Philly is known as a foodies paradise, but the culinary impact and reach of the city spreads far beyond just the city limits. Next week, out on the Main Line, Philadelphians will be able to indulge in everything Ardmore has to offer with the annual Ardmore Restaurant Week. The event, which will take place over the course of two weeks, kicks off May 6 and will run until the 16.
“Ardmore Restaurant Week is one of our most anticipated events of the year, and we are thrilled to coincide this year’s event with the thoughtful reopening of Ardmore,” said Ardmore Initiative Executive Director Nancy Scarlato in a statement. “Ardmore businesses have survived this past year using their creativity, curating delicious dining options, and with the continued support of the Ardmore community. Ardmore Restaurant Week is a true celebration of our restaurants.”
Ardmore’s Restaurant Week will follow suit from some of the city’s similar events offering prix-fixed lunch and dinner offerings priced at $20, $25, or $30. After having to take a year off in 2020, the program is aimed to support restaurants in Ardmore and Lower Merion Township that were hit the hardest during the pandemic last year. Each participating restaurant will offer specially priced menus or participate with a special dining program while offering diners the option to eat inside, outside, or even through take-out and/or delivery. Those driving in from the city can also expect parking to be available throughout Ardmore (free after 6 p.m. and on Sundays.)
According to the release, the list of restaurants for Ardmore Restaurant Week features a who’s who of the top restaurants on the Main Street of the Main Line: Depaul’s Table, one of the most widely anticipated restaurants to open on the Main Line this year, will kick-off their Happy Hour program with specialty cocktails and lite bites for a special Ardmore Restaurant Week Happy Hour program. Hot off their grand-opening as well, Lola’s Garden, located in Suburban Square will feature the largest outdoor footprint for the program, with stunning garden vibes, hand-crafted cocktails and Modern American cuisine by Executive Chef Andrew Wood.
For some returning favorites to the annual event, John Henry’s Pub has chosen to participate with dinner options including house specialty pan-seared cod, pot roast, and home-cooked turkey and stuffing. Ardmore’s French dining destination, Delice et Chocolat, will also be offering up their own spin on lunch with their options including their specialty quiche of the day and an apple turnover. Sophie’s BBQ, another local favorite has found a way to coincide with National BBQ Day with the event as well, and that all kicks off on May 16. Marokko, a fine-dining Moroccan and Mediterranean BYOB on the other hand will serve popular dinner menu items including tajines seasoned with a Chef’s blend of Moroccan spices and fresh herbs. For those looking for vegan and plant-based options, there are plenty of offerings from Blue Pearl Cafe on Station Avenue as well.
Additional restaurants, bars and eateries participating in the culinary-clad event include Autuna (Venezuelan cuisine), Buena Vista Mexican, DePaul’s Table, Hunan, Jack McShea’s, John Henry’s Pub, Local Wine and Kitchen, Marokko, Parlour (ice cream shop) and Tired Hands Fermentaria.
According to the release, each restaurant can select if they will do lunch, dinner or both, and their price points. For this year—as a special way to support some restaurants during the pandemic and/or as they grand open right around the Restaurant Week dates—Philadelphians will see some restaurants offering out of the box specials instead, like DePaul’s hosting the Ardmore Restaurant Week Happy Hour and Parlour offering something sweet and fun for families to get a taste of Restaurant Week this year. Some restaurants will additionally offer upgrades to their meals for those seeking a higher-end experience.
A full list of participants, what price points they will offer and their menus are available at destinationardmore.com/restaurantweek
