Main Line Today Restaurant Week: What to know about this inaugural foodie event

Recently, Main Line Today and Today Media (a multi-platform communications company) announced the debut of Main Line Today Restaurant Week with a 14-day culinary celebration that will showcase the talents of top chefs and restaurants in Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties—and now it’s almost time to fully indulge. 

According to a release, for its inaugural year, the Main Line restaurant community joins forces with local media and businesses to showcase the culinary talent that makes the Main Line and western suburbs such a diverse and rich dining destination. Efforts are designed to rally diners and foodies from around the region to support the most notable restaurants, bars, eateries, BYOBs and takeout spots. While all restaurants in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties are invited to participate, there is a special focus on independent and locally operated restaurants.

The showcase will run from Aug. 23 through Sept. 5.

Already on the docket for its inaugural year are some popular spots and fan favorites including 333 Belrose Bar & Grill, Al Pastor, Alessandro’s Wood Fired Italian & Bar, Avola Kitchen + Bar, Cornerstone Bar & Grill, DiFabios, Harvest Seasonal Bar and Grill, Jasper’s Backyard, La Cabra Brewing, Liberty Union Bar and Grill, Lola’s Garden, NECTAR, Pomod’oro Pizza and Italian Restaurant, Rams Head Bar & Grill, Revival Pizza Pub, Ryan Christopher’s BYOB, Stove & Tap Landsdale, Stove & Tap Malvern, Stove & Tap West Chester, The Desmond Hotel and Conference Center Malvern, The Gables at Chadds Ford, The Goat’s Beard and Victory Brewing Company. 

Some new additions were also added since the initial announcement and include Sophie’s BBQ and Rosalie— plus three side by side showstoppers, Terrain Cafe, Pizzeria Vetri and Amis Trattoria. A full list of participating spots is available online. 

“We couldn’t be happier with the final list of restaurants that really showcase the amazing culinary talent in every pocket and corner of the Main Line and western suburbs,” said Main Line Today Associate Publisher Marie Edwards in a statement. “We want to make a real and genuine difference to the smaller and independent mom-and-pop restaurants that have been profoundly affected by the pandemic. This first-year event was timed to support the restaurants in our own backyard that are most in need as we enter the fall season. We hope to see everyone out there supporting these amazing chefs, culinary teams and restaurants that are the backbone of our communities.” 

In addition to the restaurants, the program also supports local farmers and purveyors hit hardest by the pandemic. The latter will have a chance to shine at the first-ever Purveyor Showcase, held on Aug. 17. Participating eateries will receive tickets to this exclusive event, so they can connect with purveyors, network with other chefs and restaurants, and get energized for the days ahead.

Main Line Today Restaurant Week is supported by presenting sponsor Firstrust Bank, with additional support from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Visit Delco, PA, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, Chester County’s Brandywine Valley, Metro US, Yelp Philly, Philly Chit Chat and Aversa PR. 

When planning for this event, an advisory board of volunteers was selected with leaders from area restaurants, hotels, tourism organizations and small businesses. Members include Rob Donaldson of 333 Belrose Bar & Grill, KC Kulp of The Whip Tavern, Ann Kolenick of The Gables at Chadds Ford, Vern Burling of La Cabra Brewing, Rachel Riley of the Valley Forge Tourism Board, Patrick Feury of NECTAR, Ben Fileccia of the Pennsylvania Lodging and Restaurant Association and more. 

Philadelphians can follow @mainlinetoday #MLTrestaurantweek on social media for updates. For a full list of sponsors, restaurants and other details, visit MainLineToday.com/Restaurant-Week or call 610-325-4630.