Branching out in West Chester
Olive Branch grows, while Nonna's, from the operators of Pietro's Prime, is being teed up.
Doings in West Chester:
Olive Branch (142 W. Gay St., 610-431-7141) is a cutesy BYOB from Jon Rusakov and Marie Cantatore. Breakfast menu includes breakfast sandwiches, waffles, eggs, and pancakes. Segues into tapas, salads, and sandwiches for lunch, and then adds a menu combining tapas-size and regular-size portions (short ribs, risotto, flank steak; prices top out at $22.95). Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Interesting BYOB policy; it offers virgin drinks but will offer a free splash of alcohol on demand.
The former Alberto's Trattoria at 116 E. Gay St. is being redone as Nonna's, a moderate-priced Italian with bar, from Marisa and Sean Powell of Pietro's Prime. Marisa Powell, from West Chester's Giunta grocery family, is hoping to open in mid-September. Chef Tami Oelkrug, a veteran of Dilworthtown Inn, has worked for the couple since Pietro's opening two years ago.