While theatre goers have enjoyed dining before the show, more are discovering the Farmhouse Bistro as a dining destination even if they don’t have tickets to the theatre performance.
After a series of transitions behind the scenes, Chef Joe Maguire has taken over the helm in the kitchen. Chef Joe began his work at The Farmhouse in December, after years of running a restaurant on the Delaware waterfront. Originally meant as a short-term position, Joe (along with the restaurant’s management team) quickly realized he had found his niche there. The French country style of the place meshed perfectly with Joe’s area of culinary specialty. In mid-January he formally accepted the executive chef position.
The biggest change diners can expect is an anchored and consistent menu. Previously a bit scattered in its offering, there is now a distinct undercurrent of French traditionalism. Asked about his new menu’s greatest hits, Joe’s face lights as he talks about the cheese board.
“It’s been a really well received cheese board. I keep it to two European cheeses and artisan American selections—Humboldt Fog has to be on it every time.” Seeing the blank smile I put on, he helps me out by asking if I know Cypress Grove chevre. I don’t of course, but I’d like to! “It’s amazing! It’s like a goat cheese but it’s a triple crème, so it’s got, like a typical goat cheese middle but the outside is like…like melted brie,” (I’m drooling a little), “and a fine layer of ash in the middle. People confuse it with bleu cheese but it’s not.”
Sold already, I ask what Joe thinks of as their stand out entrée. Although they kept the very popular Chicken Marsala (now with fresh, house made demi-glace) and Shrimp Scampi (sans mushrooms) the winner again reveals the chef’s inner Francophile. “I’m going to say the Rack of Lamb with our mint demi-glace it’s spectacular. It’s served with a grilled asparagus and potato gratin. It’s just really a nice plate.”
So when can Chester County’s foodies saddle up to these tres magnifique new entrees? The Farmhouse Bistro is open Wednesday through Sunday for a la carte dining, no theater production necessary. If you go, hours are Wednesday and Thursday; 4 – 10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 4–11 pm; and Sunday, 4–9:30 pm.
The Bistro also offers private events with a customizable menu that runs the gamut from Joe’s Frenchy faves to….sushi. Overall this diverse executive chef has a single focus: to put this eatery in the people’s light as a stand-alone star.
Find the Farmhouse Bistro at 39 Conestoga Road in Malvern. More information is available by visiting thefarmhousebistro.com.
Photographs credited to Sarah Alderman and Andrea Shives of Farmhouse Bistro.
One Comment