For the latest food news, we go off the ‘Line to Montgomery County to spotlight two new restaurants that are worthy of a quick dining trip. But, being true to our Main Line loyalty, we’re not amiss in educating you on two brand-new spots coming to Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore. Full weekly digest below.
Chef Greg Vassos invades the former Montgomery County home of Funky Lil’ Kitchen to introduce his inventive, local-focused BYO, Racine. With an ever-changing seasonal menu constructed out of sharp, artistic compositions, like Norwegian salmon with everything crumbs and cream cheese gelee, or Wyebrook Farm pork chop with bacon braised cabbage and brown butter apple sauce, you’ll want to plant this area newcomer on your radar. Visit restaurantracine.com.
Two alums from Philadelphia’s craft beer haven, Standard Tap, have also took to Montgomery County with entrepreneurial spirit, with a goal to debut an imbibable spot of their own, The Butcher and Barkeep (712 Main St., Harleysville). The duo, Cody Ferdinand and Gerard Angelini, hone in on craft beer and fine-tuned cocktails for their first concept, which is a tri-fold partnership with Jeffrey Sacco, the former culinary guns of Limerick’s Craft Ale House. Sacco’s enticing handiwork may be seen on the upscale pub menu, which ranges from small plates and sandwiches, to hearty entrees and a daily-changing arsenal of soups, wings, flat breads and meat and cheese boards. Highlights of the fare include: saison battered grouper with lemon creme fraiche, crispy fried duck risotto and all-day braised short ribs with cocoa-stout reduction. Visit thebutcherandbarkeep.com.
Ardmore’s JPM Catering’s The Tasting Room (8 E. Lancaster Ave.) officially opened its doors on Tues., Dec. 3. Backed by the skillful caterer, Jennifer McCafferty and her husband, Joe Petrucci, the 20-seat cafe features a from-scratch kitchen serving seasonal offerings with Mediterranean influences. Open for lunch and dinner, eat-in or take-out (including family-size portions), The Tasting Room will also pre-package some of their catering favorites, like biscotti and kale chips. Hours of operation: Mon.–Sat., 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Visit jpmcatering.com/the-tasting-room.
South Philly staple Dante & Luigi’s have their eyes set on Ardmore too! Come spring 2014, a to-go shop stocked with their iconic Italian classics will arrive along 12 W. Lancaster Ave., specializing in jarred, refrigerated and frozen items. Visit danteandluigis.com.
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