November 2026 Food News in the Brandywine Valley

Saved!

Fans of Slow Hand’s historic firehouse space in West Chester rejoiced when Bar Avalon’s John Brandt-Lee announced a new concept to open there in November — Beef & Bird Public House. The interior’s been gutted for a glow up, with plans for an approachable pub menu centered on beef and chicken, with rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, entrées and elaborate, family-style meat boards. Brandt-Lee’s many entertaining Instagram posts include his commitment to open the Christmas bar this year. 30 N. Church St. @BeefAndBirdWC

Good Catch

Craving seafood? Head to Phoenixville’s The Drift Seafood Kitchen & Raw Bar for fresh seafood and coastal vibes. Find an approachable menu along with a raw bar, featuring oysters and seafood favorites, including handhelds (lobster rolls), a Sea & Land section (black cod, branzino, salmon), plus Butcher’s Block options for carnivores. Themed drinks include Black Sand and Pearl Diver Oyster Shooters. Open for dinner and weekend lunch. 231 Bridge St. TheDriftSeafood.com

Fearless Martini

Plans for the former Bertucci’s in Wayne evolved from another Testa Rossa to a more upscale Italian dining option named Martini & Roz, from the Fearless Restaurant Group. Think retro-futuristic design with open kitchens, tasting counter and glass-enclosed cheese cave, plus a menu from Chef Merick Devine spanning wood-fired pizza to steaks in a space for 300, with a fall opening planned. 523 W. Lancaster Ave. MartiniAndRoz.com

Wawa Sushi?

West Chester, Media, Exton and Glen Mills were among the test sites for Wawa’s experimental rollout of six cooked sushi roll options from Hissho Sushi’s Sushi Soku brand. Some call this “gas station sushi,” though the brand is also available at local supermarkets, including Giant. Is that better? Your eight-piece Wawa sushi meal, plus wasabi, ginger and soy sauce (it’s BYO-chopsticks) costs $9 and up. A good hoagie will cost you less. You choose. Wawa.com

Milestones

Two local favorites celebrate milestones this year! Family-owned Penns Woods Winery in Chadds Ford turns 25, marking the occasion with a special anniversary bottle, a tasting lineup and more. And A Taste of Britain in Wayne celebrates 35 years of bringing civilized afternoon tea, British faves and more to our area with their café, store and catering. Since 1991! 124 Beaver Valley Rd. PennsWoodsWinery.com; 503 W. Lancaster Ave. ATasteofBritain.com