West Chester Weekly Roundup: Feb. 9, 2024

West Chester Weekly News Roundup

Warm days have brought forth early flowers; winter temps are expected to return next week.

The easiest way to be in the know.

It’s Friday, Feb. 9, 2024: Love is in the air and so are the sweet smells of West Chester’s newest steakhouse. 9 Prime officially opens tomorrow. We have a sneak peek at the inaugural menu. Plus, West Chester’s historic Faunbrook Inn goes up for auction - at a fraction of its worth, an interview with West Chester’s newest author, and for real, the best place to watch the Super Bowl.

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Best Places in West Chester to Watch the Super Bowl - or Not

Barnaby’s has its place, but if you don’t want to hang with a bunch of drunk college students, it might not be yours.

Does anyone even care about this game? I know I don’t, but this article has been in the works since the generic lists began populating my newsfeed, and there was still a distinct possibility the Eagles would get it together. Well, we know how that went. But still, it’s the Super Bowl and like it or not, you will probably be watching. If you are going out anyway, you might as well do it right. To make sure that happens, I reached out to our favorite bar-scene insiders, Drunks of West Chester for their definitive recommendations on the best places in West Chester for Super Bowl viewing.

Note: This is not just some AI-generated list of West Chester sports bars but a deep dive into a personalized viewing experience based on which parts of the evening matter most to you.

So, regardless of how you feel about Sunday, this is still extremely valuable information to be used now or in the future. And easy conversation fodder should from the start the game not prove to be attention-worthy.

HWC: Best place to watch the game if you are legitimately over 21?

DWC: You can avoid the college crowds and take in the game with some solid finger foods at a place like Iron Hill. With some of the best nachos in town and a beer list that is legit, Iron Hill is a fine game day option for the 25 and over beer-loving types.

HWC: Best place to watch the game if you really just want to eat some wings? (This is me.)

DWC: West Chester has some great wing options but to me, the Sterling Pig has developed the ultimate wing. Perfectly smoked and a great selection of flavors to choose from. The bar is airy and has an industrial feel with plenty of light and several TVs if you want to focus on the game. But DOWC? I'm focusing on those delicious wings.

HWC: Best place to watch the game if you want to analyze Taylor-sightings with fellow Swifties?

DWC: If you're still bitter about the Eagles collapse, no doubt you can shake it off and get your Taylor sightings in with like-minded Swifties at Barnaby's.

HWC: Nice, I like how you worked in that Tay reference. Best place to watch the game when mass-produced beer makes you cringe?

DWC: If you can, grab a seat at the Side Bar main bar. They have a large TV and a larger beer list full of top brewers like Tired Hands, Russian River, and Von Trapp.

If you want to venture outside of the borough for the game I’d head over to Bierhaul in Thornton who has a ton of great beer selections and a woodsy barn-house bar with no shortage of TVs and warm tones.

HWC: Best place to watch the game when the snacks are your number one reason for watching the game?

DWC: If your main goal is to pick at fried finger foods, then Good, Bad, & Ugly and Jitters have small, snacky menu offerings with things like wings, fries, tenders, tots, and hot dogs in addition to an endless supply of your domestic bottled favorites.

HWC: Best place to watch the game if you like your drinks served by the bucket?

DWC: I really miss Rams Head and their Miller Lite bucket deal. Pretty sure Barnaby's has a Miller Lite bucket deal, but let's get down to the brass tacks - if you have no intention of remembering the game because you dislike both Super Bowl teams, just go to Square Bar and guzzle down Miller Lite pounders and City Wides. (PBR + Jim Beam shot)

HWC: Finally, best place to watch the game, if you actually want to watch the game? I’ve got to assume there are at least a few of you out there.

DWC: Saloon 151 is always a top spot for a big football game with its array of TVs lining the walls. The vibes are high, the crowds are lively, and the beer is crispy.

Thanks for the insights. Amazing as always. And if you want more, check out their full “Best of West Chester” breakdown on their newly launched website.

The Warnings.

