West Chester Dish

The First Ever Brandywine Food and Wine Festival Slated for June 9

Leslie Weinberg — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:10:53 +0000

What do you get when you combine local wines and gourmet foods, shopping and a blend of craft vendors, live music and the great outdoors, and friends and family? The perfect pairings.

Lucky for us, all of that can be found at Brandywine Food and Wine Festival, presented by the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail and The Town Dish, on Saturday, June 9 from noon to 6 p.m at the Myrick Conservation Center. This picturesque 314-acre nature preserve is located at 1712-1799 Unionville Wawaset Road.

Skip the long plane ride and jet lag by spending the day tasting the best of the wineries in our own backyard. The Brandywine Valley Wine Trail members – Black Walnut Winery, Chaddsford Winery, Kreutz Creek Vineyard, Paradocx Vineyard, Penns Woods Winery, Patone Cellars and Twin Brook Winery – will be joined by a bunch of wineries throughout the state – Allegro Vineyards, Flickerwood Cellars, Galer Estate Vineyard, Grace Winery, Kog Hill Winery, Karamoor Estate Wines and Peace Valley Winery.

“The beauty of this festival or traveling this trail is you tell the person behind the bar, ‘this is my first one, what am I looking for?, What do I do? How do I taste? Do I smell it or taste it first? That’s how you learn by doing,” said Karen Cline, Brandywine Wine Trail Administrator.

Ticket holders get free demonstrations from leading experts throughout the day. Pennsylvania winery and vineyard advocate, Victor Ykoruk, will be guiding participants through the wide worlds of Chardonnays and Chambourcins. From 1 to 2 p.m., learn cooking tips during a food demo from the chef that was voted “Best Chef in Chester County” two years in a row – Jonathan Amann of Amani’s BYOB. From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., dive into the complex world of being an at-home barista with a coffee 101 lesson from Pike Creek Coffee.

This festival will have more than just great talks about food: Jimmy’s BBQ, Mushroom Cap,
Yellow Springs Farm Goat Cheese, Forno Inferno, Bridge Street Chocolates, Hillacres Pride Cheese, Amani’s BYOB, Taste of Olive, FreshaPeel Hummus, Sherri’s Crabcakes, Pike Creek Coffee, Chester County Beekeeper Association, St. Peters Bakery, Scooped Ice Cream, and many more vendors will be serving their finest creations. No outside food, beverages, or coolers allowed on festival grounds.

Amy Ash and The Volcanos will take the stage and cover your favorite songs with their own twist from noon to 3 p.m. The Big Package Band, the 10-piece band that plays everything from jazz to funk, will hit the stage from from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Guests can bid on a winery baskets and season concert passes, stunning jewelry, gift certificates and over 50 items during the Chinese and Silent auctions, with all proceeds benefitting the Chester County SPCA.

“There are going to be so many different things in one place. It is going to be a taste sensation. It’s going to be an action-packed day,” said Cline.

Tickets are $10 when pre-ordered, $15 at the gate and $5 for guests between the ages of 10 and 20 and include 10 tasting tickets, a souvenir wine glass and a hands free holder. Tickets can be purchased online or any of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail’s wineries. To learn more about this rain or shine festival, visit their website or like their facebook page.

Project Grill Master: Identifying the Grilling Tools Every Home Cook Should Own

Michael Scott — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:41:59 +0000

I’ll start this week’s column off with a preemptive apology to all the spouses, BBQ widows, and BBQ widowers. If my earlier articles on grills or BBQ smokers haven’t already exhausted your disposable income, this article covering tools will finish it off. You’ve been warned. Now let’s get to the toys…

I place grill/BBQ tools into three general categories: Those you SHOULD have every time you cook, those you COULD have if you want to expand your cook, and those you WOULD have if your wife, husband, etc., didn’t know what you just spent this month’s fun money on.

SHOULD have every time you cook

Thermometer – Due to the nature of grilling/BBQing, the temperature can vary due to fuel source, air intake/exhaust, wind blowing, equipment used, thickness of meat/fowl, and many other variables. Rather than blindly follow a recipe in the “X minutes/hours per Y lbs” format, I cook everything to its own specific internal temp. For example, pork boston butt (shoulders) are cooked to 195F, beef whole packer briskets to 192F, pork spares/baby backs to 185F, chicken thighs 170F breasts 165F, steaks my way 130F and my wife’s way 145F.

