Article originally appeared in Main Line Media News’ Flair section.
While locals have welcomed Main Line newcomers White Dog Café, Wayne and Sweetgreen with open arms, it turns out there are other new spots that have recently opened and more to come this spring. Here’s a snapshot of what’s emerging on the scene. Now’s certainly the time to bite into something new…
Agiato: If you’re day-dreaming about a trip to Italy, stop by Manayunk’s new European style café that specializes in Italian paninis and wine. These aren’t sandwiches that you’d make in your press at home. Think combos like prosciutto, truffled leeks and walnut pesto; or mortadella, pecorino brinata, lemon oil and arugula. Or, if you’ll like me, you’ll head straight for the nutella panini.
Aneu Bistro & Wine Bar: If you’re a fan of Meredith’s, then you’re familiar that the restaurant has a new name and look as of last fall, at its newer location at 575 Lancaster Ave. Owner Meredith McLoughlin has appointed Chef Joseph Malandrucco top toque. He’s serving up brunch, lunch, dinner and a bar menu. Dishes include grilled Hawaiian butterfish and white truffle gnocchi. You’ll still find certain favorites like the signature salad made with greens, pistachios, craisins, apples and bleu cheese tossed in strawberry vinaigrette.
Twenty9: Housed in the old Boathouse space in Great Valley, this restaurant opened late last fall. There’s a number of reasons to head here, including weekend entertainment, a nice bar area, and a deck for warmer weather. Executive Head Chef Edwin Tietjen offers an all-American menu of casual (jumbo lump crab cake sandwich) to the more sophisticated (chicken with shrimp, crab meat, grand marnier cream sauce).
Capital Grille: For the last few decades, this restaurant concept has been a go-to East Coast destination for business lunches, date nights, and good steak. And now we have our very own convenient location at the King of Prussia mall. Might be time for a little shopping, seafood and steaks?
Stay tuned for these spots this spring:
Di Bruno Bros.: It’s one new restaurant after the other at Suburban Square. Now this popular shopping area in Ardmore is getting one of Philly’s favorite gourmet shops. With an expected opening this April, this Di Bruno Bros. will offer incredible spreads of cheeses, charcuterie and antipasto. Culinary demos, wine/beer/cheese pairings, and fresh mozzarella demos are also planned. My favorite feature: if they don’t carry the specialty product you’re hoping for, it can be ordered at no additional cost.
Avalon’s The Pasta Bistro: As I write this, rumors were swirling about West Chester’s Avalon and Chef/Owner John Brandt-Lee’s plans for a second restaurant location. At this new spot, slated to open in April at 78 W. Lancaster Ave. (Downingtown), you’ll need to leave any low-carb ambitions at the door. The BYO will focus on – you guessed it – pasta, as well as flat breads, cheeses and an extensive antipasto spread. Pastas will include pappardelle with poached sea scallops, black truffles in a lobster brandy cream.
Xilantro: Stay tuned for more details on this long-awaited Wayne restaurant that boasts “fine Mexican cuisine and a tequila bar.” They’re promising the most authentic Mexican on the East Coast…looks like it’s up to us to find out!
Photo courtesy of Aneu.
