Main Line Top 100 2009

ML (most-loved) 100 JULY/AUGUST 2009 By editor • July 7, 2009 •

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True love is hard to find, so the song goes. But here on the Main Line, we’ve found there’s more than enough to love, from unforgettable dining at Blackfish to blueberry picking at Linvilla, from one one-of of-a-kind moonbounce workouts with Platoon Fitness, to decidedly sinful desserts at Cupcakes Gourmet. In fact, once we start mentioning things we love ve about this region, it’s tough to stop. So, we bring you, in no particular order, 100 of the most-loved loved people, places and things that make the Main Line what it is. 1 Forget prescription drugs! The ultimate antidepressant just might be a trip to the bey beyond ond-gorgeous Terrain at Styer’s, the Urban Outfitters-owned, owned, way way-more-than-a-garden garden center in Glen Mills (914 Baltimore Pk., 610610 459-2400). 2400). So worth the drive for brunch in the cafe, a visit to the new farmer’s market, a monthly girls’-nightgirls’ out cocktail party or gift-shopping shopping in the home store, Terrain is officially our happy place. 2 While we’re still waiting for the “skinny” part to take effect, we are looking more and more like Pat Croce since we’ve started slurping Skinny Water, the hottest thing to co come me out of Bala Cynwyd since the pickle bar. Now if only they would offer a Pretty Water, we’d be all set. 3 So apparently, the peasants were fairly annoyed with Marie Antoinette’s alleged line, “Let them eat cake.” Well, we’re guessing the peasants hadn’t yet been to Cake, the unique cafe at Robertson’s Flowers (8501 Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill, 215-247 247-6887). 6887). Inside the former greenhouse, they serve up brunch, lunch, occasional dinners and, yes, plenty of desserts. 4 The most fun and the most pain we’ve ever experienced in an exercise class come together at AirCorp by Platoon Fitness, (888-752-8666), 8666), where total body workouts are done on the equipment at BounceU (882 Springdale Dr., Exton, and 99 Brower Rd., Oaks). The unique, must-try try workout is as fun as it is grueling, and you can even bring the kids to play in a separate, supervised inflatable area. 5 Not only does outspoken Save Ardmore blogger Carla Zambelli crack us up with her musings on all things Main Line, but ut watching her throw down over Haverford billboards billboards—while while a hundred not-sonot staid Mainliners cheered their support support—was was the best time we had since we saw that catfight at the Lilly warehouse sale. 6 Our search for Mr. Right is over. His name: Adam, as in Ad Adam am Lippes, the New York fashion designer behind Bryn Mawr’s newest boutique (ADAM, 831 Lancaster Ave., 484 484-380-3099). 3099). The fashion-forward fashion shop—only the third one in the country—features features bold, art art-inspired inspired prints and flowing frocks for her and chic, polished, polishe edgy looks for him. This is true love.

7 There’s nothing like al fresco dining. Yet, looking out over an idyllic parking lot doesn’t quite cut it (no matter how scenic you may think your BMW 5 Series is). That’s why we love the new deck at Firecreek Restaurant + Bar (20 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, 610-269-6000), romantically lit by flickering gas lamps and the moonlight reflecting off the Brandywine Creek for the ultimate dinner-date destination. 8 Sometimes, you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. Take Majolica restaurant (258 Bridge St., Phoenixville, 610-917-0962) for example, which closed (sigh), then re-opened (yay) this spring with a retooled, more casual menu including an affordable $25 three-course weeknight prix fixe. Andrew Deery’s grilled octopus with feta and olives, lamb sirloin with green garlic risotto and roasted shiitake, and Earl Grey ice cream with shortbread and lemon curd? Possibly the perfect meal. 9 A must-see stop on the “forgotten Main Line” tour, the Cynwyd Heritage Trail along the old rail path from Cynwyd Station to Manayunk, soon, we hope, to be a cycling thoroughfare, is without doubt the coolest way to venture into the city. Yes, even cooler than in your Maserati with the flame decals on the sides. 10 It’s goes against all acoustic sciences, but for some reason music just sounds better outdoors under the stars. That’s why we’re so grateful for the outdoor concerts our local townships our offering. Seriously, what municipal government brings you concerts by Jill Sobule and Chris Smither? Check out Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts presented by Lower Merion Parks and Rec (9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-864-4303), and Upper Merion’s Concerts Under the Stars (175 W. Valley Forge Rd., King of Prussia, 610-265-1071). 11 If there are two things we learned from local rap sensation Asher Roth’s hit song “I Love College,” they are: (1.) He had way more fun in college than we did and (2.) we really should have gone to West Chester University after all. For putting the trivia of suburban life on the hip hop charts—and making West Chester sound surprisingly edgy—Roth makes our list. 12 When John Young started showing movies in his backyard in 2005, he had no idea it would grow into our region’s first mobile drive-in. Now, West Chester’s Guerilla Drive-in has about 80 devoted followers, for sitespecific, rain-or-shine showings of movies like Caddyshack (at Tee It Up Golf), Ghostbusters (at uber-haunted Fort Mifflin), Repo Man (at an impound lot) and even Antarctic horror flick The Thing, (outdoors in January, in the snow). Young shows the 16 mm films with an old