I highly recommend the Thermoworks Thermapen (seen above). It is a commercial quality splash-proof quick read thermometer that is used by the pros and most competition BBQ cooks. You can get yours in one of 14 different colors by clicking here, available at $89 MSRP.
A lower cost option is the Maverick ET-73. While not quick read, it offers a simple wireless option for viewing meat temps while away from your cooking rig. Details can be found by clicking here, available at $60 MSRP.

Gloves – You can never have enough gloves. Ones to protect you from the heat of the fire and/or meat, others to protect your health when preparing the raw meat prior to cooking. I use all of the following with every cook: leather (welding) gloves for grill/BBQ fire duty (usually buy 4-5 pairs for the season at low cost tool stores or big box stores), silicone gloves for handling cooked meat (remember, pork shoulders and beef briskets are in the 190-200F range when done), and disposable latex/nitrile gloves for food safety (think cross-contamination, etc.) Ceramic cookers should consider full gauntlet style gloves (avoid mitts).

Aluminum pans – An absolute requirement unless you want to spend half of your time washing dishes. Full and half size aluminum pans are found on every competition BBQ teams’ packing list. We use them to marinade, apply dry rub, transfer to the pit, hold cooked meat, and for catering/serving. Inexpensive and recyclable; aluminum pans are a must have item.

Tongs – Put away your forks, pokers, and spatulas and purchase a good set of heavy-duty tongs. Beyond better overall control of food placement and flipping, you’ll end up with a juicier, more flavorful end result by not repeatedly piercing the meat while cooking. Tongs are also a better way to serve your guests.

Fire starter – Repeat after me: “I will no longer use starter fluid!” Get yourself a charcoal chimney for starting either lump or briquette charcoal. If you’re a stick-burner like me, there is always the roofer’s propane torch to start your fire.

Firepokerthingamajig – You’re cooking with fire, you’re going to want to poke it, maybe even need to move it around a bit. This tool can be anything from a shovel to a stick, but be aware that a stick will tend to get a bit shorter each time you ‘stick’ it into the fire. I crack myself up sometimes…

COULD have if you want to expand your cook (and by COULD I mean SHOULD)

BBQ Guru DigiQ DX2 temperature controller – Imagine setting your BBQ grill like an oven. Imagine a 12+ hour burn without any need to stoke or feed the fire. Imagine perfect pit control and better BBQ every time regardless of weather or wind conditions. A dream, right? The BBQ Guru DigiQ DX2 is real and does all the above. The idea behind the Guru is to control the temperature by controlling the airflow. Born of an idea by an industrial manufacturing thermo control expert, the Guru samples the pit temperature and then controls a fan to increase/decrease the internal temperature. Add in meat temperature control, and you have one of the competition circuit’s secrets to award winning BBQ. Key requirements are the pit/grill must be charcoal or wood fueled and relatively air-tight (any leaks would defeat the purpose of control). Find out if they have already certified for your pit by clicking here. All of the options can be found also by clicking here. Price: $185 + adapter and fan for your pit

Grill skewers, basket, wok – A relatively new product is the Firewire flexible skewer. Take the old, rigid skewers and toss them out for the ease of using Firewire. Since they are essentially a sturdy reinforced wire, you can load them up, put in a bag of marinade, place on the grill, and finish off with a beautiful plate presentation. Find yours at firewiregrilling.com, available at $25 for 4 MSRP. Additionally, a grill basket and/or wok can be used to provide some flair to your sides by grilling right along with the main course.

Rib rack – Looking to cook more than a couple slabs of ribs at a time? Go vertical with a standing rib rack. There are a number of vendors out there from the big-box stores to higher end kitchenware shops.

Injector – Great food has flavor throughout. How do the competition teams infuse flavors deep into the meat prior to cooking? By injecting! The Cajun Injector is the most well known consumer product and is a requirement any time we deep-fry turkeys.

Rotisserie – Check for a rotisserie option for your grill from your manufacturer. If they don’t carry one, there are some universal models that can be retrofit. Who doesn’t admire the sight of a spinning whole chicken or perhaps a standing prime rib roast? Our rotisserie can even do double-duty for roasting green coffee!

WOULD if you can get away with it (and by WOULD I mean WILL SOMEDAY VERY SOON)

BBQ Guru CyberQ WiFi temperature controller – Take the earlier discussed DigiQ, make it wireless, add a webserver and you have the just released BBQ Guru CyberQ WiFi. It allows you to check your pit temp and up to three meats via desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone! The CyberQ WiFi has the same initial requirements as the DigiQ. I’m trying to get my wife to buy this for me for Mother’s Day. Order yours by clicking here. Price is $295 + adapter and fan for your pit.