This accolade could be the work of AI. Last week I shared an impressive accolade - “Most Memorable Mid-Atlantic Town” accompanied by an error-riddled write-up that made you wonder if the authors were working completely off memory. Well, as it turns out, it may not have been memory but it may have been AI. “I find myself wondering if the out-of-date description of WC borough was written by ChatGPT….has all the hallmarks,” West Chester University Communications and Media Professor Eryn Travis shared last week. According to an article she recently shared on Substack, signs of AI include - listicles. Check. Heavy use of stale metaphors - “exudes energy from every pore”, “bustling downtown”, “open fields to roam.” Check. The tone does not match the human voice - “sip of fresh air,” “food-centric events for brainiacs”. Close(ish) but not quite right. Well, no need to worry this little newsletter is 100 percent human-generated - and any mangled phrases are all my own.

If this is an emergency, please hang up and dial 9-1-1. Late last month, Chester County Emergency Services transitioned to a new 9-1-1 system. According to a release, Next Generation 9-1-1 is a faster and more efficient way for the county’s 9-1-1 call center to receive and transfer emergency calls. Important because Chester County operators support 53 police agencies, 40 fire/rescue agencies, and 26 emergency medical services agencies answering more than a half million calls a year.

Put your hands up, this is a robbery. On Tuesday, West Goshen Police arrested Domenick A. Barber-Fox on two counts of robbery. At 10:45 a.m. Monday, Domenick reportedly entered the Smoothie King on West Chester Pike. Wearing a face mask, he announced, this is a robbery. An employee removed the cash drawer from the register and placed it on the counter. Domenick quickly emptied the drawer and exited the store. Then at 8:16 a.m. on Tuesday, he entered the 7-Eleven on West Chester Pike and did the exact same thing. By Tuesday evening, Domenick was in police custody.

Plan your route accordingly. West Goshen Township is scheduled to perform utility improvements next week on Phoenixville Pike near Greenhill Rd. The road will be closed in the area on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Motorists will be directed to use Karen Lane and Greenhill Rd instead.

Timon Duffied of England, WEGO Police are looking for you. Apparently, you’ve left something important behind on your visit to the States. If you know Mr. Duffield, Westown-East Goshen Police would like to speak with him.

The Accolades.

Spotted - the Fruit Cure on the shelves of the Bookstore Bakery!

Four years ago, West Chester University Assistant Creative Writing Professor Jacqueline Alnes began a journey that would end with a book commemorating one of the toughest chapters of her life. As a Division I cross-country runner, Jacqueline’s life was driven by self-discipline and an ability to push her body to extremes. That is until a mysterious neurological illness, that seemed to get worse the more she pushed, sidelined her athletic career, and upended all she knew about her about her body. As Western medicine was slow to deliver answers, Jacqueline began to look for ways to assert her own control.

The Fruit Cure, published last fall by Melville House, explores the world of fruitarianism, a diet that consists primarily of, well, fruit, and the allure of extreme diets like these. The book alternates between memoir and cautionary sociological tale.

“It took me a long, long, long time [to really get better],” said Jaqueline, “because I reached for these cures that weren’t cures but they gave me a sense of control. For a long time, I didn’t want to believe that I was sick. I wanted to believe I could overcome anything.”

“Healing is really messy.” she said.

The book tracks the fruitarian diet from late nineteenth-century England to mid-twentieth-century Australia to the YouTubers of today.

“Honestly for me, that was the most fun,” Jacqueline said about the research. “I am interested in Instagram diets and by going back we learn it’s the same thing that’s been happening forever. Nothing is new. Then it was just pamphlets and giving speeches.”

For centuries, diets like these have fed on the vulnerability of their followers (often young women). Their champions often leverage feelings of desperation, embarrassment (fat shaming is popular among proponents), control, and isolation to make a quick dollar.

In her book, Jacqueline hopes to dispel at least some of these pseudo-health claims. A banana a day for 30 days, as it turns out, does not necessarily keep the doctor away, nor does it bring you happiness. Importantly, no matter how bizarre the situation, we are not alone.

