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West Chester is THE place to grab a meal or a cup of coffee -- or a baked good, a slice of pizza, a drink, or chocolate ... Thankfully the list goes on and on, which is part of the amazing diversity in cuisine that West Chester offers. Our small community has big city flavor!
This month we are highlighting an old friend and a new one. Taco Mar has been a staple in downtown West Chester since 2017. This authentic Mexican restaurant brings the flavors of Mexico right to our town. We had the opportunity to sit down with owner Danny to find out what inspired him to open the restaurant and learn about their exciting expansion!
We also stopped by the new Bookstore Bakery! This unique shop combines two of our favorite loves - books and gourmet baked goods. This isn't your run-of-the-mill bakery. Owners Jonathan and Jessica have spent years honing their culinary craft to deliver decadent desserts that will make your mouth water instantaneously.
There are so many food and drink-related options to highlight in our magazine and we will continue to share more each month. We want to know what your favorite locations are to eat, drink, and gather in West Chester. Send us your top choices and we will highlight them in future issues.
We encourage you to go out in West Chester and discover a new place downtown that you haven't been to before. Check out one of the new coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants. Support our local business owners. They work hard to make our community the diverse and special place we call home!
DOUGLAS MCDERMOTT, PUBLISHER
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Douglas McDermott
douglas.mcdermott@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jamie Agamalian | jamie.agamalian@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jamie Agamalian, Bookstore Bakery, Taco Mar
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Branden Cooper
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
Learn
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Bookstore Bakery
484.354.2131
Yori's Church Street Bakery www.yorisbakery.com/ | 610.344.9674
The Master's Baker www.themastersbaker.com/ | 610.436.9888
Dia Doce Gourmet Cupcakes www.diadoce.com/ | 610.476.5684
Rose's Little Donuts www.roseslittledonuts.com/ | 484.623.6688
Shop
Lorenzo and Sons Pizza www.lorenzoswestchester.com/ | 484.999.8756
Bravo Pizza www.bravopizzawc.com/ | 610.430.7770
Riggtown Oven www.riggtownoven.com/ | 610.431.3900
Benny's Pizza www.bennyspizzawc.com/ | 610.696.0754
Patelmo's Pizzeria www.patelmospizzeria.com/ | 610.918.0100
Taco Mar www.tacomar.com | 610.455.1400
Rey Azteca www.reyaztecawestchester.com/ | 484.947.0917
Más Mexicali Cantina www.masmexicali.com/ | 610.918.6280
Taco Maya www.taco-maya.com/ | 484.301.3610
El Limon Taquerias www.ellimontaquerias.com/ | 215.377.9557
Gryphon Coffee Company www.gryphoncoffee.com/ | 484.983.3909
Twin Valley Coffee www.twinvalleycoffee.com/ | 610.286.6500
Lacava Coffee Company www.lacavacoffee.com/ | 610.620.5543
Mayday Coffee www.maydaycoffeeshop.com/ | 445.888.1155
Turks Head Cafe www.turksheadcoffee.com/ | 610.241.1666
Market Street Grill www.themarketstreetgrill.com/ | 610.429.5328
Two Birds Cafe www.twobirdscafewc.com/ | 610.222.6200
Nudy's Cafe West Chester www.nudyscafes.com/locations/west-chester/ | 610.696.4550
Roots Cafe www.rootscafewc.com/ | 610.455.0100
Penn's Table Restaurant www.pennstable.com/ | 610.696.0677
ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN
For authentic Mexican food in West Chester, look no further than Taco Mar.
Located on Gay Street in the borough, Taco Mar was born from a love of flavors found in Baja and Southern California. Having lived in the San Diego area for 25 years, owner Danny Alka and his family relocated to Chester County in 2005. What they missed the most from their California home was the flavors found in their food; the true authentic chilis and spices commonly used in traditional Mexican cuisine. The Alka family knew it was time to share these flavors with the West Chester community.