Yeti cooler – So an M1A2 tank and a coozie had a baby. They named it the Yeti cooler TUNDRA series. It stands up to grizzly bears, hurricanes, and is on my top 5 items to be stranded on an island with (along with ZZ Top’s Eliminator LP). Sizes range from the YT35 to the gigantic YT420. The only thing that would make them any better is if they were out of College Station, TX instead of Austin. Yours can be by clicking here. Price varies – $260 to $1,300 MSRP.

Last but not least, another (or perhaps a third) Thermapen.

When life gives you lumps, make charcoal. Click here for Michael Scott’s advice on purchasing a grill, here on advice for guidance on becoming a meat-smoking champ, and here for the 411 why on why he believes BBQ’ing should have no rules, no secrets.

Pair Beers with Boards at Side Bar and Restaurant with Board Member 101

Angela Corrado — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:20:26 +0000

The Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester and FLOW (Future Leaders of West Chester) are presenting an event for community members, young professionals and others who want to know what it takes to sit on a Board of Directors–all with a side of suds at Side Bar and Restaurant on Tuesday, May 15 from 5:30–7:30 pm.

If you have ever been interested or asked to sit on a board but are unsure of what exactly it takes, then you won’t want to miss this exciting event. A variety of guests will help navigate your way through the world of being a board member and showcase the amazing organizations in our community that are in need of members to sit on their board. Help make a difference and put your skills to use to make some amazing changes in Chester County.

While you’re learning you’ll also enjoy some beer samples paired with light bites from the culinary team at Side Bar and Restaurant. Learn about beers and boards at this informative and delicious chamber event.

The fun-filled Board 101 session will be hosted by Mary Bigham of The Town Dish and Mary Anne Feeley of The United Way of West Chester and Leadership Chester County. Both hosts are active community members, with Bigham being a current board member of Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester and Feeley, an organizer of the Leadership Chester County program, as well as an instructor. Recent graduates from the local leadership program will also be taking part in the session.

Cost for the informative, beer-infused night out is just $15 for FLOW members; $20 for non-members. Find Side Bar and Restaurant at 10 E. Gay St. in West Chester or online at sidebarandrestaurant.com.

About Leadership Chester County: Leadership Chester County is a premier professional development and community engagement opportunity. Expert-led sessions in nonprofit board governance, community building and individual leadership skills guide students to explore Chester County issues and its nonprofit service sector while developing leadership potential that benefits the workplace. Board Placement Service positions graduates to strengthen Chester County’s nonprofit sector. Visionary CEO’s consider Leadership Chester County an investment in leadership for a stronger business and a better community. Over 40 corporations, financial institutions, law firms and small businesses have sponsored Leadership Chester County students in its 11-year history. The network of nearly 260 graduates connect for business and professional as well as community service opportunities.

This program is provided by the partnership of United Way of Chester County, Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry and West Chester University. Call (610) 429-9400, email MaryAnne.Feeley@unitedwaychestercounty.org, or go to the United Way of Chester County’s website, uwcconline.org for information and an application. The 2012-2013 course begins October 4, 2012. 8 monthly full-day sessions at one low price $1,750. The course is approved for 6 CEU’s and Level I Certified Public Manager© program.

Only Through Mother’s Day: $1 from Each Sparrow Saison at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Goes to Charity

Nina Malone — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:40:52 +0000

The fruits of the West Chester Beer Ladies and the Iron Hill brewing team’s labor came to fruition this week and they were delicious. Delicious and with a purpose, as $1 from each Sparrow Saison sold through Mother’s Day will go to Home of the Sparrow.

Sparrow Saison is a honey saison that hits it out of the park for that style of beer. It’s crisp and refreshing, bringing citrus–notably a hint of grapefruit, with just a kiss of honey at the end. The beer goes great with Iron Hill’s diverse menu. It’s also a fantastic drinking beer in case you’re out and about looking for a beer (or two or …).

The West Chester Beer Ladies and friends gathered at Iron Hill on May 10 for the beer’s launch (full story on that here). Regional brewer Larry Horwitz and brewer Mike Rutkowski were on hand to welcome back those whose blood, sweat and tears when into the brewing process and those who simply came out to sip for the Sparrow.