school projector rigged to his 1977 BMW motorcycle, and screens made from bed sheets, or whatever’s handy. Oh, and there’s a catch: To find out where the movies are being shown, you have to first find a hidden radio transmitter in West Chester with a secret code. The radio’s called the MacGuffin, after a Hitchcockian term for a plot device. “I’m not that normally that much of a film nerd,” Young insists. Right. (guerilladrivein.com) 13 She’s saved more Main Line marriages than imaginable, and helped countless others navigate their way to a better place on the Today show. Dr. Judith Sills, (135 S. 19th St., Philadelphia, 215-557-7940) the bestselling author of books like Excess Baggage and The Comfort Trap and relationship/life/love guru extraordinaire, would have had Tony Soprano straightened out by the end of season one. You don’t even have a secret mafia life, so just think what she could do for you. 14 Capogiro, we still love you, but we have to admit, we’ve been cheating. When we’re out in the Kennett Square vicinity, we can’t help but stop in at La Michoacana, (231 E. State St., Kennett Square, 610-444-2996), the Mexican ice cream shop with flavors like avocado, rice pudding, corn with cinnamon and chili-mango. If it’s wrong, why does it taste so right? 15 We were hoping for a little Latin-style passion in our lives. Well, we never did find a well-muscled man named Renaldo. But we did discover LuLu’s Nossa Casanova, the new Latin food spot at the Ardmore Farmer’s Market (Suburban Square, 484-572-0452) where gorgeous trays of chicken in mole sauce sit alongside colorful stuffed peppers and fire-roasted skirt steak. Now that’s amor.

16 The economy is lousy, but your hair doesn’t have to be. We can’t believe the amazing deals at Salon True (29 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, 484-572-8783), where a cut and single-process color together will run you just $75. Maybe recessionista isn’t just a made-up word after all 17 Warning: If you’re easily seduced by gorgeous presentations of exotic cheeses and charcuterie, fresh baked goods, homemade pastas, rich sauces and delicious prepared foods, it’s probably best if you don’t set foot inside Talula’s Table, the much-lauded gourmet market. Our most-loved finds: the exclusive bottle-your-own olive oil imported by Marc Vetri, and the take-away cheese boards with ever-changing cheese selections and accompaniments. (102 W. State St., Kennett Square, 610-444-8255) 18 As much as we love the same dinner-and-a-movie date night we’ve had going the last decade or two, sometimes change is nice. Our new favorite date: the weekly “Ocho Loco” dance parties and monthly Tango Hops at the inviting Tango 411 studio, (119 Gayley St., Media, 610-565-0300), where you can take a lesson and then dance the night away. 19 You say, “Menace to society.” We say, “Aww.” Nothing could make deer-spotting at Valley Forge Park lose its charm for us. Driving through the wide-open landscape studded with antique structures and dozens of grazing deer is one of those experiences that makes us remember what’s so great about nature in the first place. 20 We love high-end kids’ stores, but sometimes they seem a little too pristine for, you know, kids. That’s why we love Nurture, (19 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, 610-649-0424). They have loads of fabulous clothing, toys and baby gear, but also classes like “Artfully Messy,” a down-n-dirty art workshop where toddlers can act like, well, toddlers. 21 When it comes to the Bryn Mawr menswear shop Pants, the name says it all. What metrosexual guy wouldn’t pant over 7 for All Mankind, Simon Miller and AG jeans, Art of Shaving grooming and Splendid Ts? We’re just grateful to have finally found solid proof that there is a middle road between an Armani suit and torn Wranglers. (931 Lancaster Ave., 2nd Fl., Bryn Mawr, 610-527-6900) 22 When it comes to seriously strong role models on the Main Line, we have to hand it to decidedly badass PINKarate founder Liz Durning, who is skilled enough to hold a Fourth Degree Black Belt under World Champion Joe Lewis yet patient enough to teach self-defense to hordes of giggling four-year-olds. Girls of all ages flock to Club La Maison (215 Sugartown Rd., Wayne, 610-964-8800) not just for the pretty pink uniforms, but for Durning’s mix of martial arts, self-defense and girl power. 23 In days when even kids’ garage bands come in a kit, we can’t get enough creative activities. Enter Sweet Mabel, (41 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth, 610-667-3041), the funky little Narberth folk art gallery where classes for kids (and adults, too) include everything from found object art to mosaic-making. 24 Caring about the environment may be totally trendy now, but Riverbend Environmental Education Center (1950 Spring Mill Rd., Gladwyne, 610-527-5234) has been doing it since 1974. Their camps, classes and weekly nature clubs are a fun, approachable way to get kids involved in the great outdoors. 25 So Paul Green has made it to the Main Line with his famed Paul Green School of Rock Music. But the Music Training Center (145 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, 610-645-7750) was here first, and their rock band camps still tend to blow parents away, turning a bunch of kids into a performing band in just one week. 26 What’s the point in venturing into the great outdoors if you don’t look great while you’re there? Don’t answer that. Instead, head to Wayne’s newest, coolest gear shop, Out There Outfitters, (123 N. Wayne Ave., 610-688-6383) with rugged Patagonia attire in every color, plus products by Mountain Hardware, Camelbak, Barbour and more.

