Tuesday, December 29 2020 10:04

Western Main Line

Written by County Lines Magazine

Appetites on Main

286 Main St., Exton
610-594-2030 / AppetitesOnMain.com

Their award-winning patio stayed open late into the fall with plenty of outdoor heaters to take off the chill and allow extra time for pooches to sup from the doggie menu. No-contact menus and payment, plus waitlists and other safety protocols were new but the menu still sported the favorites because they are “in the business of delighting your tastebuds.” Curbside pickup and delivery made game-day favorites even more accessible. Nachos, burgers, every kind of wings (even plant-based, boneless versions) and so much more to satisfy your cravings for comfort food, needed now more than ever.

Nectar

1091 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn
610-725-9000 / TasteNectar.com

Among the first local restaurants to bring the glamor of Center City dining—with its David Rockwell-designed interior—Nectar has long been an elegant dining destination, and much more than Buddakan in the ‘burbs. As its own website says: “A sensuous, sumptuous, savory experience, features the Asian-inspired-French-infused signature cuisine of star chef Patrick Feury.” Yes, Chef Feury and his talented sushi chefs are still turning out perfectly executed dishes with fresh ingredients, though now with more take-out orders. Try the seasonal main courses (rack of lamb), sample tempting sushi and sashimi options, or order wild boar lo mein or wok Amish chicken. So much to love when East meets West, with artistry.

Ron’s Original Bar & Grill

74 E Uwchlan Ave., Exton
610-594-9900 / RonsOriginal.com

Fire pits ablaze, Ron Inverso set out to offer the “best food … at reasonable prices.” More than 30 years later, his successful restaurant invites you to enjoy great meals from healthy ingredients. Build your own pasta dish, with homemade fettuccine and spaghetti topped with an assortment of sauces, meats, seafood and vegetables. Or choose ovals, pizzas or stromboli as well as sandwiches, piadini, hoagies and wraps. You can’t read the menu without getting hungry. Happy hour all week and a beer garden on weekends, often with live music. You won’t leave without wanting to come back or order more take-out, curbside pickup or delivery.

Terrain

138 W. Lancaster Ave., Devon
610-590-4675 / ShopTerrain.com

Eating in a greenhouse just feels good. Must be all that extra oxygen from the plants. And bread baked in flower pots helps. We’ve long loved leisurely brunches at Terrain—both Glen Mills and the newer Devon location—with the seasonally changing menus featuring local ingredients, decidedly crunchy dishes—quinoa fritters, green chickpea hummus, avocado toast (of course), kale Caesar salad, farro bowl. But there’s whimsy that offers a Chocolate Terrarium dessert. And delight in a beverage menu listing choices like wild kombucha, Belvoir ginger beer, hibiscus spiced cider, LUMI cold pressed wellness shots. You feel cleansed just reading that. Curbside pickup and delivery (Toast, Caviar, Doordash) are not the same, but will sustain us.

Vickers

192 E. Welsh Pool Rd., Exton
610-363-7998 / VickersRestaurant.com

Named for a Chester County potter and abolitionist, Vickers is one of the last bastions of fine dining with European-style service. For almost 50 years it has been known for table-side prep and flaming presentation—from Caesar salad to steak Diane and Bananas Foster. A ballroom, five private dining rooms and vintage cocktails combine to create an atmosphere of genteel dining from another time. Yet Vickers has evolved from its continental cuisine, now offering some lighter fare—think sliders and a bistro fare menu—though still elegantly presented. And for the first time in its history, there’s curbside takeout for elegant dining at home.