While Mike expects Sparrow Saison to last about three weeks, those interested in quaffing for the cause should stop in to Iron Hill of West Chester on Sunday, May 13, 2012. What better way to honor a special lady than a freshly brewed Sparrow Saison paired with an Iron Hill menu specialty?

Photograph credited to Nina Lea Photography. Find Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant in West Chester at 3 West Gay Street or online at ironhillbrewery.com/westchester.

As of May 12, Gramm’s Kitchen’s Back in Business

Jim Breslin — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:01:35 +0000

On January 19^th, Gramm’s Kitchen had a small grease fire which closed the popular family restaurant. At first, co-owner Adel Rabou thought they would be able to repair the smoke and water damage and be open in four weeks, but the process ended up taking four months. Adel is now happy to say the newly remodeled Gramm’s Kitchen is opening.

“We at Gramm’s Kitchenare back in business beginning May 12^th and we are very anxious to serve our people,” Adel told me as his staff filled salt containers and prepared the new dining room. “We gratefully appreciate all our customers. They always stopped in or by phone to see when we are going to open, to check in, to give us their opinion. We appreciate their patience in waiting for us to open. Now we are open and we welcome everybody.”

The dining room is updated in purples and reds, and the booths are lit with funky lamps. “We had the chance to remodel, so we remodeled everything,” Adel said. “Though it’s the same menu and same food.” Adel also noted he’s thrilled to be open for Mothers Day, which is always a busy and exciting day for Gramm’s Kitchen. “We will have a special menu like every year for Mothers Day,” he said.

Gramm’s Kitchen is located at 557 East Gay Street, located in the Gay Street Plaza. The phone number is (610)429-3903.

Food, Fun, and More to Treat Mom on Her Special Day

Angela Corrado — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:41:17 +0000

If your mother is anything like the majority, in the sense that she “just wants to spend time with her family” for a special occasion, then you are probably stuck with no hint on what to gift her for Mother’s Day. Well, as usual, mother knows best and the greatest gift you can give is an experience. That’s why Town Dish has lined up the best run down of Mother’s Day food experiences coming to restaurants near you. All options are equally delicious so choose wisely and don’t forget to make reservations! Side note: Taking your mother out and getting her jewelry or chocolate is also acceptable!

Doc Magrogan’s

Doc’s will be open at 11 am on Mother’s Day serving their regular menu all day and some additional a la carte options for brunch until 3 pm. The restaurant with a warm and inviting pub-ish interior is the best spot for fresh seafood and drinks. You won’t want to miss their delicious a la carte options like Two Eggs Any Style over Crab & Sweet Potato Hash plus their signature Breakfast Scramblers present everything you love about breakfast in one hearty meal! Reservations can be made online or by telephone at 610.429.4046. Parking for Doc’s is free at the Chestnut Street Parking Garage for up to two hours!

333 Belrose

This Radnor eatery is a terrific choice for a mother who loves the outdoors. With the best al fresco dining in the area, a brunch buffet will be offered at $31.95 for adults and $12.95 for children. Their standard dinner service will begin at 3 pm. Reservations here!

Avalon Restaurant & Avalon Pasta Bistro

The Restaurant (West Chester) and Pasta Bistro (Downingtown), will both offer a 3-course brunch (choice of antipasti, entree, and dessert) plus a complimentary Bloody Mary Bar (bring your own vodka), from 11 am to 2 pm. Prices start at $30, not including beverages, tax or gratuity. Dinner will start at 4 pm in both restaurants. Restaurant reservations | Bistro reservations

Black Walnut Winery

The local winery is thinking beyond a single day and offering Complimentary Wine Tastings for Moms the entire Mother’s Day weekend. Enjoy some of their many wine varieties Saturday or Sunday at either location from 12 to 6 pm.

Crowne Plaza – Valley Forge

Crowne Plaza’s Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet promises to please all palates. If your mom likes variety in her life, securing your space at this King of Prussia brunch may be your best bet. Guests will be able to weave their ways through Waffle Stations, Prime Rib and Brown Sugar-Glazed Ham Carving Stations, opt for entrees like cornmeal-crusted tipalia and shrimp and avocado salad, tackle an ice cream sundae bar, and so much more. Click here for the holiday’s full menu. Here’s a plus: the event will feature complimentary mimosas!