27 It’s not officially summer until that first trip to Linvilla Orchards, (137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media, 610-8767116), the sprawling destination for pick-your-own fruit, homemade baked goods and kid-friendly attractions like a petting zoo and hayrides. Head over during the Blueberry Festival on July 11 with music, children’s games and lots of blueberry treats. 28 Is it just us or was the recent closing of Susanna Foo in Center City only bittersweet, given the fact that now Mainliners will have the luminary of Asian fusion cuisine all to ourselves. We’re excited not only for many more dumpling samplers at her Susanna Foo Gourmet Kitchen (555 E. Lancaster Ave., 610-688-8808) but also the promise of cooking classes and demos with Foo herself to come in the near future. 29 One of our favorite things about summer on the Main Line is heading to the Hills—the Belmont Hills community pool, that is. Light-years ahead of your parents’ community swimming hole, this decidedly cool place to splash around, complete with a pint-size waterpark, is the next best thing to a day at the beach. (122 Mary Waters Ford Rd., Bala Cynwyd, 610-668-2411) 30 With a name like Khaki, Gramercy Boutique owner Khaki Young was clearly born to go into fashion. And she doesn’t disappoint with her Spread Eagle Village store, (503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, 610-420-3074) a Manhattan-on-the-Main-Line shopping experience with lines like Thread Social, KAGE handbags, Dakota Martin and Calypso. Young’s Manhattanite social circle keeps her in the know with all the season’s hottest finds. 31 Narberth has more than a few hidden gems, and one of our favorites is Maido, (36 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth, 610-747-0557), the surprise Japanese grocery store tucked into an unassuming basement space. We love stopping by for the odd Japanese sodas and candies, take-away sashimi from the cooler, unusual Japanese produce or a quick lunch of yakisoba or okonomiyaki. 32 Our favorite spot for a rainy day play-date has to be the new Chestnut Hill Little Treehouse Play Café (10 W. Gravers Ln., Chestnut Hill, 215-247-3637). Who knew that lattes and free wi-fi could be found in concert with a slew of wooden toys and other kid-friendly objects? And, well, the BYOB part doesn’t hurt either—even your rugrats look kinda cute after a few glasses of Merlot. 33 Those who insist you can’t eat your way to happiness clearly haven’t tried the miraculous baked goods from Cupcakes Gourmet, (288 Lancaster Ave, Frazer, 484-318-8057), the seriously sweet two-year-old cupcakery that’s now shipping desserts nationwide, with flavors like banana chocolate chip, strawberry shortcake, carrot cake and triple chocolate ganache, and decorations ranging from pretty fondant ribbons to swirls of buttercream. They even make totally wedding-worthy tiered arrangements of cupcakes studded with flowers 34 We’re so used to things being over-hyped, it’s fairly shocking when something actually lives up to all that talk. But that’s what we’ve found at Blackfish in Conshohocken, where the Iron Chef-style Monday tasting menus, which focus each week on a different single ingredient like porcini mushrooms or asparagus, offer reason to return again and again for total culinary bliss. (119 Fayette St., Conshohocken, 610- 397-0888) 35 Sometimes, we want our dining experience to be elegant and refined. At other times, we only want to shovel rice and kimchi into our mouths without judgment. At those moments, there’s no place like H Mart, (7052 Terminal Sq., Upper Darby, 610-734-1001), worth the trip to Upper Darby to marvel at the massive pickling devices and to dine at the food court, where bargain meals like bibimbap and Korean steamed buns are as authentic as it gets. 36 OK, so the myth of the fictitious “Johnnie” is a little odd, but Johnnie’s Dog House, (11 Louella Court, Wayne, 484-582-0151) founded by Berwyn’s Todd Chusid, is anything but. With veggie, turkey or beef dogs representing diverse American hot dog culture (think the Texas Tommy wrapped in bacon, deep fried and

topped with cheese or the Boston dog with baked beans and onions), plus ice cream floats, fries and a retrofabulous look, no wonder this home-grown franchise is hitting the big time. 37 You’re sophisticated. You’re cultured. But sometimes you just want see a guy poke another guy in the eye. In that case, there’s no place like the Stoogeum, (904 Sheble Ln., Ambler, 267-468-0810), the free, appointment only museum that revels in the masters of the low brow, with hundreds of pieces of Three Stooges memorabilia and footage. 38 We haven’t met many cookies we didn’t like. But we downright love West Chester-based Cookies a la Main’s (610-348-1697) adorably stylish offerings like Yves St. L’Orange and Oat Couture, the perfect gift for others (or for yourself). 39 Loaded with handmade goods like our fave, the screen-printed Gorilla Cop T-shirt (you have to see it to understand), original artwork, knitwear, knitting gear, and tons of KidRobot stuff, the more-or-less year-old Revue Boutique & Gallery (138 E. Gay St., West Chester, 610-918-4902) is must-see shopping for one-of-akind finds. 