Plenty of new places to eat and explore on the Main Line this month…

• Coffee by Day, Cocktails by Night
There are charming coffee spots and cool cocktail bars, but rarely do the two mix. Until now. Located in Ardmore’s trendy Rittenhouse Place, Char & Steve is a new concept from Bluebird Distilling, an award-winning grain-to-glass distillery located in historic Phoenixville. The name comes from the barrels used for aging bourbon and coffee: “stave” is one of the 21 pieces of oak that make up a barrel, while “char” refers to the barrel’s inside layer that holds the unique flavorings.

During the day, the shop brews half a dozen or so seasonal roasts from all over the world. The process is overseen by head distiller Scott Gilbert, who boasts over 15 years of coffee-roasting experience. At night, the lights in the 42-seat lounge dim, and the space shifts to a cocktail bar with a thoughtful, innovative menu that showcases both traditional and coffee-inspired drinks, such as the Chai & Easy (straight rye whiskey, chai, anisette, Peychaud’s, orange and black walnut bitters and lemon peel), Coffee Negroni (Juniperus Gin, bitter Italian soda, nitro cold brew and orange) and the Cool Cool Cool (straight rye whiskey, strawberry, mint, lemon and ginger beer).

Hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Friday 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Saturday 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM, and Sunday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

• NBA Jay?
Beloved basketball head coach Jay Wright shocked Nova Nation last month when he announced his retirement after 21 seasons and two National Championships. Wright said he knew something had to change when he found himself texting players during mass. “I look forward not to live that way,” he said at a press conference to officially announce his retirement. While Wright’s inner circle knew he was contemplating retirement, they hoped he would reconsider.

Kyle Neptune, who spent a decade as the team’s video coordinator and an assistant coach, has taken over for Wright.

As for Wright, he’s accepted a new role as special assistant to the university president, which will (hopefully) clear some headspace for mass. But perhaps not for long? Appearing on ESPN’s Keyshawn, JWill & Max last month, he admitted he’d be lying if he said he hadn’t pondered the possibility of an NBA coaching gig.

• All Aboard!
A new restaurant will pull into the Bryn Mawr train station soon, replacing the old Tango eatery. Pullman Restaurant & Bar will be located in the retrofitted freight and baggage building—the only structure remaining from the original 1869 station (most of the station was demolished and rebuilt in 1963). The restaurant will take its design cues from 1940s Pullman dining cars, albeit with a modern twist. The main restaurant will serve American cuisine for lunch and dinner, while the bar and piano lounge will feature a selection of small plates, artisanal cocktails, craft beers and live music. Pullman will also offer seasonal outdoor dining and private event space for rent.

• Tour Jeff Devlin’s Newest Stone House
Jeff Devlin, host of DIY network’s Stone House Revival and a frequent HGTV contributor, will unveil his newest project to the public—an 1800s stone manor in Chester Springs. Over Mother’s Day weekend the property will be open for self-guided tours, along with a “make your own bouquet” tent and handmade gifts for sale. Hours are May 6th 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM, May 7th 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, and May 8th 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

A Buck’s County native who grew up watching episodes of This Old House, Devlin helps overwhelmed homeowners breathe new life into crumbling stone structures while preserving their historic integrity. Devlin has already relocated his SchoolHouse Woodworking business to the property with plans to offer DIY classes onsite.

• DelCo Restaurant Honors Babies Lost at Birth
A Springfield couple have named their new restaurant after the two children they tragically lost at birth. Dom & Mia’s pays tribute to Domenico “Dom” James, who died in 2017 of necrotizing enterocolitis, and Mia Isabella, who died in 2019 of a suspected umbilical cord issue. Both infants were born premature. While the idea for the restaurant came to Jeanna DeVito two years ago, she and her husband Steve—now parents to a three-year-old daughter and a nine-month-old son—took their time due to Covid.

Dom & Mia’s officially opened on April 29th, in a former PNC Bank on Saxer Avenue. The old bank vault houses wine and spirits, and the bar cleverly incorporates safety deposit boxes into the design. The open kitchen serves up classic fare (think sandwiches and pizzas, plus fish, meat and pasta entrees) inspired by the family dinner table. Hours are Monday & Tuesday 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Wednesday & Thursday 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM & Sunday 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

• Here Comes the Sun
Malvern’s King Street will host its first-ever Here Comes the Sun Beatles-themed spring festival on Saturday, May 14th from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Come early for the Malvern Farmers Market at 9:00 AM (don’t miss yoga on the lawn!) and stay through the afternoon to enjoy food trucks, shopping, a beer garden, kids’ activities and a Beatles tribute band.

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