For the first time in more than 30 years, the Philadelphia area hosts one of golf’s four major championships, the 2013 U.S. Open Championship, unfolding this week at the Merion Golf Club. With approximately 25,000 people hitting the grandstands each day on the local course’s lush 127 acres, here is where we are hoping to spy Tiger Woods outside of his official putting—all of which are a short drive off the course.
The Saint James (30 Parking Plaza, Ardmore), chef/owner Michael Schulson’s stylish bistro in Suburban Square, is a terrific dinner pick for mod-American fare with attractive Asian influences. We constantly crave the tempura-fried rock shrimp tacos, a perfect snack to devour as you relax at the chic, white bar—artisan cocktail in hand. We suggest you jump-start your dinner with options from the house raw bar (Maine lobster included), as well as sample the soul-warming, slow-braised beef brisket over housemade gnocchi.
Tired Hands Brewing Company (16 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore), Jean Broillet IV’s exposed-brick brewcafe specializing in Belgian/French farmhouse ales and American hop-forward ales, is the one place golf fanatics can’t miss while in town for the championships. The breaktaking, small-batch beer lineup will make your Ardmore visit memorable, while the simple menu of house-baked bread, pickles, local cheeses and charcuterie will be delectable accessories to your imbibing hour(s).
Carlino’s Market (2616 E. County Line Rd., Ardmore) is a picnicker’s paradise, hosting daily, eye-catching selections of grab-and-go options, from artisan meats and cheeses, fresh Italian loaves, prepared pastas and salads, and more.
Verdad Restaurant & Tequila Bar (818 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr) introduces four new $4 cocktails in honor of this week’s PGA Tour. Cocktails include the Arnold Palmer Margarita with Blanco Tequila, The Fringe with floating Malbec, On the Green infused with mint-infused simple syrup and rum, and Par 3, a flight of Milagros Select Tequila. A Corona Extra special is also in the works, linked to the lowest daily U.S. Open score. For example, if Tiger Woods shoots a 68 on Thursday, Verdad will sell 12 oz Corona Extra bottles from 5 to 7 p.m. for 68 cents.
Citron and Rose (370 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station), Main Line’s dynamic kosher dining experience reinvents Jewish cuisine and mod-American accents. Lunch features innovative options (lamb leg reubens, spinach-kasha croquettes, etc.), while dinner is the proper way to celebrate the golfers’ successes (the sharable dry-aged ribeye with horseradish chremsel and pickled green tomatoes is the only way to do it). The beverage program is as promising, with finely crafted cocktails and an extensive wine list.
On special for the U.S. Open: Dixie Picnic (215 Lancaster Ave., Frazer) is stylizing their signature UpCakes as putting grounds, with the green, hole and golf ball included.
Azie on Main (789 E Lancaster Ave., Villanova) has launched U.S. Open themed cocktails, including the Adam Scottch, a bold and smoky blend of Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch, Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch, and a fresh squeezed blend of lemon, lime, and orange.
Practice rounds for the U.S. Open run from June 10–12, with the championship rounds running June 13-16. More info at usopen.com.
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