40 Where can you find a huge selection of vintage and used bicycles (100-plus on any given day) and get a free lesson on cycling history from the penny-farthing through women’s liberation? There’s pretty much one place: Dan Henderson’s word-of-mouth- and Craigslist-propelled home-grown bike emporium, MAAD Bicycles (610789-7710) in Havertown, where you can try out solid vintage Schwinns, Raleighs, Ross, Diamondbacks and others, tuned up and ready to ride. 41 “It’s time for Botox.” “I want a divorce.” Some messages just come off nicer if you put them on a cake. And Clay’s Creative Corner Bakery (700 Lancaster Ave., Berwyn, 610-647-2119) has the perfect design to match any statement, from a buttercream tree filled with bright birds and bees on a vanilla round cake (“Wanna make babies?”) to frosted cream cheese beach-goers atop a summery strawberry shortcake (“Enough with the tanning already!”). Think of Clay’s icing artists as your communications team. 42 Sometimes, we just want a guy who’s good with his hands. No, not like that. We’re talking handy, in the way your hedgefunder husband probably is not. In that case, our main man is Carmen LaSorda, (610-476-6330) who, in addition to being Tommy LaSorda’s cousin (bonus-ish?), is the go-to guy for all construction jobs, large or small. He’s efficient, affordable and has a way with a saw. Clean gutters, pure heart—isn’t that how the saying goes? 43 Not only does The Handwork Studio (35 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth, 610-660-9600) have adorable sewing, knitting and now even “Passion for Fashion” classes for kids and teens at four different locations, but they’re also adding a charitable bent with a homegrown organization ConKerr Cancer, which provides soft, colorful pillowcases to pediatric cancer patients. During the school year, they offer Sunday morning parent-child pillowmaking sessions; and over the summer, all campers have a chance to make pillowcases, too. 44 Some vintage stores are hit-or-miss. Not Malena’s Unique Boutique, (145 W. Gay St., West Chester, 610738-9952), which is practically guaranteed to have gorgeous Gucci scarves, Hermes attire, Chanel purses and way more in stock. Owner Malena Martinez, a Pratt fashion grad, has an uncanny ability to find rare treasures at this local go-to for gear from the 1920s through ‘80s. 45 Newsflash: Last season’s designer gear isn’t just for your nanny anymore. At a fraction of the original cost, designer duds at Petunia’s,(22 Ardmore Ave., Ardmore, 610-649-4005), the decidedly chic new consignment boutique, look great to us. With what you save, you can go to lunch at Neiman’s and then some. 46 That the Main Line has caught Philly’s beer snobbery fever is apparent; and Teresa’s Next Door (126 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, 610-293-9909) is one of the latest symptoms. With more than 25 beers on tap and hand

pump, including a variety of Belgian brews, plus a menu loaded with mussels, frites and gourmet pub fare, it’s an instant favorite for beer geeks and those seeking respite from the Villanova bar scene. 47 Lisa Scottoline has a dark, twisted mind. And we like it. The maven of murder mysteries just released her latest book, Look Again, putting the Mainliner and former lawyer’s total number of page-turning thrillers at 16. Keep ‘em coming. 48 Despite all the latent Georgia O’Keeffe associations—or, perhaps because of them—there’s something incredibly exhilarating about a visit to the orchid room at Longwood Gardens (1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, 610-388-1000) where thousands of orchids from around the world form curtains of blooms. Seeing so much beauty all in one place, well, it reminds us of that time we got lost in the Hall of Mirrors. (Who knew we looked that good from all angles?) 49 Everyone loves sparkling new bling, but truly fine vintage pieces can be even better. That’s why we love Joyce Groussman, (360 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, 610-660-0250), whose amazing estate jewelry offerings include rare vintage Chanel and Bulgari pieces, not to mention Lalique home accessories and more. 50 The Main Line is full of charming anachronisms, and one of our favorites is the genteel Germantown Cricket Club, (411 W. Manheim St., Philadelphia, 215-438-9900), with it’s sweeping expanses of green lawns, historic brick buildings and prepped-out, white-clad (by club rules) sportsmen. How we do love a good dress code, darlings. 51 Everyone loves sparkling new bling, but truly fine vintage pieces can be even better. That’s why we love Joyce Groussman, (360 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, 610-660-0250), whose amazing estate jewelry offerings include rare vintage Chanel and Bulgari pieces, not to mention Lalique home accessories and more. 52 Who says you need to schlep to Chinatown for authentic Szechuan fare? Han Dynasty begs to disagree! Fiery dishes like hot pepper chicken and cumin-crusted lamb draw fans for miles to these unassuming sister eateries, including a new spot in Royersford. (260 N. Pottstown Pk., Exton, 610-524-4002; 70 Buckwalter Rd., Royersford, 610-792-9600) 50 Sometimes going all the way to a salon for a blowout is just too trying, dumpling. No wonder industry veteran Melissa LaLiberte has become a favorite of perfectly coiffed Mainliners for her at-home hairstyling services. Now, LaLiberte is opening a home of her own, Salon 31 (31 Rittenhouse Pl., Ardmore, 610-6428600), featuring all the standard salon services. 