To bring these flavors to West Chester, Danny and his team went to Mexico to learn from Luis Trejo, a master chef in Mexico City. With Trejo as their consultant, the Taco Mar team tasted flavors from Baja to Sonora to Guadalajara and beyond. The salsas are crafted using chilies, peppers, and spices found in the Guadalajara region. The tortillas of the amazing burritos that Taco Mar is known for are made from a timeless recipe they discovered in Sonora. The flavors found in the state of Puebla in Mexico are strongly woven throughout the Taco Mar menu. It is true authentic Mexican food!
Taco Mar translates to “sea taco” in Spanish, which sets the bar high for their seafood. As you can imagine, Danny and his team surpass that bar making fresh Baja-style fish and shrimp tacos daily. These tacos are the top of their most wanted menu items from their customers. In addition to the seafood taco items, the house burritos and street tacos are also incredibly popular dishes among the community.
Part of the difference that separates Taco Mar from other Mexican restaurants in the area is their kitchen. Everything is made fresh using locally sourced ingredients from West Chester farmers and other local business owners. They make their tortillas, pico de gallo, and guacamole daily.
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When you order from Taco Mar, it might take a little longer to get your food than from other Mexican restaurants. This wait is worth it though, because every order is being prepared fresh and made to order. If you have food allergies, the kitchen will prepare your meal as needed. If you are gluten-free, make sure to let the kitchen know. They can fry your freshly made tortilla chips in a dedicated fryer. These extra steps show the commitment that Danny and his staff take to ensure your meal will always be fantastic.
Taco Mar wouldn’t be what it is today without the West Chester community. Danny shares that it is the diversity of West Chester that makes the restaurant what it is.
“West Chester is great and so diverse,” says Danny. “It has it all here. From blue-collar to white-collar workers, young and old, students and faculty, everyone comes together from all different backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. It is a fabulous community. West Chester is a little picture of America right here!”
Danny shared that the community really shined during the pandemic. This is when his regular customers showed their love and compassion to make sure that they stayed open throughout the ordeal.
“The love, compassion, and loyalty we experienced was amazing,” he said. “People accepted all of our protocols. They ordered more often to support us and tipped above and beyond to help us stay in business. Our customers were protective of us and we are forever thankful to them. We are here for them now, because of the kindness they showed us then!”
Since its opening in 2017, Taco Mar has grown tremendously and now includes two additional restaurants. The Downingtown location opened in 2023 and the Malvern location opened just a few months ago. Both locations are family-run and doing incredibly well. They are hoping to have two more in the Main Line in the coming years for a total of five Taco Mar restaurants.
If you haven’t had a chance to check out Taco Mar, now is the time. It is well worth a visit to any of the three locations. Whether you dine in or do take out, you are in for a treat and will be counting down the days (or hours) until you can dine with them again.
Visit tacomar.com to get their hours, view their menus, and to order online.
BOOKSTORE BAKERY UNITES THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS FOR READERS!
This isn’t only a dream job; it is what we are good at.
Earlier this year, Bookstore Bakery opened its doors in downtown West Chester and the community couldn’t be more excited! Combining a love of reading and baking, owners Jonathan and Jessica have created the perfect pairing for the local residents.
Nestled along Gay Street, this cozy shop beckons for passersby to step inside. With books on display in the window and the sidewalk chalkboard marquee telling customers what specials await in the bakery, Bookstore Bakery is the perfect way to spend some time in the borough. This shop is something that has been a dream of Jonathan and Jessica’s for a while.
The couple previously lived in New York where Jonathan studied poetry at Brooklyn College and Jessica attended the Culinary Institute of America to become a pastry chef. They had both worked in the service industry for their whole careers; however, a short stint in the office world scared them away. They moved to West Chester and never looked back.
“The idea didn’t take too much thought and it was probably our lack of creativity that led us to open Bookstore Bakery,” said Jonathan. “We stuck to what we know. This isn’t only a dream job; it is what we are good at.”
