Quick Bites

» In with the new: 2009 started with a bang for restaurant mogul Marty Grims, who rang in the New Year with the purchase of the White Dog Café in University City. Founded by Judy Wicks, one of Philadelphia’s leading ladies in food and social consciousness, the White Dog has been a culinary icon for more than 20 years. The transaction was big news for local foodies, but not quite as thrilling as the confirmation that Grims is taking the concept west—to the new Wayne Town Center, aptly located across from another area icon, Anthropologie, started by Wicks’ first husband. The Wayne outpost will have outdoor dining, a full bar and the original’s same commitment to all-natural, humanely raised local ingredients, including grass-fed beef, free-range, hormone-free poultry, and sustainable fish. Grims sees it as a natural fit for the Main Line, where demand has increased for healthier dining options and greater access to locally grown products. Since taking over the University City location, Grims has fine-tuned the menu with Ralph Fernandez (Moshulu) as the new head chef. As for Wicks, she’s now running White Dog Enterprises (Fair Food and the Sustainable Business Network) full time.