“I was never alone in any of it. If you talk about these things and log the grief you feel, it can make this feel better for you,” said Jacqueline, who now has her condition, if not completely solved, under control.

“I have it controlled now, but healing didn’t come from a diagnosis,” she said. “I had to heal a lot of different things. [I wanted to explore] the idea of an illness narrative that doesn’t end with, I’m better everything is great.”

Apparently, she is not the only one who feels this way. The book has already generated a lot of buzz with reviews in the Washington Post, Outside Magazine, New Scientist, and the Wall Street Journal.

Find this topic intriguing and relatable? Jacqueline will be holding a reading and book signing Tuesday at 6 p.m. WCU’s Phillips Autograph Library. There will be bananas - and for balance, Dia Doce cupcakes.

More people and things were are applauding this week:

West Chester University President Christopher Fiorentino. This week outgoing president Christopher Fiorentino got some big news - he is being inducted into the Chester County Hall of Fame. A Bucks County native by birth, Dr. Fiorentino has had links to this county since 1983 when he began teaching at WCU while pursuing his doctorate in economics. He is being recognized for his years at WCU’s helm and more than 40 years of service to the county.
John Brandt-Lee. Bar Avalon’s owner (and part-time social media influencer) caught the attention of Entreprenuer.com Editor-in-Chief Jason Feifer for his engaging (and viral) social content. His advice to his LinkedIn followers looking to create content for their social media channels: “Be human. Be relatable. Experiment. Show people who you are.” He then linked to this post from Mr. Brandt-Lee which has racked up more than 3.2 million views.
WCU’s Sciences & Engineering Center and the Commons (SECC) building. The campus’s newest, biggest, and priciest building - can now add a new adjective, LEED Gold Certified. Last week, people from all across the WCU community celebrated the accomplishment. “A lot of careful planning went into ensuring that this building met sustainable construction practices,” WCU Sustainable Director Bradley Flamm shared in his office’s weekly sustainability bulletin.
All West Chester High School Cheerleaders. For the first time in many years, representatives from all three West Chester high schools will be competing at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Cheer Nationals in Orlando, Florida. To celebrate, last month all three high schools participated in a "Nationals Send-Off Showcase" at Rustin. Each cheer team had the opportunity to showcase their Game Day routines in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Cheer Nationals start today - our local athletes may be giving it all at this very moment - and continue through the weekend. Find more information on specific performance times and how to watch here.
West Chester Public Library and West Chester History Center. The West Chester-based nonprofits received $20,000 and $25,000 respectively from the Fred Beans Automotive Group. The money will be used to bolster educational outreach such as the library’s summer reading program. The donations were made through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program. This is a tax abatement program that allows eligible businesses to receive tax credits for contributing to qualified educational programs. Last year, Pennsylvania voted to increase contributions to the program by $150 million or up to $500,000 per company.
Henderson’s Girls Basketball JV Team. The junior Warriors were undefeated this year. They ended the season this week with an impressive 16-0 record.
WCU’s Athletic Training Program. WCU announced it is sending a record number of interns to the NFL this year. While they have placed interns in the past, never four at one time. The Golden Rams will be represented in the following NFL lockerrooms - Kansas City, New York Jets, Buffalo and Washington.

Hello.

Two years ago, we lent a couple of little athletes to an Athletes Untapped photoshoot. Now that are connecting kids with coaches across the U.S.

WCU’s “Big Ideas” Business Competition is back. Each year for the past decade, West Chester University has put the spotlight on entrepreneurship with a Shark Tank-style pitch competition. Participants share their ideas with local business leaders in three defined rounds.

First is idea submission, a short, written questionnaire that asks participants to define and defend their business concept. From there the top four ideas from each track - High school, WCU undergraduate, WCU Grad students, alumni, faculty and staff (basically all others with a WCU connection), and Startups (open to all Chester County residents) - are asked to create and produce a two-minute video pitch. Each video is reviewed and discussed by a panel of judges who select their top two from each track.

The competition then ends with a good old-fashioned, in-person presentation scheduled for April 17. Track winners will receive a $1000 prize, second place $500 and a grand prize overall winner will receive $2500.

