Something for Everyone

Wegmans feeds the flock at a new location.

Photo by Jared CastaldiI’ve had a love-hate relationship with Wegmans since it first showed up in the area. “Love” because it truly is the most well-conceived grocery store out there. “Hate” because its Downingtown location was a serious obstacle to folks like me who live east of Paoli. But now that Wegmans has made its Malvern debut, love is all that’s left.

Around noon on a recent weekday, the crowded parking lot at this impressive local showpiece for the Rochester, N.Y.-based chain was at least a partial reflection of the burgeoning lunch crowds at the increasingly popular Market Café. One can’t help being struck by all the different “stations,” the veritable beer garden that is the Pub, and the line of hungry customers waiting to be seated. Clearly, Wegmans is aiming to be more than a mere shopping experience—and its aim is true.

The airy and open eating-and-drinking space is handsomely appointed with warm woods, a granite bar, hanging glass pendants and colorful tiling. Action is the name of the game, as bartenders fly about pumping draft beers and chefs whip up a variety of pan-seared creations in front of customers.

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The food at the Pub is tasty and reasonably priced. Standouts include the flatbread pizza, grilled Aussie lamb chops and the New York strip. Also good are the burgers, sandwiches and maki rolls. There’s a notable selection of brews on tap, and you can even take some home in a snazzy growler. And with the flat-screen TVs on-hand, you can even catch a game.

50 Foundry Way, Malvern; (610) 913-9600, wegmans.com.

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