Best of the Best: Stars Old and New
Andiario
106 W. Gay St., West Chester
484-887-0919 / Andiario.com
Of course we start with our local star, the eponymous Andiario, now back among Philly Mag’s Top 10 — that’s in the whole of Philadelphia’s stellar food scene — and previously on the New York Times’ radar. Andiario found its stride with pre-set, four-course, Italian-inspired dinner menus (changing weekly, $80, $70 wine pairings, $35 BYOW) that thoughtfully celebrate the best of hyper-locally sourced dining served on handmade pottery. Despite not sharing advance menus (although there’s always Chef Tony’s fabulous pasta), reservations fill up for the 24 seats soon after online postings on the 20th of the prior month. Prepare for a memorable surprise if you plan to include this star on your 2024 dining list.
Ground Provisions: Market & Dining
1388 Old Wilmington Pk., West Chester
610-355-4411 / GroundProvisionsPA.com
In the former historic Dilworthtown Inn Keeper’s Kitchen (kudos for preserving it), the team from the James Beard-nominated, top Philly vegan restaurant, Vedge, launched Chester County’s newest dining destination and vegan retreat. Think variation on Talula’s Table, with gourmet market by day and locavore dining by night but here with a five-course vegan tasting menu ($75, $40 wine pairing). There’s magic at Ground Provisions (from the Caribbean term for steamed root vegetables), especially when sourced from owners Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby’s nearby farmette. Consider hand-rolled fazzoletto with parsnip, cashew ricotta, caper and sage brown butter or champignon au vin — wood-roasted portabella, celery root puree, mushroom bordelaise, young carrots. Rustic elegance.