According to a release shared by WCU’s Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center the competition “promotes creativity and idea generation.” It can also help to give new businesses the lift they need.

Previous winners include Nicole Gordon, founder of Nikigo, a soyless, soy sauce alternative, and Gene Williams, founder of Athletes Untapped. Athletes Untapped is an online platform that makes it easy for parents/kids to find a private sports coach who can help them meet their training goals. AU started three years ago with coaches in PA and NJ - now they pair young athletes with coaches in all 50 states and across ten sport or performance categories (although not yet all categories in all states.)

Interested in participating? Get out those whiteboards and start ideating. Initial submissions are due Feb. 26. You can find submission forms and more on what is needed here.

Also, it looks like it could soon be hello to some more live music. Tilted Axes on Hagerty Blvd. is building a stage.

“This project has been a long time coming and we plan on having live bands regularly and hosting more comedy shows,” they shared on Instagram.

And on a related note - have a band? Have a friend with a band? Tilted Axes is asking.

Finally, West Chester’s favorite undercover street artist is back with a new West Chester sticker - and it is fab-u-lous.

Goodbye.

The historic Faunbrook Inn goes up for auction on Feb. 15.

In a love story with a tragic ending, it may soon be goodbye to the Faunbrook Inn on the corner of Rosedale and Bradford Aves. The bed and breakfast goes up on Sheriff’s Sale on Thursday with a starting bid of just over $650,000 - or the outstanding debt on the property. Two years ago, it was on the market for $1.75 million.

Built in 1860 and designed by renowned local architect Samuel Sloan - he also designed Philadelphia’s Kirkbride’s Insane Asylum, Faunbrook was once the home of West Chester notable, Smedley Darlington. Mr. Darlington and his family used to host the town’s Fourth of July fireworks displays from his property overlooking the Brandywine Valley. That was 1867.

Then sometime around the end of the twentieth century, the family estate was converted into a bed and breakfast. In 2008, Lori Zytkowicz purchased the property and took over inn management and breakfast duties (reportedly her favorite part of the job). Last summer, at the age of just 51, she passed away from cancer leaving the property unattended and debt ridden. However, it may not yet be too late for a happy ending.

If you too delight in cooking breakfast for strangers, this charming 7200 square foot Victorian with 10 bedrooms, 10+ baths, two fountains, a pond, a waterfall, and countless stories could be yours for a steal.

You can read the sale notice here. Shoutout once again to West Goshen Sunshine for her superior snooping skills.

Also, note that Penn’s Table will be closed through Feb. 13 for some much-needed recharging. Doors reopen on Feb. 14.

And finally, say goodbye to any lingering attempts at a healthy eating resolution.

West Chester Restaurant Week menus are out.There are now 25 restaurants participating in the week-long event that begins Feb. 25.

Also, out? 9 Prime’s opening week menu - as printed below.

Japanese Wagyu, Scottish Angus and USDA Prime beef

Wet and dry-aged steaks

Additions: Lobster tail, King Crab and bone marrow; Sauces: Béarnaise, Lobster Butter, Truffle Butter and Brandy Au Poivre

Shellfish Towers

The Teller: Oysters, Clams, Shrimp, Tuna Tartare, Truffle Sauce, Lemon, Cocktail Sauce

The Vault: Whole Poached 1.5 lb Lobster, 12 Oysters on the Half Shell, 6 Top Neck Clams, Shrimp Cocktail, Cold Poached Mussels, Ceviche, Tuna Crudo

Burrata Smoked Tableside

Tomato Jam, House Smoked Pancetta, Toasted Pistachio, Balsamic, Sweety Drops

Australian Lamb Chops

Red Wine Braise, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Gremolata

Pan Roasted Branzino

Sicilian Eggplant Caponata, Salsa Verde

Duroc Heritage Pork Chops

Charred Broccolini, Pistachio Romesco

Cap your meal with a selection of classic desserts including Baked Alaska, Tiramisu, and New York Cheesecake, and four different varieties of Espresso Martini. Cheers.