51 While we’d never suggest anyone try to turn their kid into the next Chase Utley, for kids who do have a gift for baseball you want to give them all the help they can get. We suggest Phillies’ scout Hank King’s grandly named backyard baseball training center, The Kingplex, (116 N. Limerick Rd., Limerick, 610-489-0589) where kids and teens learn to prepare for college and even life as a professional slugger. 52 The staff at Pilates for Movement (34 Summit Grove Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-581-0288) don’t want to hear about Piloga, yogilates, or any other bastardization of their discipline. The teachers of “authentic” pilates, in their recently upgraded studio with state-of-the-art gear and a chic exposed brick look, offer everything from toning and conditioning to therapeutic classes. Teacher Moss Cohen, who himself has Parkinson’s Disease, even spearheaded a program for Pilates to help others with Parkinson’s. 53 OK, Mainliners, calm down already with your freaking Guardhouse (953 Youngsford Rd., Gladwyne, 610649-9708). It’s on the list, OK? Some rave about the Old Guardhouse Inn’s bar scene, others go for the threecourse, $30 weeknight prix fixe menu, and still others just because that’s where you’ve been going for 30 years and why mess with a good thing. Us? We go for the weinerschnitzel.

54 Is Blue Bell on the Main Line? It is if we can claim newcomer and much-loved Phillie Ryan Howard, the first baseman and hard-hitting slugger who recently purchased a property there. Welcome to the neighborhood Ryan! And if you’re looking for a Little League team to coach, we have an idea. 55 We love our normal yoga and cardio classes—but we always wanted a class to offer both. That’s why we were so excited to discover the new Focus Fitness of the Main Line, (1111 E. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610525-5515), where YeS classes combine a half-hour of brutal spinning with a half-hour of restorative Vinyasa yoga, for a total body workout that never gets boring. They also have just-for-boys, just-for-girls, pre-natal yoga and way more. 56 So Capogiro Gelato—sweet nectar of the gods—is one thing, but in Philly, gelati means something else entirely: a gloriously down-home concoction of water ice and ordinary ice cream. Narberth regulars love the quirkily pleasant ICE Cafe (106 Essex Ave., Narberth, 610-667-6423) for being one of the few places to get youse selves a gelati, along with paninis, cappucinos and other cafe fare. 57 When we said you should try to get out more, we weren’t suggesting spending Friday nights at the new LEGO Store (The Plaza at King of Prussia, 610-337–3203). Nonetheless we can see the appeal: an inviting build and play area where kids can run amok, frequent workshops, and all the plastic blocks you can handle. 58 Feeling pins and needles normally isn’t a good sign. Unless, of course, they’re administered by Kate Pietrowski, (Acupuncture for Health, 285 Adams Rd., King of Prussia, 610-825-7027) the acupuncture guru who’s known for her work on everything from infertility to chronic fatigue to the side effects of chemotherapy. She’ll stick it to you—in a good way. 59 Sometimes, we want a restorative massage, but we don’t feel like taking it all off. Then, it’s time for a revivifying Thai massage at the all-business Kneady Muscles (14 Thomas Ave., Bryn Mawr, 484-432-8131), with deep tissue action, stretching and all sorts of miraculous moves that somehow repair our decrepit bodies. 60 Maybe the recession killed snobbery. Or maybe we just want to relive our college days. Whatever the reason, Mainliners in search of a night out are flocking to Kelly’s Taproom (1107 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-520-9344), where happy hour specials favor $2 Bud Lights and a $250 Mug Club membership gets you $1 domestic pints for life. Now that’s love. 61 It ain’t exactly Napa, but the tasting room at Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pk., Chadds Ford, 610-3886221) is the best you’ll find in these parts. You can taste a few wines for free or buy the $7 souvenir glass and try out as many as 10 of Chaddsford’s current vintages, making it the most buzz for your buck on the Main Line short of crashing a Villanova kegger. Oh yeah, and it’s much more refined. Our summertime favorite: the Sangri-La Sangria, a sweet, pre-mixed wine punch perfect for backyard barbecues or bringing to Chaddsford’s Friday night concert series. 62 Sometimes, we take natural beauty for granted. But it’s impossible when you find yourself stepping into a Wyeth painting at the Kuerner farm in Chadds Ford. Andrew Wyeth passed away this year, but his granddaughter Victoria still offers refreshingly irreverent tours of the galleries of his work at the Brandywine River Museum (U.S. Route 1, Chadds Ford, 610-388-2700); and you can tour illustrator and artistic patriarch N.C. Wyeth’s home and studio. 63 When it comes to proletarian pleasures, nothing beats strapping on a pair of shoes that at least 300 other people have stuffed their smelly feet into, grabbing a 10-pound ball and hurling it down a wooden alley. Except, perhaps, singing Bon Jovi songs in the ultimate karaoke showdown. Now, these two simple joys come together with all the awesomeness of Rock ‘N’ Bowl at Wynnewood Lanes (2228 Haverford Rd., Ardmore, 610-6427512), complete with DJs or live music, fog machines, music videos, rowdy teenagers and more on most weekend nights.

