Kildare’s in West Chester is a remarkably charming space. There are little nooks for cozy socializing. The bar is cleverly unobtrusive while welcoming and spacious. And the whole place just got rocked to its foundation. A short while ago, the Dave Magrogan Group spun off the West Chester location into worthy and waiting hands. Stalwart manager Dane Gray and partner Tom Farnesi are looking to heat up the already warm landmark. Add Gray’s wife, Stephanie, at the helm of the kitchen, and there is a bevy to sample as the local favorite gets a bump toward the next chapter.
A native Australian, Gray spent five years in Ireland and came to the states with a firm grasp of the pub life. Looking to focus on the “atmosphere and aesthetics,” Gray admited that they are “doing some touch ups and investing some money” to breathe even more life into the popular West Chester spot. What’s first on the agenda? A newly created bar space just outside the rear of the dining room is a prime location for night-time festivities and feasting. The outside bar, gilded with barrels from nearby Victory Brewing Company and reclaimed wood appointments, is just the start in remaking the spot. The goal is to create a fun, likable space. “You have to be more than just a business,” said Gray. “In Ireland, [the pub] is the hub in the community. We focus on more than just selling stuff.” With a nod to community involvement, Gray hopes to loop in a Thanksgiving meal for those in need, for instance, to the revived mission of Kildare’s.
The food coming out of Kildare’s inspired kitchen is the prodigal offspring of Chef Stephanie Gray. A Kildare’s veteran going back to the very start of the pub, the Culinary Institute of America grad is looking to bring the food to shine a new light through old windows. “I’ve been watching the town, and we can be known for the food.” She continued, “What’s kicking around in my head, well, West Chester is ready for.” Apricot-glazed pork belly skewer on mashed potatoes is one invention making its way to the front of the renaissance. “Bland, generic menus don’t do West Chester justice,” said the new owner. “[The] creativity in beer dinners—why isn’t our menu like this?” Fried fluffernutter rolls with nutella dipping sauce are one of the five new dishes premiering with the unveiling of the new leadership. Chef Stephanie was quick to point out, “We still have fan favorites. We won’t take them away—it’s not about that.”
The duo, along with partner and West Chester businessman Tom Farnesi are putting a shine on the already bright spot in West Chester’s appeal as a destination location. Ever evolving for its appeal in the abundance of dining and nightlife offerings, Kildare’s West Chester is reborn. What’s next coming out Kildare’s? The popular beer dinners continue as a partnership with Neshaminy Creek Brewing comes to life on August 5. And the menu from Chef Stephanie will continue to surprise. “We will work out what we don’t want to keep.” So far, the new path for Kildare’s is looking like an adventure along the bountiful West Chester restaurant scene.
Find Kildare’s at 18 W. Gay St. in West Chester; phone: (610) 431-0770.
Photo credits: Jim Berman
One Comment