eleanor’s extensive menu has it all: classic sandwiches like ever popular Suzi Q (homemade crabcake) or their Italian sandwich; original creations like the Spider Monkey Root Beer Ribs (four spare ribs scorched in the fryer, divided, conquered and doused in homemade root beer BBQ sauce), or the Grace burger (two burgers stacked with slices of Swiss and pepperjack, six pieces of bacon, spicy mayo, and an over easy egg). In case nothing on the menu strikes a customer’s fancy, they can create their own sandwiches and if it’s good, it may just make it to the menu! Each glorious sandwich comes with a pickle and their hand cut (and addicting) potato chips.
“My boyfriend and I frequent Eleanor’s Kitchen at least once a week, sometimes two or three times, even if it’s just to get some delectable Monkey Nuts. They aren’t on the menu yet, but they consist of bananas, crunchy peanut butter and Nutella, wrapped in an egg roll and deep fried. I have to get 2 at a time!” said satisfied customer Melissa O’Donnell. “And with all the fresh veggies on hand, even my vegan friends leave happy.”
On April 13th at 7 pm, Eleanor’s Kitchen will be participating in the “Soup, Slider and Stone Throwdown” at French Quarter Bistro (215 Main Street, Royersford). Eleanor’s Kitchen, LePan Catering and French Quarter Bistro will go head to head to see who can create the best gumbo and sliders. For $20, taste-testers can vote for their favorites and sip on a pint of Stone beer. In addition to watching three local favorites battle it out, there will be prizes, giveaways and lots of live entertainment. Tickets can be purchased at the door or pre-purchased through French Quarter Bistro.
Also look for Eleanor’s Kitchen at the Phoenixville Restaurant Festival on Sunday, May 22nd. Friend them on Facebook (Eleanor’s Kitchen) to view their daily specials and menu, and stop by Eleanor’s Kitchen Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 9pm or Sundays from 12 to 6pm for a delicious meal that will leave your tail wagging.
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