Thursday, April 18 2019 4:59

A Taste of Spring

Written by Caroline Fritz and Madison Meinel

Sunny days bring plenty of chances for spring dining.

Bid the cold adieu at outdoor venues offering delicious seasonal menus from some of our favorite restaurants. Check out these local spots for a taste of spring!

 

Chocolate Creations: Christopher Chocolates
Puppy Patio: Appetites on Main
Sunday Funday: Station Taproom
Springtime Dining: General Warren
Italian Immersion: Ron’s Original Bar and Grille
Culinary Classic: Vickers
Freedom Fare: The Black Powder Tavern
English Eats: The Whip

 

Chocolate Creations. You’ve heard of spring beers … now check out spring chocolates. After all, chocolates aren’t limited to just Valentine’s Day anymore! They’re a delicious snack for any season and Christopher Chocolates has a wide selection of all your favorite springtime chocolates. From hand-rolled Easter eggs for your Easter baskets to custom chocolate assortments with flavors like Sea Salt Caramel, Almond Butter Crunch, Coconut Cream and Watermelon Jelly, perfect for Mom just in time for Mother’s Day. Whether you’re headed out to a special holiday or to dinner with friends and need a hostess gift, make the occasion special with help from Christopher. 3519 West Chester Pk., Newtown Square. 610-359-1669. ChristopherChocolates.com.

 

Puppy Patio. Spring weather calls for outdoor dining and Appetites on Main has their patio ready for you and your whole family—including your well-behaved, furry, four-legged family members! While you’re deciding between a spicy southwest burger or a bacon cheesesteak, remember your canine companion and check out the doggie menu for their meal. Items include hot dogs, grilled chicken breast, half-pound burger and more, all cut into bite size portions—a sure way to avoid those classic puppy dog eyes as you enjoy your meal. Both menus are perfect for keeping everyone at the table (and under it!) happy and well fed. 286 Main St., Exton. 610-594-2030. AppetitiesOnMain.com.

 

Sunday Funday. Celebrate spring with Sunday brunch at Station Taproom. The menu highlights the season with choices like sweet coffee cake French toast served with a side of seasonal fresh fruit. Or check out their BBQ Benedict for a warm weather twist on a classic brunch staple. Add delicious sides to any meal, like skillet-baked biscuits with raspberry honey, house-made focaccia with herb olive oil, and local dry-cured smoked pork belly bacon. Start your week off right this spring with brunch at Station Taproom. 207 W. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown. 484-593-0560. StationTaproom.com.

 

 

Springtime Dining. Looking for an upscale dining option? Check out the Spring House Terrace at General Warren. This secluded space is the perfect al fresco choice for lunches, dinners and cocktails. Savor popular classics like Beef Wellington and their award-winning Crab Cakes as you enjoy the fresh spring air. The terrace also includes an intimate dining option inside the 250-year-old springhouse with seating for up to 6 and a full bar. Consider the Spring House Terrace for cocktail parties, after work happy hours, or even a Mother’s Day celebration, featuring a special Mother’s Day menu from noon to 8 p.m. Since the outside area is heated, it’s a perfect spot even when those spring nights get a little chilly. 9 Old Lancaster Rd., Malvern. 610-296-3637. GeneralWarren.com.

 

Italian Immersion. Indulge in locally sourced Italian cuisine at Ron’s Original Bar and Grille. Celebrating their 28th year in Exton, this local favorite truly satisfies, with a promise of “something for everyone” from an Italian menu that’s “Unique, Authentic and Original.” Enjoy crowd favorites like the Roast Pork Sandwich, Dogfish Head beer and French Onion Soup, or craft a pasta dish unique to your taste. Try Lobster Risotto or Scallop Lejon at Seafood Night—Thursdays after 4 p.m. Students and families love Ron’s School Night Value Menu, Sunday to Thursday. Dedicated to serving the best food at reasonable prices, Ron’s uses local organic produce, whenever possible. Stop in for live music in Ron’s inviting dining rooms or bustling bar. 74 .E Uwchlan Ave., Exton. 610-594-9900; RonsOriginal.com.

 

Culinary Classic. Housed in a restored 1820s farmhouse, Vickers has been a gem of Chester County since 1972. Previously owned by potter and abolitionist John Vickers, the restaurant was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. History buffs can choose from a menu chock full of local, seasonal ingredients and enjoy vintage cocktails, tableside cooking and flambé. While the days grow longer and warmer, Vickers becomes a choice venue for baby and bridal showers, weddings and rehearsal dinners. Live music Friday and Saturday night provides the perfect backdrop for food and fun. 192 E. Welsh Pool Rd., Exton. 610-363-7998; VickersRestaurant.com.

 

Freedom Fare. Calling all history enthusiasts! Once a meeting place for those who fought for America’s freedom—George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette and others—Black Powder Tavern now treats guests to menu favorites like the Grilled Salmon salad, Short Rib Grilled Cheese and Pork Belly Sliders. Enjoy a complimentary Mimosa, Screwdriver or Bloody Mary at the Sunday brunch buffet, from 10:30 a.m. to 2, or celebrate Easter at Black Powder at the brunch buffet on Sunday April 21 from 9 to 2:30. Book today to experience “revolutionary” hospitality. 1164 Valley Forge Rd., Wayne. 610-293-9333; BlackPowderTavern.com.

 

English Eats. Looking for something different this spring? Head for The Whip, a traditional English pub in the heart of horse country. Feast on classic British fare like Bangers and Mash, Scotch Eggs, Welsh Rarebit and don’t forget to sample their fine selection of beers and ales. For dessert, try the popular Guinness Float with homemade Guinness ice cream and mint whipped cream. And The Whip is not only unique, but generous—50 cents of each pint of house cider—For Fox Sake—is donated to the Brandywine Conservancy to help with open space efforts. Stop by to celebrate Easter on April 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., when Chef Tim will be cooking up special features for Easter brunch. 1383 N. Chatham Rd., Coatesville. 610-383-0600; TheWhipTavern.com.


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