Jessica’s strength as a pastry chef is showcased in the treats that await customers each day. The store is known for its Iced Chai and Portuguese Egg Tarts, but customers will also find on rotation desserts such as strawberry creme puffs, muffins, cookies, scones, cheesecakes, and creme brûlée. There are gluten-free and vegan options available as well. In fact, their vegan banana muffins are a crowd favorite!
Now that fall has arrived, you can expect to find apple muffins, ginger cookies, banana pudding, and pumpkin cheesecake in the bakery rotation. These
items are perfect to ‘grab and go’ to eat at home while you’re curled up with your new book.
“Our cozy space is small and intended for takeout. However, it is not uncommon for our guests to stick around and chat. We want our guests to feel like family. It is totally okay to come in to just browse and have a friendly conversation,” said Jonathan.
Books of every genre line the shelves with new books arriving weekly. It’s not uncommon to find a signed copy of a book from local authors who stop by the shop to say hi. If there is a book you are looking for, but it isn’t in stock, simply ask Jonathan to order it for you. While you’re in the store, make sure to check out the poetry and cookbook sections, which happen to be curated by the resident chef and poet!
Their space might be quaint but that doesn’t mean that they can’t put on a big show. Bookstore Bakery partners with local organizations to host author readings and signings. Not only do they provide the books, but they also provide the baked goods too. It’s a great way to have a one-stop shop provide everything for your event.
Speaking of events, if you have a special event on the horizon, ask Jessica to cater it for you. They are now doing food orders, including delicious birthday cakes.
“Our cakes are homemade from scratch,” said Jonathan. “We don’t use preservatives, artificial flavors, or artificial colors. All of our decorations are done with natural dyes.”
Jessica and Jonathan are glad to be part of the vibrant community of West Chester and enjoy meeting new residents daily and seeing old friends too. They love getting to know everyone and the friendliness they portray when you first meet them is genuine!
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West Chester is our home. We love being able to walk to work and seeing our neighbors in our shop looking for a bite to eat.
“West Chester is our home. We love being able to walk to work and seeing our neighbors in our shop looking for a bite to eat,” said Jonathan.
Make a point to stop by the Bookstore Bakery when you’re downtown next. In fact, we suggest making a special trip just to meet Jonathan and Jessica. If you’re not sure what type of book you’re looking for, Jonathan
will happily offer a few suggestions and Jessica is sure to have a tasty treat waiting for you!
Bookstore Bakery is open Tuesday through Sunday 8 am - 4 pm. Follow them on Instagram at bookstorebakerywc to stay up to date with their newest treats and reads. Bookstore Bakery is located at 145 W. Gay Street and they can be reached at 484-354-2131.
The Perfect Recipe For Some Autumn Comfort
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 eggs
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a mixing bowl, add the flour, baking soda and baking powder, spices, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine the oil, butter, and vanilla in a liquid measuring cup.
4. In a mixing bowl (with a paddle attachment), beat the pumpkin, sugar, and eggs until combined.
5. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the liquid ingredients. Let this process take about 1 to 2 minutes so the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
6. Using a spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet and slowly fold until the ingredients are blended.
7. Prepare a 10 x 5 loaf pan by buttering it really well and then adding a strip of parchment paper to the bottom and up the sides for easy removal.
8. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 1 hour. The bread will be fully risen in the center, like a loaf. Make sure it’s fully cooked and brown on the top otherwise it will fall in the middle once removed from the oven.
ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN
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Do The Monster Mash With These Fall-Focused Cocktails Perfect For Halloween Festivities
• 2 ounces cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane rum, silver rum can be substituted)
• 1 ounce Galliano liqueur
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce brown sugar & cinnamon syrup
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
• fresh nutmeg
Combine all ingredients except for the nutmeg in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Strain through a mesh fine strainer into a martini glass or other decorative glassware without ice. Shave fresh nutmeg over the top as a garnish and enjoy!
• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur
• 1/2 ounce Frangelico liqueur
• graham crackers
• marshmallows
Combine all ingredients except for the graham crackers and marshmallows in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Crush graham crackers in a plastic bag to make a fine powder. Coat half of a martini glass with your crushed graham crackers and strain your cocktail into the coated martini glass. Layer the top of the drink with marshmallows and toast with a crème brûlée torch. Enjoy!
• Milk
• Mint cocolate chip ice cream
• Halloween Oreos
• Gummy worms
Crush 5-8 Oreos inside a plastic bag. Layer the bottom of a glass with half of the crushed Oreos to make a nice base. Add 2-3 scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream and fill the rest of the glass with cold milk. Add another layer of crushed Oreos to float on top. Finish with 2-3 gummy worms around the top and enjoy!
• 2 ounces bourbon
• 1/2 ounce brown sugar & cinnamon syrup
• 2 dashes of orange bitters
• 5 candy corns
Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin. Muddle the candy corns inside the shaker tin, add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Strain through a fine mesh strainer in an old fashioned glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with a piece of candy corn on top of the ice cube and enjoy!
Wellness isn’t about restricting — it’s really about giving. Giving to yourself and to your body in a way that allows them both to thrive. The cool part? The things that give to your body naturally give to your mind, your hormones, your earth, your relationships, and so on — it’s all beautifully interconnected in that way. Eat your greens, cook at home, choose local produce and quality meats, don’t be scared of healthy fats — but also support local farmers, move in a way that makes your body and mind feel good, prioritize times of mindfulness and stillness.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 6 oz. filets of wild caught salmon
• 1 Tbsp. avocado oil
• 1 Tbsp. coconut aminos
• Zest and juice from one lemon
• 1 Tbsp. stone ground mustard
• 1 4 oz. container coconut yogurt, unsweetened
• 2 Tbsp. fresh dill, minced
• 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and minced
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1. Marinate the salmon in the lemon juice, coconut aminos, and stone ground mustard for up to two hours.
2. Drizzle salmon with avocado oil, sprinkle with salt and ground pepper, and broil on high for five to seven minutes, until cooked to desired temperature.
3. Mix coconut cream, lemon zest, dill, capers, and ground pepper together.
4. Top salmon with coconut cream, serve with roasted or sautéed veggies, brown or cauliflower rice, or fresh greens. Enjoy!
OCTOBER 4TH
October First Friday 2024
Downtown West Chester | 5:30 PM
Head to Downtown West Chester for First Friday! This month is the Fall 2024 Gallery Walk, which celebrates the thriving community of artists and galleries that make greater West Chester their home.
OCTOBER 5TH
Saturday Morning Kids Craft
118 N High Street | 10:00 AM
Bring your kiddos to Nightingale Materials every Saturday morning between 10am-1pm and let them explore their creative side! No sign up needed, just walk-in!
OCTOBER 5TH
Chester County Day
Throughout Chester County | 10:00 AM
The 83rd Annual Chester County Day will be held on Saturday, October 5 from 10am to 5pm. As the longest-running historic home tour in the country, Chester County Day has much to offer by way of history, architecture, landscape, and interior design.
OCTOBER 23RD
West Chester Halloween Parade
Downtown West Chester | 6:00 PM
Join in the fun at the annual West Chester Halloween parade, featuring marching bands, dance groups, community groups, and more. Rain date is Oct 24th.
OCTOBER 24TH
3rd Annual Oaktoberfest with Oakbourne Advisors
Bierhaul Townhouse 15 N Walnut Street | 4:30 PM
O'zapft is! Join us on October 24 for Oaktoberfest with Oakbourne Advisors at Bierhaul in Downtown West Chester! This will be a fun Octoberfest style event with food, beer & great company!
OCTOBER 25TH
WCU’s Homecoming & Family Weekend 2024
West Chester University | 5:00 PM
From October 25 – 27, West Chester will host families, alumni, students, faculty and staff, and community members for a weekend full of programs, athletic events, school spirit, and lots of fun!
