Dining out presents us with lots of choices, from our drink selection to the dessert that will leave a lasting impression of the meal. The Choice in Bryn Mawr, one of the newest dining spots on the Main Line, (located in the spot formerly occupied by Vgë Café), strives to make those choices easy by offering something for everyone.
Chef Hyvel
Chef Volodymyr Hyvel oversees the kitchen, utilizing several years of experience garnered at Nobu in London and BondST in NYC. Hailing originally from the Ukraine, he brings a no-nonsense attitude and an interesting flair of Euro-fusion and Asian cuisine, with a focus on highlighting specific flavor profiles.
The evolving menu at The Choice lists appetizers (colorful tartares dominate), salads (lobster, salmon and duck), and features a page of entrees that include black cod with miso sauce, creamy spicy shrimp (fried), Kobe beef steak and a must-try duck canton with a slightly sweet caramel and coffee-orange sauce.
Duck Canton
Side dishes, including rice, mashed potatoes and veggies, are a la carte. Chef Hyvel promises adaptive seasonal specials, like gazpacho, ceviche and pan-seared fish, as the ingredients become available. Prices are fairly consistent for a BYO in this area ($9–$30).
Chef Hyvel co-owns The Choice with his brother-in-law, Igor Hanushchak. The restaurant space took four months to be prepped, and it now includes an urban-esque color scheme, new flooring and modern light fixtures. The Choice opened in December of 2017 and social media feedback has been highly enthusiastic, so far, as locals become ardent supporters.
Iryna Hyvel (Chef Hyvel’s wife) cheerfully and efficiently tends to diners in the comfortable 40-seat BYOB. (FYI: She recommends the homemade chocolate meltdown for dessert.)
A short stroll from the popular Bryn Mawr Film Institute, this new spot is the perfect place for a before- or after-movie date. The Choice is open daily for lunch and dinner.
The Choice is located at 845 W. Lancaster Ave. in Bryn Mawr; phone: (484) 383-3230.
- Photos: Ed Williams
One Comment