The Desmond

The Desmond in Malvern is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet on Sunday, May 13 with endless options to choose from including Filet Mignon, Crab Cakes, Pastries, Omelet Station and more. Price is $39 for adults, $17 for children under 12, and Free for the little ones under 6. Call 610-249-2180 to make a reservation.

The Farmhouse at People’s Light & Theatre

Didn’t you hear that dinner and a play is the new dinner and a movie? Treat Mom to a double gift experience with a buffet brunch or dinner and a performance of A Wrinkle in Time! Brunch seating recommended by 12pm for the 2pm matinee; dinner seating recommended by 5pm for the 7pm performance. Brunch buffet menu served 11 am – 2 pm and Dinner Buffet menu served 4 – 9 pm. Pricing information may be found HERE. Purchase online or call 610-644-3500 to reserve your package today. Space is limited.

General Warren Inne

The old warm charm restaurant is serving a Mother’s Day Dinner from 12 to 8 pm. Those interested can make reservations online. There is a high demand for the menu that includes Crab Cakes, Mahi Mahi, Steak, Rack of Lamb and many delectable side dishes so don’t waste any time reserving your seats.

Georges‘

The Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet will be offered on Sunday with extended hours. From 10 am to 3 pm guests can enjoy Eggs Benedict, Home Fries, Buttermilk Pancakes, Brioche French Toast, Cheese Blintzes, Mixed Berry Compote, Made to Order Stations, and more. Cost is $34.95 per person plus tax and gratuity. Place your reservations by calling 610-964-2588.

Gypsy Saloon

The one of a kind restaurant is offering a special a la carte brunch menu from 11 am to 3:30 pm featuring everything from Crab Cake Benedict to their Signature Mac n’ Cheese. Mother’s Day dinner will be served from 4 to 9 pm. Call 610-828-8494 to reserve your table now!

Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens is presenting more than one day of beauty, fine food and entertainment with a Mother’s Day Buffet on Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13 from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets, which include Gardens Admission but not gratuity of alcoholic beverages, may be purchased online or by calling 610-388-1000. The cost is $57 for 12 & over, $31 for guests 5-11, and $5 for ages 1-4. Prices are discounted for members. The Longwood Sunday Brunch in 1906 will also be offered on May 13 from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.

McKenzie Brew House

Moms LOVE McKenzie’s! For only $15.95 per adult and $7.95 per guest under 12, you can gift your mother a stellar Buffet Brunch at the one and only McKenzie’s Brew House. The delicious menu will include a Cold Buffet, Hot Cuisine, Yummy Desserts and Specially Priced Brews, Mimosas, Bloody Marys and Bellinis.

Paradocx Vineyard

Got a Mom who’s a bit of a wine-o? Paradocx Vineyard in Landenberg, PA is hosting a Mom’s Day at the Vineyard which is fun for the whole family. The special event includes wine tastings, a spread of cheese, pastries and fruit. Seatings at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Reservations required by calling 610-255-5684. Adults $25 in advance , children $10 in advance.

Pepperoncini Sotto

Time to get comfortable and enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch and/or Dinner done Italian style! With a location in Phoenixville and Conshohocken, chef/owners Paul DiBona and Tommy DeFruscio invite families to attend the Italian brunch 11 am to 3 pm and/or the dinner from 3 to 9 pm. A la carte dinner menu will also be offered. For reservations in Phoenixville call 484-924-8429. For Conshohocken call 610-941-7783. Buona festa delle madri!

Side Bar & Restaurant

The incredible chef tag-team over at West Gay Street’s hot spot are pulling out all the stops for local mothers. Secure your space at their Mother’s Day Brunch, served 10 am – 3 pm, and tempt mom’s taste buds with addicting options like their signature Side Bar Scramble (scrapple included), challah bread french toast with fresh berries, endless glasses of Bloody Marys and Mimosas, and so much more. Click here for the full Sunday Brunch menu. Make a reservation for your party by calling 610-429-8297.

Station Bistro

A truly unique menu for the extra special mother can be found at Station Bistro in Kimberton. The signature brunch menu will be available from 8 am to 2 pm and limited reservations are being accepted. Walk-ins are also welcome. Call 610-933-1147 to guarantee your spot today!

Victory Brewing Co.

The famous Downingtown Brewpub is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet on Sunday, May 13 at 10 am. Menu will include an omelet station, waffle station, dessert and a variety of delicious brunch favorites. Reservations are currently being taken for parties of six or more by calling 610-873-0881. Two seatings are available starting at 1o am and 12:30 pm. Small walk-in parties are accepted at any time. The brewtastic Brunch Buffet is $20 per adult, $10 for children (6-10), and neither tax nor gratuity are included in that price.

