Courtesy of Ella’s American Bistro
The end of the year is a somewhat risky time to launch a new restaurant, what diners busy being merry at home. But that hasn’t stopped several ventures from preparing to open their doors in the coming weeks.
This Monday will be the first day of service for Ella’s American Bistro, a casual farm-to-table coming to Wayne. Devon Hill BMW owner Cortright Wetherill Jr. has brought in chef Matt Schuler, a former instructor at the Pennsylvania School for Culinary Arts to head the kitchen. He’s taken advantage of organic produce, local meats and artisanal cheeses to craft affordable lunch and dinner menus for the 100-seat white-tablecloth dining room, which is decorated with distressed wood. The bar is made from an organically milled Sycamore tree, and will serve craft brews, classic cocktails and a handpicked wine list, 50 in bottles and 12 by the glass (214 Sugartown Rd., Devon Square, Wayne; 610-964-3552).
What was formerly slated to be just a second location for Spruce Street Espresso has morphed into a full-blown eatery, MealTicket reports, and will open to the public on December 28. Named after the building it occupies at the corner of 12th and Spruce (in the early 1900s, the national headquarters for the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows), Oddfellows Cafe will launch first as just a coffee shop, but come January 5, chef Jorge Reyes (previously at El Vez) will dish out contemporary Latin-influenced food for lunch and dinner.
Also in early January (the exact date has yet to be pinned down), the second undertaking from Cantina Feliz’sTim Spinner and Brian Sirhal. Helmed by former Xochitl chef Lucio Palazzo, Calaca Feliz will offer contemporary Mexican cuisine in the former Illuminaire space at 2321 Fairmount. Per the name (translated as “happy skeleton”), expect vibrant, Day of the Dead themed decor, similar to the Fort Washington original.
