Summer’s over but there’s plenty to fall for on the Main Line, like a new ice cream spot in Wayne, swanky apartments for rent in Berwyn and an Eataly coming to KOP! Happy fall, neighbor!
• Something Sweet in Wayne
There’s a sweet new ice cream and coffee shop in downtown Wayne, next to Bluemercury. The Vanilla Bean pairs friendly, neighborhood vibes with a unique ice cream experience. After selecting your base (vanilla or chocolate), customers pick from a menu of over 40 different “mix-ins,” such as cookie dough, pretzels, espresso and even bubble gum. (Two are included; additional mix-ins cost 75 cents each.) The ice cream is then blended before your eyes and presented in a cup or cone. Try a combo from the shop’s board of favs or dream up your own concoction.
Coffee, espresso drinks, cold brew from La Columbe and hot teas are also available, along with table seating and a dreamy window counter that’s perfect for people watching.
In a hurry? Pints are available to go!
The Vanilla Bean is located at 103 East Lancaster Avenue in downtown Wayne. Hours are Monday – Friday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Dink City Done?
After less than three months in operation, Dink City Pickleball has shut down due to noise complaints from neighbors and a residential zoning code violation. The owners spent a decent chunk of change in the spring to convert Valley Forge Military Academy’s seldom-used tennis courts into a 16-court state-of-the-art pickleball hot spot. Business was brisk until the noise complaints started piling up.
Once Dink City received an official violation, the facility was given 30 days to appeal or close shop. The owners hope to reopen at some point, but plans are murky.
The issue isn’t confined to Dink City’s courts. As the sport’s popularity has exploded in recent years, court owners nationwide are dealing with a barrage of noise complaints from neighbors and townships. (Apparently the high pitch of paddles slamming against plastic balls and the unpredictable rhythm of play can drive bystanders bonkers.) The problem has become so pronounced that former player Bob Unetich has even started a consulting firm called Pickleball Sound Mitigation.
“It creates vibrations in a range that can be extremely annoying to humans,” Unetich explained to the New York Times this summer.
• A New Lease on Life
A swanky, amenity-rich apartment complex in Berwyn is now leasing studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
Developed by Bozzuto at the site of the former HH Greg Shopping center along Swedesford Road, the Ember at Berwyn boasts a host of high-end amenities and common areas, including a business center with co-working spaces, personal focus zones, and private conference rooms; a 24-hour fitness center and yoga room; a pet spa; dog park; bike maintenance shop; sports equipment storage; a social lounge; and gated garages. And thanks to an easement agreement with Chester County, the Ember even offers direct access to the popular Chester Valley Trail.
Residents can also take advantage of Ember’s grassy courtyards—equipped with outdoor kitchens, BBQ grills and fire pits—and the complex’s resort-style pool and sun deck.
The Ember is located at 400 W. Swedesford Road in Berwyn.
• A New Sushi Spot
The Japanese restaurant Takumi Bistro & Bar has taken over the old Lumbrada in Devon Village (near Whole Foods). Sleek but not over the top, Takumi offers an impressive menu of hot and cold bites, sashimi, sushi rolls, traditional entrees like chicken teriyaki and seafood Thai curry and oodles of shareable small plates.
Swing by Monday through Thursday from 4:00PM to 6:00 PM for happy hour drink and food specials.
Let’s hope Takumi has more staying power than the last few eateries—all of which came and went within a year or two.
Takumi Bistro & Bar is located at 821 Lancaster Avenue in Wayne. Hours are Sunday – Thursday, 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
• It’s Kismet!
One of Philly’s most popular bagel brands plans to open another cafe in Narberth, in the old Ginza Japanese restaurant. Much larger than Kismet’s Fishtown and Rittenhouse locations, the 1,600-square-foot Narberth café (scheduled to open sometime this fall) will offer indoor and outdoor seating and a menu that goes beyond the bagel.
In Narberth look for a full array of sandwiches, salads, coffee drinks and sweet treats. Catering will be available as well.
• Bonjourno, Eataly!
The beloved Italian marketplace Eataly is coming to King of Prussia mall. While Eataly has signed a multiyear lease, its exact location in the mall is still a mystery. Since opening its first outpost in 2007, the nationwide chain has expanded to more than 40 locations in 15 countries, including its flagship food hall in New York City. Typical Eataly setups feature a combination of sit-down restaurants, beverage and bakery stands, kitchenware shops and cooking classes.
This will be the first Eataly to open in the Philadelphia area (prior plans for a downtown Philly location fizzled).
Mangia mangia!
Got a scoop for In The Loop? E-mail kate@mainlineneighbors.com
