6 new eateries to know about | Inquirer Lower Merion

Hi, Lower Merion! 👋

Restaurants and eateries continue to proliferate in the region, including two new dessert cafes, a bagel shop, a Jamaican patty joint, a rooftop bar, and a forthcoming Southern Italian spot that’s taking over a longtime staple. Also this week, the township is weighing the future of its aging parking meters, plus the latest on the district’s technology policy.

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A pair of dessert cafes have opened in Ardmore

Two new dessert cafes, Half A While and Mango Mango, have opened in Ardmore.

Half A While, which took over the former Kung Fu Tea space and is currently in a soft opening phase, specializes in cold-brewed teas as well as pastries and cakes with Asian influences.

It’s joined by Asian-inspired dessert chain Mango Mango, which dishes up desserts and teas that lean heavily on the tropical stone fruit.

Here’s what to know about the new additions.

Bala Cynwyd’s Aldar Bistro says farewell

Longtime Bala Cynwyd staple Aldar Bistro is closing its doors, with the owners selling to the two couples behind Gran Caffè L’Aquila in Center City.

They plan to convert the Lebanese restaurant into a Southern Italian-focused concept, complete with white tablecloths. Bruzi will dish up house-made pastas and a robust beverage program.

The Inquirer’s Michael Klein has the details.

🍽️ In other food news …

• Bart’s Bagels is now open at 273 Montgomery Ave. in Bala Cynwyd. This marks the third location for the New York-style bagel shop founded by brothers and Bala Cynwyd natives Brett and Kyle Frankel.
• The Jamaican Pattie Shop is now open at 107 E. County Line Rd. The Ardmore eatery is currently in a soft opening phase.
• Pomelo Rooftop Terrace is opening this weekend at The Brandywine hotel in Radnor, where it will serve shareable plates, a raw bar, and botanical-focused cocktails.

💡 Community News

• As the township’s parking meters age, commissioners are weighing next steps, from replacing them to phasing them out entirely, The Inquirer’s Denali Sagner reports.
• The township has been awarded nearly $400,000 from the state to modernize traffic signals and improve safety along Lancaster Avenue and Wynnewood Road.
• High-end bedding brand Boll & Branch opened over the weekend at 40 Coulter Ave. It’s one of a number of new stores at Suburban Square.
• Neighboring Upper Merion Township is looking to build a 7,500-seat sports and entertainment venue, possibly at 650 Park Ave., and is seeking state funding to support the project.

🏫 Schools Briefing

• The school board’s policy committee voted to advance updated technology rules earlier this week after shutting down public comment and moving to Zoom for the vote. The new guidelines, which scale back screen time for the youngest students, will go before the full board later this month, The Inquirer’s Maddie Hanna reports.

🎳 Things to Do

🎶 Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts: Steve Forbert, an early pioneer of Americana music, headlines this week’s show. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m. 💵 $25.88, free for kids 12 and under 📍 Bryn Mawr Gazebo

🚴 Ardmore Rock n’ Ride: Watch the race and catch live music at this annual event benefiting Narberth Ambulance. ⏰ Sunday, Aug. 9, races run from 10:15 a.m.-5 p.m., live music is from noon-7 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Downtown Ardmore

🎞️ The Princess Bride: Catch a screening of the 1987 cult classic. ⏰ Wednesday, Aug. 12, 7:15 p.m. 💵 $17.75 📍 Bryn Mawr Film Institute

🏡 On the Market

A Wynnewood Colonial with curb appeal

Situated on a corner lot near South Ardmore Park, this brick Wynnewood home packs a lot into a small space. The first floor has a living room with a fireplace, a dining room with a bay window, and a kitchen, while all three bedrooms are upstairs. One opens onto a covered second-floor deck, and there’s another covered patio out back. There’s an open house Saturday from noon to 2 p.m.

See more photos of the home here.

Price: $675,000 | Size: 1,408 SF | Acreage: 0.17

🗞️ What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week:

• 6abc’s Cecily Tynan discusses her surprise retirement, sealed after a brief bout with vertigo
• Doctor killed in Southwest Philly was driving for DoorDash to support wife’s medical career, family says
• Opinion: We are not part of Jalen Carter’s family, we shouldn’t care where LeBron lives, and other thoughts …

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