Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
FOOD FOR ALL PALATES AT RESTAURANT FESTIVAL
More than 65 restaurants, caterers and food vendors are participating
WEST CHESTER » Mayor Dianne Herrin welcomes everyone in the borough and surrounding area to the 39th anniversary Chester County Restaurant Festival which will take place on Sunday, Sept. 16.
“Events like this make West Chester special,” Herrin said. “They add vibrancy to our town and offer our residents and people from all around the region an opportunity to come together, taste some great food, enjoy six great local bands, shop the displays of nearly 100 vendors, check out our many artisan retail stores, and simply enjoy life with friends and family.”
“Simply put, it’s a great time!”
The 39th annual festival is sponsored by the West Chester Parks and Recreation Department and will start at noon and end at 5:30 p.m. More than 65 restaurants, caterers and food vendors are participating, with nearly 110 arts and crafts vendors and information booths. The event will include three stage areas for live music and the Church Street Beer and Wine Garden where patrons can enjoy a craft Pennsylvania beer, cider and wine lineup.
Keith Kurowski is the director of the West Chester Parks and Recreation Department.
“If you can’t find food you like at this event … it doesn’t
exist,” Kurowski said. “Our goal is to provide a vast array of culinary delights for everyone to enjoy.
“If you’re a vegetarian we have something for you. If you’re a meat eater, we have something for you. From kids to adults we will have several options for folks with all tastes to enjoy.
“The Restaraunt Fest is a great day to get out into West Chester, sample some fantastic food, and enjoy this great town. Don’t forget, along with all the amazing food we have over 100 vendors selling anything and everything. We also have three stage areas with live music and a beer/wine garden if you’d like to wet you whistle in between food tastings.”
Saloon 151 owner Frank Herron said the eatery will be hosting restaurateurs out front at 151 West Gay Street for what he said is a great family event.
Saloon 151 will be selling beef brisket, seared scallops and funnel cake fries.
John Brandt-Lee of Avalon, or Bar Av, at 116 E. Gay St., has worked the festival for 18 years and will be serving signature item, Sgagliozze. Different sauces top the deep fried polenta cake. The restaurant will also feature fried pickles.
“It’s a fun day,” BrandtLee said. “It’s nice to see the community smiling, laughing and waiting for the Eagles kick-off.
“It’s the perfect kickoff
of the autumn festival season.”
Malcom Johnstone, executive director of the Business Improvement District, said the Christmas Parade and restaurant festival are the two largest annual borough events.
“The festival is the most exciting Chester County event we have in West Chester,” Johnstone said. “It gives the entire region a chance to taste how delicious the Brandywine Valley can be.”
The Church Street beer and wine garden will be located on Gay and Church streets. Proceeds go toward the West Chester Parks and Recreation Send A Kid To Camp Fund. Entrance Fee is just $3.
The festival will take place on Gay Street from Matlack to Darlington streets and Market from Darlington to High streets. Parking at all borough parking garages will be $5 for all day.
Pets are prohibited at the festival. Anyone accompanied by a pet will be asked to leave.
At three locations, six different bands will perform throughout the day. The performances will be held on Gay Street at Matlack Street and Darlington Street and at the corner of Market Street and Church Street. Performers include Mark de Rose, Half Past Seven, Dean Shot Tribute to Howling Wolf, Hambone Relay, Afro Bear and Ensemble Novo.
For more information, go to http://www.westchester.com/393/TheChester-County-Restaurant-Festival.