Pay It Forward.

Consigning is strong in West Chester. “Just thought this was newsworthy. We were able to donate $45,000 to the community in 2023,” Melissa Bailey of the Women’s Exchange shared with me last week.

I would agree. Not only is $45,000 an impressive sum in its own right it represents a record figure for the S. Church St. consignment shop that celebrated its 80th anniversary last year. That’s right, West Chester residents have been snatching up hidden gems from downsizing neighbors since the end of WWII.

This year earnings went to support the work of Community Volunteers in Medicine, Denney Reyburn, the West Chester Fire Companies, Friends Association, Good Fellowship Ambulance, Maternal and Child Health Consortium, Melton Center, Safe Harbor, West Chester Food Cupboard, and the West Chester Public Library.

Looking to make your own difference? Prepared to Thrive could use your help. PTT is a Chester County organization that helps provide essential baby and children's items to families in need - and right now there is a need.

“We have so many pregnant moms and new babies looking for clothing and gear...please help us spread the word!” they shared last week on social media.

Well your wish, is my shoutout. If you can help, they are looking for clothing - especially for infant girls, diapers, wipes, play mats, bouncers, walkers, high chairs, baby carriers, and feeding pillows. Donations can be brought to their Exton Mall location on Saturday between 9:30 and noon or dropped off anytime at Executive Director Megan Wing’s West Chester home. Email her at [email protected] for the address.

And a few Pay it Forward reminders:

West Chester Parks and Rec is accepting band submissions for this year’s Turk’s Head Music Festival through Feb. 16.
Uptown Performing Art Center is hosting its annual fundraising gala on Feb. 17. Tickets are $125.
Act in Faith is holding a Painting for a Cause fundraiser at the Chester County Art Association on Feb. 25. Tickets are $50 and include painting supplies, wine, and snacks. All proceeds go to support Act in Faith.
Chester County Community Foundation is back with its Sweet Charity Fundraiser on Mar. 5. Tickets are $125. I heard 16 (!) local chefs have already signed up to participate in this year’s competition.

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

Feb. 14: An Evening of Love Songs

Feb. 17: Light Up the Night Gala

This Valentine's Day spend the evening falling in love with the sweet vocals of Calli Graver. Then celebrate another year of Uptown at the annual Light Up the Night Gala. Get your tickets today! Click on the images above for a performance preview.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

It’s a love and pizza weekend - or a love of pizza weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? I finally got myself into a 9 Prime preview. We’ll be stopping by tonight. I am excited to see what all the fuss is about - and if it’s warranted. I’ll let you know. Then we’ll be cheering on the boys (and likely wiping away a few tears) as junior basketball playoffs begin. Oh, how the drama starts early.

If you are around this weekend, WCU’s choir is hosting a free concert tonight featuring a little bit of everything from Bach to the poetry of Emily Dickinson. Tickets are not needed, just show up at the Madeline Wing Theater at 7:30 p.m. Then on Saturday, Tilted Axes has a kids-throw-free event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - two kids free with the purchase of one adult throw. Plus, there are a lot of end-of-the-season sales going on right now. I saw 40 percent off floor shoes at Fairman’s and Tish is giving an extra 20 percent off the lowest price, but I bet if you took a little walk you’d find more..

Plus, Valentine’s Day is Wednesday. Dia Doce is back with a mini cupcake box - the love potion sounds delish. $20 - pick-up only. Orders must be received by noon Monday. Your love more savory than sweet? West Chester Pizza Cafe is ready to oblige with a heart-shaped pizza.

And this week a very special thank you to this week's Community Sponsor, TG Customs. With experience working on railroads, boats, campers, and, of course, vans, Seth and Hillary are an HGTV renovation show come to West Chester. Check out their Instagram feed to catch all the amazing transformations. You heard the groundhog, spring will be here soon!

TG Customs

Proudly located in the borough of West Chester, TG Customs builds custom camper vans and trailers for clients locally and throughout the country. At TG Customs we believe in the power of detail. We work closely with each customer to build their adventure vehicle. Stop in and see what we are working on!

