Avril BYOB [134 Bala Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA; 610-667-2626], the realized dream of husband and wife team Christian Gatti and April Lisante is set to open Wednesday, August 5. Gatti, a longtime Philadelphia chef and Lisante, former Philadelphia Daily News food editor, will open a 50-seat, white linen BYOB on Philadelphia’s esteemed Main Line. Offering Northern Italian and Southern French cuisine, Avril’s menu stands apart from other restaurants with its focus on Gatti’s pastry background, featuring savory pastries, homemade breads, pastas and desserts.
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. Click here to view the full menu: http://dishpublicrelations.com/private/1248709820.pdf
“Avril is a dream come true for us”, explains April. “We’ve worked so hard to get to this place in our lives and can’t wait to share it with our guests!”
The husband and wife team share a life built on a love of food and family, and are thrilled to have fulfilled their dream of opening their own place. The couple met in 2003, during a Daily News photo shoot, where Christian was featured as one of Philly’s “hot, young chefs”.
Chef Gatti honed his chops in the kitchens of City Tavern, White Dog and Audrey Claire. He also worked for consulting company Concepts by Staib, which developed menus and did staff training for clients such as Shula’s Steakhouses, Sandal’s Resorts and Benchmark Hotels.
“Food is at the center of everything. It nourishes and brings people together. It brought April and I together”, says Christian.
The interior of Avril is awash in warm chocolates, mochas and black. Guests will dine at cozy black leather banquets, at a chef’s table for eight, or at romantic two-top tables. Al fresco seating is available in season, with accommodations for 16. The feel inside Avril is Southern French bistro, with dim candlelit tables, Provencal-inspired art and dripping beaded lighting.
Avril will initially be open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00pm – 10:00pm. In the weeks following, Chef Gatti will roll out lunch and Sunday Brunch, along with his BOMBANCE sur le DIMANCHE menu (Feast on Sunday). Guests can choose from 3 ($25), 4 ($27), 5 ($34) or 6 ($40) course “family style” menus.
Additional service to be added within a couple of weeks:
Sunday “BOMBANCE sur le DIMANCHE” menu 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Lunch: Tuesday – Friday 11:30am – 2:30pm
Sunday Brunch: is served 10:00am – 2:00pm
Avril * 134 Bala Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA * 610-667-2626 * http://avrilbyob.com
