September Food News in the Brandywine Valley

Bonjour, Jolene

Later in 2024, West Chester will welcome its first French restaurant since the beloved Gilmore’s closed in 2012. Located in the former Spence’s Cafe space, Jolene’s is part of the 3 West Hospitality Group, known for local bars, including Slow Hand, Square Bar and Jitters. The new upscale, casual French eatery promises to bring a different taste to town. Check for updates on the website and social media. 29 E. Gay St., West Chester. JolenesWC.com.

Cheers for Chili

The West Chester Chili Cook-Off will return October 6 with a new host, Fiorenza’s Food for Friends — F4 is a Downingtown-based nonprofit working to combat hunger. Head to Gay Street to join the 22nd annual Cook-Off and sample all kinds of chili, hear live music and watch new chili champions get crowned! Check the rebranded website and social media for tickets info and team registration. WestChesterChiliCookOff.com.

Raise the Roof (Top)

What’s as much fun as a beer garden? A rooftop bar! Serum Kitchen & Taphouse opened West Chester’s latest rooftop spot on August 26. This 1,000-square-foot elevated patio hosts about 50 people, with table service and lounge areas. Drink offerings, by the folks from Imprint Beer Company, include in-house ingredients and innovative craft cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Red Akuma. Uplift your experience. 142 E. Market St., West Chester. SerumKitchenAndTaphouse.com.

Kudos

Our local food scene is accumulating major accolades. Philly Mag’s Best of Philly recognized Rosemary as Best New Restaurant, Suburbs for getting “city folk to travel to Delco” and Ground Provisions for Best Vegan Prix Fixe. The Keystone’s readers ranked ButterScotch Pastry Shop in Birchrunville as #3 among Best Bakeries in PA. And Lancaster County’s Shady Maple was ranked the country’s #1 Best Buffet Restaurant in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice awards. Wow! RosemaryRP.com. GroundProvisionsPA.com. ButterScotchPastry.com. Shady-Maple.com.

Home at Last

Finally! The West Chester Food Cooperative signed a lease on its first permanent location since it started in 2015. This community-owned store will be the only grocery store in downtown West Chester and a hub for healthy food shopping, offering local produce seven days a week. Interested in supporting the co-op and local farmers? Visit their website to become a member and to volunteer. 204 W. Market St., West Chester. WestChester.coop.