December Food News in the Brandywine Valley

Coffee, Coffee

Parkesburg got a new coffee shop when Fill This Cup converted an old brewery space. With an aim to be more than a grab-and-go coffee stop, they created a comfortable community space with lots of tempting baked-in-house goodies (maple cinnamon walnut scones) to accompany your pumpkin pancake latte (we’re writing in mid-November, so …) or regular Golden Valley Coffee order to keep you coming back. 306 W. 1st Ave. On Instagram @FillThisCup_Coffee.

Jingle Bell Bar

Rejoice holiday lovers, the Sleigh Bar is back! Once again, the second floor of Slow Hand officially transformed into holiday central with the opening of this themed lounge. With Christmas décor galore — an explosion of lights, tinsel, garlands, stockings, Santas everywhere — this is a must-stop spot on your holiday drinks tour. No reservations, yes food, and of course plenty of spirits of every kind. Check Instagram for updates. 30 N. Church St., West Chester. SlowHand-WC.com.

New in Newtown Square

Head to Ellis Preserve for more noshing options — some now, some later. The third local location for Sedona Taphouse continues to satisfy with good food and plenty of drinks, although steak lovers will have to wait until winter 2025 for Ruth’s Chris Steak House to open for upscale dining. And for a carb and caffeine stop, head to Spread Bagelry. 106 Squire Dr., SedonaTaphouse.com; 3745 Equus Blvd., RuthsChris.com; 102 Squire Dr., SpreadBagelry.com.

Food for Thought

55% of food insecure households in Chester County are ineligible for government food assistance, according to the Chester County Food Bank. Consider helping these 40,000 less fortunate neighbors this holiday season by making a tax-deductible donation (online, Venmo, by phone, monthly through the Beyond Hunger 365 Giving Community), hosting a food drive (see the Food Drive Toolkit), volunteering or participating in Hunters Sharing the Harvest program (venison is great protein). ChesterCountyFoodBank.org.

Purely Organic

“After much consideration,” as La Baguette Magique’s Instagram post began — scaring fans that they were closing — the bakery decided to use only organic flour in all their exquisite baked goods. Spurred by health and ethical reasons, they’ll exclusively use local, organic flours from Central Milling. The change results in increased prices — especially for their signature baguettes — but who can put a price on perfection? 202 W. Market St., West Chester. On Instagram @LaBaguetteMagique.