64 We know you’d never bother to exercise if it wasn’t exclusive. Even your ice skating rink is members only. But there’s an old saying: some of the halfway decent things in life are free. Among them: the tennis courts at Radnor High School (130 King of Prussia Rd., Radnor). Nine courts, some lit at night, many of them un-spoken for. Sounds like a plan to us. But, hey, if you’d rather pay for it, go right ahead. 65 Whether it’s endless entertainment for little ones or an elegant backdrop for a wedding, the Please Touch Museum at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park (4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, 215-581-3181) is one of our favorite recent additions to the neighborhood. We love the antique Dentzel Carousel with its 1,000plus lightbulbs and restored horses and the wacky Statue of Liberty arm and torch made from old toys, not to mention all the kid-friendly exhibits. 66 We already love Art+Science (4259 Main St., Manayunk, 215-482-2242) for their luxurious yet affordable Aveda spa treatments and quality coiffs, but we’re even more enamored now that they’ve moved into their sleek new green building, a wind energy-powered, tankless water-heated, low VOC-painted space decorated with sustainable materials, where even the excess hair is recycled into mats used to clean up oil spills. That kind of beauty is more than skin deep. 67 Not everyone can afford a shopping spree at Neiman’s, but lunch in the airy Zodiac Cafe is a wonderful way to pretend. After filling up on designer eye candy downstairs, a light salad is the perfect follow-up—especially when meals include Zodiac’s signature fresh, air-weight popovers with strawberry butter. Finish deliciously: try one of the Eclat chocolate truffles with caramel centers. (The Plaza at King of Prussia, 610-354-0500) 68 From the super-hoppy Hop Wallop and HopDevil India Pale Ales, to the dark, strong Storm King Imperial Stout, Victory Brewing Company (420 Acorn Ln., Downingtown, 610-873-0881)

has made a name for itself among aficionados for its top-quality brews. Their half-gallon, resealable, reusable growlers just might be the ultimate in green home drinking, and a great deal, with refills starting at $7. 69 What do you have to do to please a picky Mainliner? Apparently, just give a perfect mani-pedi with a back massage thrown in for free—just like they do at Venus Nails (219 Haverford Ave., Narberth, 610-660-6180). The go-to girl is Clarabelle, the polished master of all things enamel. 70 It’s a little kinky, we know, but we’re suckers for men in historical re-enactment gear. Maybe that’s why we dig the historic Brandywine Battlefield, Route 1, Chadds Ford, 610-459-3342), the legendary site of the largest engagement of the Revolutionary War, where annual re-enactments are a must see (at least once in your life) addition to the museum and tours available. 72 We never really thought we’d find ourselves thanking Bam Margera of Jackass fame for anything. But, here goes: Thanks for bringing us The Note (142 E. Market Street, West Chester) a cool new music venue to West Chester, and with it some notable artists we never thought we’d see on that side of Route 202 (along with the Geator and an array of tribute bands). So, good job on that. Now, just please stop terrorizing your parents. 73 From Miss Scherling to Scot Sax, there’s something for just about everyone at Milkboy Coffee, (2 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, 610-645-5269; 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-527-0690), the much-loved local coffee shop with great sandwiches and lattes, live music, original art on the walls and an array of open mic nights. We love the interactive kids’ music performances and the singer-songwriters who stop by for intimate concerts. 74 Whenever we ask our neighbors who put in that gorgeous swimming pool, that incredibly natural looking pond, that over-the-top outdoor fireplace or that inviting deck, the answer always seems to be the same: Outerspaces, (1604 E. Lancaster Ave., Paoli, 610-226-5362). The Paoli firm specializes in clean, striking

