Tah dah! The summer season’s here, and we couldn’t be happier. Forced indoors during the cold winter and rainy spring, we’re finally peeling off the layers and dashing outdoors—to dine, to shop and to play!
Media’s iconic 9th Annual Dining Under the Stars kicked off in May and runs every Wednesday evening through the end of September. It’s already in full swing, drawing thousands of people craving delicious dinners, sweet treats, live entertainment and good ol’ family-friendly fun.
Media Business Authority chair Bryan Messick says he’s pleased with how popular the event has become for Media and Delaware County, as well as the Greater Philadelphia region.
“We had an exciting start with live, on-location weather broadcasts from both 6ABC and CBS3 during Dining Under the Stars,” says Messick. “Expect some surprises this year with new restaurants opening throughout the season and surprise additions like the Stella Artois mobile bar that popped up last week and provided free tastings thanks to Gretz Beer.”
From the unique newcomers to well-established regular spots on the scene, this year Dining Under the Stars is sure to delight. Creatures of habit have their go-to spots for the most authentic plate of pasta, tender filet mignon, award-winning tacos … the list goes on. With more than 30 restaurants on Media’s culinary scene, we’ll leave it to you to pick your favorite, but here is just a taste:
Fellini Cafe Trattoria and Ariano
Both owned by Anthony Bellapigna, these restaurants have increased their Dining crowd each and every year. Fellini, a BYOB, offers a wide selection of authentic Italian dishes, including homemade lobster ravioli, rich lasagna, tender veal and chicken specialities. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the portions are so generous, you’re likely to have lunch for the next day. 106 W. State St., (610) 892-7616
Ariano Restaurante Italiano is a “piece of Southern Italy in Delaware County.” The menu features authentic appetizers, salads, wood oven pizza, entrees, housemade gelato and a variety of imported Italian craft beers. Don’t miss the Finalmente, Prince Edward Island mussels sauteed in spicy tomato or white wine sauce. Mangia! 114 S. Olive St., (610) 892-6944
Dos Gringos Mexican Kitchen
If you’re in the mood for Mexican, Dos Gringos will make you say, “Salud!” The tortilla chips and salsas are made in house, and so is the guacamole—the Main Line Today award-winning guacamole, that is. Best-selling entrees include fish tacos made with beer-battered tilapia and jumbo lump crabmeat, surf and turf fajitas, chicken enchiladas and empanadas. Dos Gringos is BYOT—you bring the tequila and for $10 they’ll shake up the margarita mix. 113 S. Olive St., (610) 565-7794
Bittersweet Kitchen
This spot opened just last spring has quickly become famous for its “creative comfort food,” as co-owner Michelle West happily coins the eclectically delicious dishes. Bittersweet serves up quite the Dining Under the Stars menu. You can have breakfast for dinner! The Breakfast for Dinner entree includes two eggs, two pancakes, bacon, rosemary-sage sausage and breakfast potatoes. The chefs also cook up specials like slow-cooked barbeque spare ribs and chicken piccata. There are vegetarian and gluten-free options too. Don’t forget to save room for dessert. West’s hubby, Jeremy Pflug, is a small-batch baked goods mastermind! 18 S. Orange St., (610) 566-1660
Garden Cafe
Think farm-to-table at Garden Cafe. Open daily for lunch, the cafe stays open late on Wednesdays and the menu reflects the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. The cafe serves Norwegian salmon, quiche du jour, paninis, sandwiches and the heartiest pot pies filled with the freshest veggies hand-selected by local farmers. 23 S. Jackson St., (484) 444-2424
And that list just scratches the surface. Here’s a full list of participants.
Surprise!
During any given Dining Under the Stars, you’re sure to see some cool surprises. The Stella mobile bar was a huge draw for beer lovers. May the force be with Star Wars fans … and may you snap a photo with a stormtrooper. Pose next to a snazzy Corvette, sing to live music, chalk in the street, play with clay—you never know what’s around the corner next week!
Be sure to follow the official Dining Under the Stars Facebook page for the latest and greatest happenings. And be sure to visit PA Eats often, as we’ll be checking in from State Street throughout the summer.
Summer’s here. Drink it in! Eat it up!
- Stormtrooper photo: Earth & State
- Remaining photos: Lauren Avellino Turton
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