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Business owners: Want exclusive access to this amazing community? Of course, you do. Ad space is open for 2024!! Send me an email if you are interested.

Get your annual subscription now! We are getting there but there are still a few of you who have not paid for this year’s subscription. Don’t make me scrub these lists. Subscribe below either through the link or use Venmo. ($12 gets you a year of fun, excitement and clean eating. That’s like a quarter an issue.)

Plus, new perks coming for verified subscribers - like text delivery. (Hopefully that will eliminate any spam issues! Stay tuned!)

Sign Me Up for the Year!

Mark your calendars:

Feb. 9 - In Love With Broadway, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy an enchanting evening filled with the most iconic Broadway love songs. Tickets: $30 in advance, $35 at the door
Feb. 9 - WCU Choir Concert, WCU Madeleine Wing Theater, 7:30 - 9 p.m. Featured music includes Bach’s motet Komm, Jesu, Komm with strings, Emma Lou Diemer's uplifting setting of Emily Dickinson's poem There Is a Morn for Us Unseen, and the first complete performance of American composer J.C.D. Parker’s majestic cantata St. John with orchestra in over 125 years. This is a free event. Tickets are not required.
Feb. 9 - Roux Comedy Club, Artillery Brewing Co. (333 Granite Alley), 8 -9:30 p.m. Tickets $15 online; $20 at the door. Headliner: Shawn Banks
Feb. 9 - Dia Doce + Cathey's Coffee Date Night, 100 S. High St., 6 -7 p.m. It's four cupcakes paired with four coffee cocktails. $60/couple. Nevermind. It's sold out.
Feb. 10 - Pine + Quill's Galentine's, 23 N. Walnut, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Enjoy shopping discounts, refreshments, and design your own earrings with LoveLeigh Craft Co. No registration required.
Feb. 10 - Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre, WCU's Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 7 p.m. Heralded as "a Cirque show with animals!” Popovich is an award-winning, family-oriented act that features stunning animal tricks. Tickets start at $15.
Feb. 10 - First Ladies of Rock & Soul, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy timeless classics by The Supremes, Ronettes, Shirelles, and more! Plus, Bill Haley Jr. and The Comets. Tickets: $40 - 45
Feb. 11 - Valentine's Day Floral Workshop, Mayday Coffee Shop, 123 N. High St., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Learn to create a floral arrangement with Mayday Head Florist Linda Craig. Sessions run 1.5 hours. Tickets: $105
Feb. 13 - Peirce & Henderson Orchestra Concert, Henderson, 7 p.m.
Feb. 13 - Bingo, West Chester VFW, 837 Lincoln Ave. West Chester., 6 p.m. No entrance fee. Pay by the card. All proceeds go to support VFW Auxiliary 106.
Feb. 13 - Girls Night Out, True by Kristy, 16 S. Church St., 4 -8 p.m. Complimentary bubbly and refreshments, Tarot card readings, and, of course, jewelry. No registration required.
Feb. 16 - Turks Head Cafe Comedy Night, 8 p.m. Featuring comedians Katie Graham, Kirk Griffiths, Maddie Cooper, Josh Martier. SOLD OUT
Feb. 16 - 17 - 2024 International Trumpet Festival, WCU Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m. Concert events planned for both Friday and Saturday night. Tickets are not required for Friday's event but will be needed for Sat. Visit WCU Events for details.
Feb. 17 - West Chester Growers' Winter Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The market is open rain, snow or shine.
Feb. 17 - Verses of Change: A Black History Month Poetry Competition, West Chester Public Library, 2-5 p.m. Present a favorite poem by a Black poet (or read one of your own poems related to Black History.) Snacks and drinks will be provided. Winners will receive Wawa gift cards! This is a young adult event. Registration required.

Psst. Like to plan? Check out the Calendar page for even more events.

That’s it. Stay safe, stay healthy, and I'll see you next week!

Oh, one more thing, if you think one or more of your friends would like Hello, West Chester, too, please forward this newsletter and tell them to come and join us.