designs ranging from a modernist, 45th-floor Philly roof deck to a naturalist Chadds Ford bio-filtered swimming pool. 75 His father designed Dwight Eisenhower’s bomber jacket, golf’s green Master’s coat and Grace Kelly’s riding britches. So, yes, Bob Ermilio, of Ermilio Clothiers, (642 Haverford Rd., Haverford, 877-462-7030), is kind of a big deal. This third-generation spot for custom equestrian wear, formalwear or high-quality everyday duds is a Main Line legend. 76 Not only is the Chester County Book and Music Company one of the largest independent book store in the country with 261,000 titles and a much lauded “heard on WXPN” music section, but their New Orleansinfluenced Magnolia Grill cafe beats your average Barnes & Noble Starbucks by a mile. (975 Paoli Pk., West Chester, 610-696-1661) 77 There’s something about Abbe. She knows how to fit a woman for a swimsuit, and she’s not afraid to share her opinion. Which is why we love Abbe’s Place (4355 Main St., Philadelphia, 215-487-2332), where brutal honesty is served up alongside designer swimwear, from Lisa Curran to Shoshanna and everything in between. Walk in and the staff will size you up, strip you down, and have you beach-ready in no time. Waxing not included. 78 The worst part of moving or downsizing isn’t so much the heavy lifting—come on, we have people for that—it’s the sifting through decades of junk and detritus you’ve stored up in spare rooms, closets and basements. That’s why you have to love Sheree Richnow of Richnow Lifestyle Transitions (829 Lincoln Ave., Suite 3, West Chester, 610-563-5640). She’ll clean up your house (or just your closet), organize the clutter, stage a house for sale, give away or sell all the excess stuff to vintage stores, collectors and auctioneers, and coordinate your move. 79 Finally, you can enjoy your Nantucket vacations guilt free, (and without pulling a Paris), knowing that Fifi, too, is in the lap of luxury. The new Family Pet Resort (3921 Miller Rd., Newtown Square, 610-325-PAWS) is the Four Seasons of dog hotels, with orthopedic Kuranda dog beds, daily linen service, fresh bottled water, bedtime tuck-in, grooming services and more. 80 We love the sleek urban look of Margaret Kuo’s upstairs bar and Akari room (175 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, 610-688-7200). But what’s even better is when we can get dishes that are tough to find even in Chinatown. Kuo offers the much-sought-after shabu-shabu, a DIY hot pot with udon noodles, thin slices of beef, vegetables and tangy Japanese sauces. 81 From the “Only on the Main Line” department comes a strange but true piece of info: Lower Merion ladies who don’t dare lunch are basically living off of the turkey from Ceriello’s at the Ardmore Farmer’s Market (Suburban Square, 610-649-3941). The all-natural and fresh-sliced turkey goes for a hefty $11.99 a pound. And it goes great with the Main Line’s one other acceptable lunch food: a dirty martini. 82 As much as we love Wegman’s, there’s nothing like shopping at a real farmers’ market for fresh, local produce and foods. That’s why we love the Phoenixville Farmers’ Market, (Bridge Street & Taylor Alley, Phoenixville, phoenixvillefarmersmarket.org), a Saturday morning, producers-only market offering fresh, freerange eggs; pastured, steroid- and antibiotic-free bison, chicken, beef, lamb and pork; cheeses and yogurts from Birchrun Hill and Shellbark Hollow farms; organic fruit butters; local honey and beeswax products; fresh fruits and veggies and homemade bread. Plus, there’s live music and a children’s craft area. 83 Damn you, evil shoe temptresses at Vivi G, with your heels by Kate Spade, Diane Von Furstenburg, Michael Kors, Betsey Johnson and Emilio Pucci, with your Rebecca Minkoff and Botkier bags and your Stephen Dweck Jewelry. Fortunately, this fab new shoe-and-more store in Glen Mills (587 Wilmington Pk., 610-459-5848) has also brought back layaway (although, for your ego’s sake, they’re calling it Fashionista Financing.)

