When someone says asks you what you have in mind for dinner, do you automatically start naming at least three or four different cuisines? Now you don’t have to settle on just one country, take a trip around the world (no baggage required) by visiting Toast Tavern, 1215 West Chester Pike, for a globally-infused culinary adventure!
Toast Tavern’s multicultural menu covers 20 regions and six continents of the world. The main dining room is filled with flags, artwork and photographs from around the world.
Every dish from “the Jamaican” (pulled jerk chicken, pineapple banana relish, coleslaw and scotch bonnet cheddar mashed potatoes) to “the Venetian” (creamy Fontina risotto with peas and smoked bacon tossed with braised rabbit) is served with a piece of toasted bread from that region of the world. Aside from their enormous menu of international delights, every day there are three to four appetizer specials and five to six entree specials. Their flavorful fare was planned to fill up customers without draining their wallets; their most expensive entree is $17.
The owner, Rob Trabbold, and executive chef, Dan Funk, spent nine months perfecting their creative cuisine. “I saw that tapas style dining was popular. The whole thought originated from what people are already interested in, the tapas restaurants, but still have diversity of things from around the world,” said Trabbold.
In case patrons are just looking for a great brew and more traditional favorites, they can head over to the tavern section of the restaurant. This warm space with dark maroon walls, low lighting and a golden tin ceiling offers the same diversity as the rest of the restaurant. The bar manager selected 18 worldly wines, eight draft beers and 30 bottled craft beers from around the globe that pair well with any dish. The tavern menu, which is always available, has roast beef and pork sandwiches, lobster mac and cheese, shepherd’s pie and more.
Do you often wish you could have the entire dessert menu? Order The Pyramid and you can! It is a tower of dark chocolate mousse, grilled white chocolate blackberry bread pudding, honey ricotta cheesecake, vanilla bean crème brulee and red velvet brownie.
When the weather warms up they are going to add a bar onto their beautiful, large outdoor patio that will specialize in frozen drinks and lighter summer beers. Their specials include margarita (in the warmer months) and martini Mondays, $3 soft tacos filled with rabbit, venison, filet and pork (the meat changes from week to week) on Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays and daily happy hour from 3 to 6pm.
Even though the restaurant has only been open for a short time, they have many satisfied and repeat customers. “Everyone likes the change and have been very positive about the change. Some people miss the old menu but they are happy it’s not just a steak place or another Italian restaurant,” said Trabbold.
Toast Tavern also offers an eclectic collection of dishes for brunch, such as a variety of Eggs Benedict, French Toast and other breakfast classics. Brunch is from 10am to 2pm on Sundays and they will be introducing a brunch and lunch buffet within the next few months. They also plan to celebrate each holiday by serving up the appropriate grub.
Whether you are looking for a traditional tavern with great craft beers or an international night on the town, head over to Toast Tavern to please your palette and you can leave your passport at home!
