Longtime local favorite the Chadds Ford Tavern is set to open its doors again in late January. This time, owner Tommy Drane has handed over the keys to Phil Ferro, who will retain the tavern’s historic charm, while modernizing with a few renovations.
Anticipate a menu filled with classic tavern fare with a twist, such as lobster mac and cheese up with black truffles, fontina cheese and truffle crumbs; jumbo lump crab cakes with lemon basil tartare, arugula and tomato on a brioche bun; and steak frites made with prime strip steak, truffle Parmesan frites, herb butter, baby arugula, cabernet demi-glace and crispy onion. Ferro will also be offering Asian ahi tuna as a starter, alongside braised brisket flatbread, and free-range Southern fried chicken shares the entree stage with Scottish salmon. There’s a raw bar, too. Menu prices will range from $7 to $34.
Ferro plans to bring karaoke, DJs and dancing to the Chadds Ford dining scene, plus open mic night, bands and acoustic acts. “We also plan to do Sunday brunch with jazz or the blues,” he adds.
The Chadds Ford Tavern has seen its fair share of ups and downs after two previous attempts to get it off the ground fizzled. Ferro’s effort is on track, thanks to his 24 years of industry experience. He currently runs the Red Iron Pub in Springfield and the Crimson Lounge, a banquet hall inside the Red Iron Pub.
1400 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, (484) 840-8118.