Fifteen Minutes with a Foodie: Meet Kellyn McNamara, TownDish’s New Intern

Amy Strauss — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:18:12 +0000

We want to talk food and we want to talk food with you!

The Town Dish team is handpicking our favorite foodies to feature on our site, uncovering their preferred eats and addictions, favorite local spots and even, what they will not eat. From food writers and chefs, to locals who are openly food-obsessed, you’ll find them all in this column! Want to nominate a food lover for this feature? Email amys@thetowndish.com!

In this installment, we thought we’d talk with our brand-new intern that’s dishing ’round Chester County, Kellyn McNamara. Read on for a peek into her food obsessed world.

Name the best bite you have ever chomped into:

This is a tough call, but I’m going to have to go with Regina’s Pizzeria Spinaci, Brocoli, E Pomodoro pizza – that’s spinach, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, smothered in melty pecorino romano, mozzarella, and topped with fresh basil. My boyfriend and I visited Regina’s original location in Boston’s North End this past March. For a girl who can rarely finish two pieces of pizza, it was hard to stop at four of this delicious pie!

Favorite food word of the moment:

It depends on what I’m describing, but I think texture words like grainy, tender, oily, and light, are really important for giving an accurate description of a food.

Your current guilty pleasure:

Scooped Ice Cream. In fact, I just had their Bailey’s ice cream in a waffle cone last night! My favorite flavor is Chocolate Noir Sorbet.

What food won’t you eat?

Ham and ham products (bacon, sausage, etc.) generally gross me out. Also, I try to keep meat to a minimum in my diet, but I do indulge in a cheeseburger every couple of months. Tofu is another food that generally turns me off, unless it’s cooked right, which is rare. I think it’s a texture thing.

Favorite food websites or blog?

One of my favorite blogs for food and frugality is Penniless Parenting. It’s not specifically a food blog, but it provides a full series of comprehensive recipes on a budget, which is great for my foodie-student-lifestyle. Descriptions, pricing, pictures, and videos make this blog top notch for any at-home chef on a budget. It’s where I learned how to make sushi!

When did you realize you become a serious food lover?

I’ve always been a food lover! I think I really started to realize it when I became a vegetarian as a teenager. Vegetarianism challenged me to expand my horizons, and start cooking for myself. Since then, it’s been true love!

Are you an at-home chef? What’s the best dish you rock at whipping up?

I am an at home chef! My favorite recipe is my homemade sweet potato French fries with Dijon mayonnaise, but my boyfriend argues that my pizza from scratch is the best.

Your ultimate dinner date – including who you’re dining with (a friend, boyfriend, a celeb, person in history, etc.) and where?

Sushi and sake at Kooma with my boyfriend.

If you could eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life, where would it be and why?

This is a tough one! I’m going to have to say Culhane’s Steak House in New Cumberland, PA. My family celebrates every birthday and anniversary at this location, so if I couldn’t eat there ever again I’m pretty sure I’d be disowned!

When I’m not eating, I’m…

…a busy girl! I attend West Chester University for Nutrition & Dietetics / Journalism, work part time at Kati Mac Floral Designs, part time as the Advertising Manager at the WCU Quad, and volunteer as the food shopper for the WCU Nutrition Dept. Food Lab. In my free time, I play Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda, watch The Office, and spend time with my boyfriend.

Please leave us with your Top Five Favorite Chester County Haunts, and list one of your favorite things (drink or dish) per each:

1. The Med. Their falafel platter is glorious!

2. Wasabi. They have the best fried rice in West Chester, hands down. And their sushi lunch special is both quality and affordable.

3. High Street Caffe. Cajun garlic butter. Need I say more.

4. Penn’s Table. Sunday morning wouldn’t be complete without a Greek omelet and side of the most delectable home fries I’ve yet to find anywhere else. And don’t forget to ask for onions and peppers in your home fries!

5. Barnaby’s. On Sundays, Flying Fish is $2.50, and they have $5 burgers and veggie burgers. It’s the perfect cheap date. Plus, you can enjoy the nice weather outside and watch the game at the same time on their outdoor projection screen!

