The one constant in the restaurant biz, it seems, is change. New spots open, old favorites close up shop, spaces are re-envisioned and chefs come and go. Here’s a look at the latest news in the local restaurant scene:
 |
|
Photo Courtesy of DAVIDsTEA |
DAVIDsTEA Opens King of Prussia Outpost: Teatotalers are rejoicing at news that loose leaf retailer DAVIDsTEA opened in the Plaza at the King of Prussia Mall on Saturday, November 22. DAVIDsTEA offers teas sold loose by the ounce and to go by the cup (hot or iced) in a friendly environment staffed with passionate team members. King of Prussia marks the brand’s first store in the Philadelphia area (and in all of Pennsylvania, in fact) and its 23rd U.S. store. 160 North Gulph Road, King of Prussia, www.davidstea.com.
Whole Foods Coming to Newtown Square: Whole Foods Market is in expansion mode with plans to make a new home in Newtown Square. The more than 40,000-square-foot store will be located in the Ellis Preserve development, which will feature a mix of office, retail and residential uses in an open-air setting. No opening date has been set. Scott Allshouse, Whole Foods Market Mid-Atlantic Regional President, had this to say about the new location: “We look forward to meeting the people of Newtown Square, serving the community and creating win-win partnerships with local suppliers—showing what it truly means to be ‘America’s Healthiest Grocery Store.’”
Chris Siropaides Comes to Sips Bistro & Bar: A new chef with an impressive pedigree has found a home at Phoenixville’s Sips Bistro & Bar. Chef Chris Siropaides, formerly of georges’, Brasserie Perrier and Brittingham’s, among other notable establishments, is bringing serious skills to the Sips menu while staying close to the restaurant’s quaint French bistro style. Chef Siropaides enjoys using “quality ingredients to let individual flavors shine through” in creative yet classic dishes such as frog legs tempura-style, bouillabaisse and boeuf bourguignon. 400 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, (484) 924-9721, www.sipsphoenixville.com.
White Dog Taking Over Haverford’s Du Jour: It was recently announced that the last day for Haverford Square’s 14-year-old Du Jour will be Sunday, Nov. 30. A spokesperson for owner Marty Grims revealed that the plan is to renovate and reopen the spot in late February as a White Dog Cafe. This will be the third location for the White Dog brand, which Grims bought into in 2009, taking over the flagship Philadelphia spot and opening a location in Wayne in 2011.
 |
 |
|
Photos by Steve Legato |
|
Exton’s Forage Closes: Forage, Exton’s farm-to-table fan favorite, closed its doors last weekend. The message to followers on the restaurant’s Facebook page stated: “We are sad to announce that Forage is closing as of Nov. 16. The American Brasserie in Exton will no longer be open. How can we say thank you to all the many of you who dined with us and supported us throughout this journey! We have no further information to share at this time about Forage in the future. But we can say this is goodbye for now but definitely not forever.” Here’s hoping that chef Ralph Fernandez, who garnered our rave review earlier this fall, will open up a new spot in the very near future.
