Best of the Best: Other Food News
Berwyn Farmers Market
511 Old Lancaster Rd., Berwyn
267-326-4849 / CulinaryHarvest.com
Can there be too many farmers markets? We say no and welcome the newest to open, this one in Berwyn (Sundays, May–October). Organized by Culinary Harvest, this market has a mission to build community and support local farmers as well as some artisan crafters. You’ll find Madi’s on a Roll there, among about 40 others providers when they reopen in warmer months.
Farmer Jawn
1125 E. Street Rd., West Chester
FarmerJawn.co
Most folks know after beloved farm stand Pete’s Produce closed in 2022, Westtown School, the landowner, selected Farmer Jawn as the 28-acre property’s next caretaker. Christa Barfield, head and face of Farmer Jawn, opened the stand in August through Thanksgiving 2023, offering a selection of locally grown produce plus other regional products. As the farm prepares to become fully organic in three years, it’s expanding from the three acres under cultivation in 2023 to over 60 planned for 2024, including 20 acres of grain for a local malt house, and acres of berries (with U-pick) and cut flowers. Stay tuned and stop by to see what happens next.
Full Moon Dinners
333 Morgan St., Phoenixville
267-738-1973 / BabasBrew.com
Launched last summer, these themed dinners held during the full moon and hosted by Olga Sorzano (Baba’s Bucha) continue in 2024. Join 22 diners at a communal table at the Phoenixville headquarters for memorable monthly meals (BYOB, $125) — from January 25th Wolf Moon through May 23rd Flower Moon and more. These celestial celebrations, sparked by Sorzano’s passions for food and connection, are posted on the website, showcasing local, organic cuisine. At press time, January’s Wolf Moon menu was posted. So plan now.
Madi’s on a Roll
290 Lincoln Hwy. E., Exton
484-695-0162 / MadisOnARoll.com
We love to celebrate a farmers market favorite growing into a bricks-and-mortar store, yet still keeping a table at the markets. And so, we salute this purveyor of hand-rolled and homemade specialty egg rolls, which, as the website says, are “brimming with playfully delicious flavors designed to be shared, sampled and savored.” We couldn’t say it better. Order the big dill, bangin’ shrimp, cheesesteak, jalapeño popper or apple pie. Or try them all.
Life’s Patina Mercantile & Café
1657 Art School Rd., Chester Springs
LifesPatina.com/Historic-Yellow-Springs
The historic Jenny Lind house got a new life with the late 2023 opening of a charming café and shop from the folks behind Life’s Patina at Willowbrook Farm. Meg Veno brought her magic touch plus many, many years of hard work to restore this building, converting it into a lovely space to sip coffee, sample sweets and treats, then shop for gifts, home and garden decor and vintage treasures. Make up an excuse to stop by and see the transformation.
