| Avalon Restaurant, a neighborhood BYOB near historic downtown West Chester, will create a traditional Seven Fishes Feast on Christmas Eve. Chef/owner John Brandt-Lee revisits his Italian heritage with a 5-course seafood prix fixe menu including antipasti, pasta, secondi, insalata digestivo and dolci.The holiday meal is available in the restaurant or as a take out meal on Friday, December 24.
“This feast is designed so families can relax together and create happy holiday memories,” said Brandt-Lee. “Even if you’re not Italian, you can revel in this Italian-American culinary tradition by joining friends and family for a lovely holiday meal in our warm and cozy atmosphere or in your own home.”
Seven Fishes Feast at Avalon Restaurant
(Served family style)
AntiPasti
Fried Smelts, White Anchovies, Preserved Tuna & Fried Calamari
Pasta
Linguini with Shrimp, Mussels & Crab in San Marzano Red Sauce
Secondi
Fluke Piccata with Capers, Lemon and White Wine, Risotto Style Toasted Orzo
Insalta Digestivo
Organic Mixed Greens with Honey Broken Balsamic Vinaigrette
Dolce
Fresh Fruit and Cheese served family style (or sweet dessert from regular dessert menu may be substituted). Take out order will be Chocolate Cake that can be baked at home.
This feast, which is designed to be ordered by the entire party, is $45 per person; $15 for children under 12. Child-friendly options will be available. Pricing is the same for eat in and carry out. Reservations/Advanced orders necessary at 610/436-4100. For those who prefer, a limited a la carte menu will be available on Friday, December 24 as well.
Background
Brandt-Lee, who took over the restaurant in 2002 with his wife, Michelle, is now at the helm in the kitchen. Brandt-Lee’s Rustic Italian cuisine emphasizes simple bold flavors from exceptional ingredients. He uses seasonal ingredients harvested, when possible, from local farms including Pete’s Produce, Bluemoon Acres and Shellbark Hollow. Brandt-Lee’s culinary education began when he was a young adult cooking with his neighbors in West Philly and continued under the tutelage of Chef Clark Gilbert, as well as Chefs Steven Ferdinand, Mike Merlot, David Kiser and Don Applebaum. Brandt-Lee is originally from the Upper Darby/West Philadelphia area and currently resides with his wife and 4 daughters in Downingtown. In addition to cooking and managing the restaurant, he designed the restaurant’s website as well as the designing the restaurant’s décor and open kitchen.
The restaurant recently underwent a renovation of everything from the front entrance straight through to the back of the house, which is now open to the dining room. The stylish restaurant glows with backlit blue accents, wood-burning fireplace and strategically positioned candles that cast a warm blush on diners in the bi-level dining room. In the center of the 60-seat main dining room is a hard wood railing embracing a marble cutting board displaying a mouth-watering selection of artisanal cheeses and hand-carved meats. The restaurant also boasts lush outdoor garden dining for 45 around a gurgling fountain and a romantic upstairs room that can be used as a private dining room for up to 35.
Avalon Restaurant, a neighborhood-oriented BYOB serving Rustic Italian cuisine, is located at 312 South High Street, West Chester, PA 19382, at the corner of South High & Union streets, near the heart of historic downtown West Chester. Cash only. Private Dining Room available. Free parking is available at Trinity Church, corner of South High & Union Streets. The restaurant has expanded its hours through December 24, opening 7 days a week from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Avalon earned a “Very Good” rating from Philadelphia Inquirer Restaurant Critic Craig Laban. Open Table diners voted Avalon Restaurant the sixth “Best Italian Restaurant” in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area. Reservations suggested but walk-ins welcome at 610/436-4100 or on Open Table. www.avalonrestaurant.net. |