84 We know talking pizza is dangerous territory. After all, everyone has his favorite slice. Ours just happens to be a crispy, saucy, cheesey slice from the wood-burning oven at Felicia’s Pizza Kitchen (18 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, 610-649-6900). We love that we can choose between gourmet (clam, garlic and mozzarella white pizza) or an old-school double-pepperoni pie. 85 Everything old is new again, and so it’s no surprise that handycrafts like needlepoint are seeing a revival. The best place for a stitch-’n’-bitch session: Wayne’s Stitch Haus, (110 S. Wayne Ave., 610-688-2726) where they offer patterns and yarns in all colors and designs, plus classes ranging from beginner to advanced. 86 Some places seem like they’re just reserved for those in the know. One happens to be the fabulous Cafe Fresko (1003 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-581-7070). Classic Greek food gets a gourmet update at the family-run BYOB where chef-owner Demetri Pappas churns out fresh Athenian cavattelli with shrimp, spinach, tomato and feta, and indulgent feta-crusted New York strip steaks. 87 Competitive dodgeball, kickball, wiffleball and darts? Any sport that involves just as much beer as it does sweat is OK by us. That’s why we dig the Manayunk Sport and Social Club (manayunksportandsocial.com), with loads of events and leagues guaranteed to make you feel like a kid again. 88 Truly devoted sushi fans will travel far for their dojo. In this case, the spicy tuna rolls in question are not in Center City somewhere, but the unlikely Bluefin, a sashimi mecca in a bland strip mall (1017 Germantown Pk., Plymouth Meeting, 610-277-3917). The Marlee roll, with spicy yellowtail and flakes of tempura, and the misomarinated cod are worth the trip. 89 Many films have been made in this region, none so noted for realism and emotional depth as The Blob. OK, maybe not, but it’s a classic and so is Blobfest Phoenixville’s annual, beyond-campy tribute to all things Blob with screenings, costume contests, a street fair, short film competitions and, our fave, the re-enactment of the mob running out of the Colonial Theatre (227 Bridge St., Phoenixville, 610-917-1228). 90 When we want to get our face did, there are few people we can trust. That’s why we’re fans of Haig & Co. (401 City Ave., Bala Cynwyd, 610-668-5373), where the brutally honest Alan Gold and the outrageous Anatoly have mastered the natural-but-better look, matching Haig’s pitch-perfect cut ‘n’ color. 91 Who says all the best design centers have to be closed to the public? The shiny new Paoli Design Center, (1604-1616 E. Lancaster Ave., Paoli, 610-644-4100), with showrooms by Volpe Tile, Baltic Leisure, Outerspaces, Lighting by Design and Audio Video Consultants is our fave place to fantasize about home improvements. 92 Breast cancer is a scary thing, but Lankenau oncologist Dr. Marisa Weiss (100 Lancaster Ave., Wynnewood, 610-645-2433) has made it less frightening not only for her hundreds of patients, but also for thousands of women who have visited her non-profit web site Breastcancer.org, the top online clearinghouse for information about the disease, treatments, side effects and more. The latest science and a healthy dose of compassion is Weiss’ treatment plan. 93 The most-loved reason to venture into Overbrook has to be the intimate PSALM music performances, small “salon” settings for musicians ranging from WXPN regulars like Phil Roy to Randy and Marianne Sutin’s jazzy “mediations” for flute and percussion, to local singer-songwriter Birdie Busch, to country music notable Steve Fox. The venue, in an old Overbrook Farms mansion, is delightfully quirky but acoustically excellent. (5841 Overbrook Ave., Philadelphia, 215-477-7578, thepsalm.org/psalmsalon) 94 Until we came to the Main Line, we never knew ice skating could be a socialite’s calling. Thus, the Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society, (220 Holland Ave., Ardmore, 610-642-8700, pschs.org), the

nation’s oldest figure skating club. But, more than a private club, it’s home to some champion ice dancers, and this summer’s host of the U.S. Collegiate Figure Skating Championship. 95 So she might not have as much notoriety as some of the flashier Main Line real estate mavens, but while sitting at the helm of Prudential’s Bryn Mawr office (763 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-527-0900), Maxine Goldberg has had a mighty hand in some of the area’s most important McMansion transactions. With more than 25 years in the industry, she’ll make selling or buying a home as painless as possible. 96 Lower Merion Conservancy, we like that you make a big to-do over things no one else even knows to think about. You save cool historic mansions and antique street signs alike, you take us on nature walks, you lobby the township, and you do it all with flair. Way to go, guys. (lmconservancy.org) 97 Not only does The Camera Shop (572 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-527-0300) sell shiny, pretty, professional-quality SLRs, mega zooms and other pieces of equipment that can make your photos look amazing no matter what your skill level is, but their classes are a great way to make sure all that equipment doesn’t just sit in a closet somewhere. Get the picture? 98 We must admit that we don’t venture into nature as often as we’d like. But when we do, we prefer our nature to be perfectly kempt, à la the Morris Arboretum (100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, 215-247-5777). Even better, we like our nature avant-garde, and the arboretum delivers just that this summer with a breathtaking new site-specific sculpture, The Summer Palace, by internationally renowned artist Patrick Dougherty. 99 Forget the long haul to the sports complex. We love the fact that we can hit up Bloomingdale’s in King of Prussia and then be at the Philadelphia Freedoms home court stadium (The Court at King of Prussia, 302-7744238) in a matter of minutes, since the stadium is oddly—yet awesomely—located right in the mall parking lot. Tennis greats like Serena and Venus WIlliams, Andre Agassi, Anna Kournikova and Joe McEnroe all play right here, proving Billie Jean is still King. 100 See it while you can! The Barnes Foundation. (300 North Latch’s Ln., Merion 610-667-0290), isn’t gone yet, and all those Cezanne, Matisse and Renoir works are still as gorgeous as ever at one of the world’s most idiosyncratic art galleries. What could be more Main Line than that? n

Section: July/August 2009 • LIFESTYLE • Print Editions Tagged with: ML 100 © 2009 MAINLINE.