True farm to table cuisine is hard to find, but Paoli’s newest restaurant, EatNic, does just that. The urban farmhouse concept, which officially opened on December 16, boasts straight from the farm ingredients in all of its dishes. 

John Scardapane,

Saladworks originator and former long time Chairmen and CEO, came up with the new restaurant concept, which he says he’s had in mind for over a decade, and in 2016, timing was finally perfect to bring it to fruition. Executive chef Tim Courtney and executive sous chef Seth Arnold helm the kitchen at his newest endeavor, bringing extensive local experience with them.

A cozy atmosphere, which combines rustic warm wood tones with sleek modern stainless steel, is a juxtaposition appropriate to EatNic’s urban farmhouse moniker. “I wanted guests to feel comfortable immediately from the moment they walked in, like someone was welcoming them into their home,” says Scardapane. Granite countertops are adorned with rustic and antique elements that wouldn’t feel out of place on a farmstead nor a posh Chester County home, setting the scene for the upscale American cuisine. “We decorated how you would decorate your home,” adds Scardapane.

However charming and intimate the atmosphere, the food is the main draw. It was essential to Scardapane that the ingredients be as fresh as possible. It doesn’t get much fresher than produce and meats grown within miles of the restaurant, picked and delivered the same day. “It’s like we’re opening a new restaurant constantly. You need a chef whose willing to do that and not many are,” he says. “I needed somebody not only extremely talented, but who was up for that challenge. Tim has the passion to be the best chef. He wants to be successful and make people happy.”

The EatNic team has come together very quickly, bringing a flair of creativity to simple dishes and extravagant ones alike. “The core values and atmosphere of the team and the ownership everybody feels already is mind-boggling. I’ve never seen a team come together as great as they have,” says Scardapane.

That passion—and the sumptuous flavors—is evident in every bite. Guests can expect to find a hearty American menu, which consists of steady entrées mixed with an ever-changing selection to accommodate changing ingredients, to make the freshest dishes possible. Fluffy pancakes and waffles highlight breakfast and ten-ounce burgers are among the highlights of the dinner menu mainstays. “Meats are coming from local, organic, grass fed producers. It comes in fresh everyday,” says Scardapane. “Because our menu is from scratch, our chefs can accommodate dietary requests, including those for vegetarian and gluten free meals. You just can’t replace fresh ingredients when you’re making any entrée, any recipe. If you’re serving fresh produce and fresh ingredients, you’ll have a better tasting entrée. That’s what we’re about, serving food that’s fresh from the farm that day.”

Part of that fresh vision wouldn’t have been possible without the perfect location, which Scardapane found in Paoli. The spot was made all the more perfect by his own connection to the Main Line, where he lives. “The fact that it was centrally located among a lot of the farmers and purveyors we were going to be doing business with—one of our main suppliers is 10 minutes away—[made it ideal],” he says. EatNic’s proximity to its farmers makes it a standout in the farm to table dining scene.

The fully scratch kitchen also affords guests a great deal of flexibility, including ordering breakfast for dinner and vice versa.

Because our menu is from scratch, our chefs can accommodate dietary requests, including those for vegetarian and gluten free meals. 

 If it’s on the menu, no dish is out the realm, regardless of the time of day. Plus, EatNic remains open throughout the day, so guests need not feel rushed to come in and order during particular hours. No matter the time of day or year, EatNic guests can expect to find the freshest ingredients on their plates for a magnificent gastronomical experience.

EatNic is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily. For more information, visit www.eatnic.com.

EatNic
Urban Farmhouse Eatery
231 W. Lancaster Ave.
Paoli, PA 19301
(484) 320-8155
www.eatnic.com