Spring forth into a chic new Wayne eatery, a rebranded Ardmore brewery and a Ruth’s Chris in Newtown Square. Or just binge watch Long Bright River. You do you, neighbor.
• Maison Lotus Makes Its Mark
Wayne’s newest restaurant is open, and it’s a beauty! Radnor High School alums Pearl and Paul Somboonsong of WIN Hospitality spent months transforming the old Margaret Kuo’s (a Wayne institution!) into stylish, sophisticated space that’s giving major White Lotus vibes. Maison Lotus is the seventh addition to WIN’s impressive portfolio, which also includes The Blue Elephant, located just around the corner on North Wayne Avenue; Mikado Thai Pepper in Ardmore; Newtown Square’s Teikoku; and Mama-San Sushi, a fast-casual addition to Radnor’s “Restaurant Row.”
The couple purchased the building for just under three million from Kuo and her husband and quickly got to work renovating the sprawling three-story space. (Pearl served as creative lead and interior designer while Paul spearheaded operations.) The romantic interior includes bars on all levels, a casual café and bakery on the ground floor and sleek, sophisticated dining areas on the top two floors. The entire restaurant seats nearly 200. Still to come this spring: a speakeasy called Jade Rabbit and a private, 100-person party room.
So far reviews are mixed; while patrons love the atmosphere and décor, some guests are underwhelmed by the food and service.
Maison Lotus is located at 175 Lancaster Avenue in Wayne. Dinner service begins at 4:00 PM every day. The bakery and café are open Monday through Sunday 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Local Booksellers Join Forces
Rattled by Barnes and Noble’s return to Bryn Mawr, several local bookstores have formed a new collective called Indie Main Line. Members include Main Point Books in Wayne, Haverford’s Children’s Book World, Bookshop and Character Development Books & Toys (both located in Narberth) and Mavey Books in Ardmore.
Through branded merch, events and online outreach, the group strives to remind local readers about the importance of buying their books locally. Last month Indie Main Line sponsored a “give back” shopping week with 20 percent of sales earmarked for local charities like Wolf Performing Arts Center, Reach Out and Read and Lower Merion Conservancy.
Eventually the group hopes to add local coffee shops and retailers to its membership base.
Follow Indie Main Line on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/indiemainline/?locale=kk-KZ&hl=ar.
• T/E Names Newest School
Tredyffrin/Easttown’s soon-to-be-built elementary school has a name: Bear Hill Elementary School! The new name was unanimously approved by the school board last month. The naming process launched last November with 246 unique submissions from the public; only 18 met district criteria. From there, the district selected four finalists: Bluestone Elementary School, Covered Bridge Elementary School, Blue Heron Elementary School and Bear Hill Elementary School.
In early March, the Ad Hoc Public Information Committee recommended the board adopt Bear Hill Elementary School. The school sits on the site of a former industrial village called Howellville, where three roads (including Bear Hill Road) met to form a triangle. Committee members felt Bear Hill was the most appropriate choice to honor the site’s topography and unique origins.
Located at 1200 Swedesford Road in Berwyn, the school is slated to open in August 2027.
• Long Bright River Debuts on Peacock
The television version of Long Bright River, a critically acclaimed 2020 novel by South Philly writer Liz Moore, is now streaming on Peacock. The show stars Amanda Seyfriend as Mickey, a cop who relentlessly patrols the streets of Kensington while searching for her missing sister, an addict who might be the victim of a serial killer terrorizing the area.
Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mu-lFJKBws
• Tired Hands Rebrands
Beloved Main Line brewery Tired Hands will now be known as Ardmore Brewing Company, part of a broad rebranding effort.
The new name comes with an updated interior, expanded food and cocktail menu and a streamlined beer list. Noteworthy additions to the menu include a watermelon margarita, cucumber mint gimlet, oysters, clams, steak tartare and a signature bologna and cheddar panini. Eight beers remain on tap, including two rotating seasonal brews. Rumor has it the brewery is scouting additional locations in West Chester and Newtown Square. Cheers to that!
Ardmore Brewing Company is located at 16 Ardmore Avenue. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Friday 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
• Ruth’s Chris Sizzles in Newtown Square
Ruth’s Chris Steak House just opened a location in Newtown Square’s rapidly expanding Ellis Preserve. At 8,272 square feet, the new location features a main dining room, large bar area, patio seating and space for private events.
Alongside premium steaks served on sizzling, 500-degree plates, guests can indulge in all the usual franchise favorites here, including handcrafted cocktails, an award-winning wine list, fresh seafood, sides served family-style and desserts made in house.
Ruth’s Chris is located at 3745 Equus Boulevard in Newtown Square. Check the Web site for hours.
Got a scoop for In The Loop? E-mail kate@mainlineneighbors.com
