New American Bistro Coming to Suburban Square, The Saint James

Have you been looking for a refined neighborhood restaurant with approachable food? While the Main Line is crawling with the best of the best in eateries, it never hurts to add another which brings something fresh. Come early fall, this fresh new restaurant will be The Saint James.

This soon-to-open eatery is the food child of two of the area’s top restaurateurs, Rob Wasserman (owner of Rouge) and Chef Michael Schulson (owner/chef of Sampan in Center City and Izakaya in Atlantic City). The two will team up to debut The Saint James, an American bistro that brings exceptional and affordable food, drinks and hospitality to Suburban Square. The restaurant will hold 120 seats, is being designed by Chris Sheffield of Philadelphia’s SLDesign, and will include an expansive dining room and a bar, partnered with a skylit foyer.

More importantly, the food will be inspired by Schulson’s expertise in east coast cuisine and overseen by well known Chef Matt Moon. Because the dishes are an extension of what Schulson loves to cook every day in his personal life and grew up cooking, he and Moon will have no problem putting out the most delicious tastes you’ve had in a while.

Menu items are set to include Trout Dip with “everything” bagel chips, Peekytoe Crab Toast with lemon aioli and dill, Grilled Flatiron Steak with shallot and compound butter, Grilled Tuna Steak with avocado, tomato and chili and Roasted Half-Chicken with lemon marmalade and celery. A variety of sandwiches will also grace the restaurant’s list of dining options such as Shrimp Roll with butter lettuce, lemon and tarragon, and The Saint James’ take on the iconic Philadelphia Pork Sandwich, with spicy kale and sharp provolone. To round off your meal, the delicious sides will include Cauliflower GratinRoasted Beets with horseradish; and Haricot Verts with house-made lemon vinaigrette.  There will also be an extensive Raw Bar, with Tuna Tartare, Oysters on the half shell, Crab Salad and more.  In addition to the regular menu, The Saint James will offer Daily Specials.  Most dishes will range in price from $6 to $24.

To wash it all down, guests will be able to choose from a well-focused local craft beer list, wines by the bottle and glass, and a wealth of hand-crafted cocktails. Although set to open when the temperatures begin to drop, the restaurant will feature a  landscaped outdoor seating area for when the warm weathered months return.

The Saint James will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until midnight and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m.  Valet service will be available after 5 p.m.  For more information, or to make a reservation, please call (610) 649-6200, visit www.SaintJamesPhilly.com, follow them on Twitter (@St_JamesPhilly) and like them on Facebook (Saint James Philadelphia).

Photograph credited to Stu Goldenberg.