8th Annual West Chester Film Festival Earns Five Stars From Attendees

Leslie Weinberg — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:51:55 +0000

167 submissions from 16 countries. 11 screeners. 77 films shown during 7 blocks. 22 world premieres. 10 US premieres.From April 27-29, some big films from around the globe came to our small town during the 8th Annual West Chester Film Festival.

From August to December last year, independent filmmakers submitted films up to 30 minutes in length, some of which won previous film festival awards and even Oscar nominations. Then, a panel of eleven volunteers selected animated, art/experimental, comedies, dramas and documentaries to be screened during the festival. I visited some of the food-inspired films over the weekend.

“Look to the Cookie” by Lindsay Lindenbaum will inspire anyone to take their own Dish Trip to the Upper East Side, where Glaser’s Bake Shop has been sweetening up the Yorkville neighborhood since 1902. This film explores the importance of community, appreciating the little things and family. Co-owner Herb Glaser discusses the past and future of his third generation family owned shop while slicing Venetian layer cookies, and icing black and white cookies. Don’t say we didn’t warn you, this film that won “Best Documentary” over the weekend will induce hunger cravings.

“Oh! Give Me Strength” by Pui Yee Pang made its world premiere and this three minute short carried a powerful message. In Hong Kong, many believe eating rare species is good for human health. This claymation short features a guy walking through the woods, poking through bushes and picking a menagerie of animals-a lizard, snake and even a rhino. After he gulps down the animal, his arms bulk up, but his Popeye-like arm strength is fleeting and instantly deflates.

The weekend went beyond short films with behind the scenes workshops, a Meet and Greet event at Pietro’s Prime, networking events, and a closing awards party at The Note. Throughout the weekend, attendees were encouraged to visit the “Filmmaker’s Lounge” at Fennario Coffee to get to know the people behind the lenses. The festival kicked off at Side Bar; where actors, attendees, and filmmakers got to know each other over a large beer selection, a Mediterranean spread, wings, pesto and tomato pizzas, addicting corn meal hush puppies and own roasted pork sandwiches with garlic nestled broccoli rabe.

The mission of the film festival is to entertain, enlighten and educate the public of global independent and innovative short film by hosting an annual International Short Film Festival.

“I think short films are under appreciated by the general audience. The festival is totally eclectic and there is something for everyone if they are willing to give it a chance,” said Carol Jean Quigley, WCFF President.

During the 1950s, film fans had three different venues in the borough to watch movies. One of the long term goals of the Film Festival is bring a new venue for the arts in town, which they’ve been building momentum since the festival’s inception in 2003.

There are plenty of ways to get involved in 9th Annual West Chester Film Festival: became a film festival member, sign up to volunteer, or pick up a camera and throw your hat in the ring to earn a “Chester” Award to call your own.

Fresh Early Season Produce at West Chester Growers Market 2012 Launch

Jim Breslin — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:51:44 +0000

Under cloudy skies and cool weather, the vendors of the West Chester Growers Market launched their 2012 summer season on Saturday, May 5th. Residents of the borough and beyond gathered with their shopping bags at the market, which is located at the corner of Church and Chestnut Streets. Vendors were selling early season produce, as well as meats, breads, cheese, wine and more. The West Chester Growers Market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May through November.

Surf’s Up! Doc Magrogan’s Hosts Kickoff Party for Famous Shore Shack

Amy Strauss — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:28:58 +0000

Surf’s up at Doc Magrogan’s on Thursday, May 10^thfrom 6–8pm! Grab your favorite flip flops and join Doc’s as they celebrate the official kickoff party to summer at their famous Shore Shack.

The Shore Shack is Doc’s outdoor seating option that transports you to the southern Jersey shores without leaving Chester County! The Shore Shack offers both the regular lunch & dinner menus, has an outdoor bar, and TVs, plus adequate seating.

To kick off summer at Doc’s, the official opening of the Shore Shack will feature two hours of unlimited Shore Shack Summer Beer Samples, Pints and Appetizer Pairings for just $20. Guests are encouraged to drop off their business card or fill out a VIP form to be eligible to win great prizes!

But this is just the start of the party! Stick around later for a DJ Dance Party, $3 Cosmo Fishbowls and 1Ž2 price drinks (10pm-12am). The kitchen will be open until 12am serving your favorite Doc’s dishes.

Reservations are not required but are recommended. Guests can RSVP by calling the restaurant at 610.429.4046. Find Doc Magrogan’s at 117 East Gay Street in West Chester or online at docmagrogans.com.

Photographs credited to Nina Lea Photography.