On a Roll

Sampling all of the borough’s best foods served between slices of bread. This Month: Market Street Grill

It really doesn’t get any more West Chester than the Market Street Grill. At noon on a Monday, it’s boisterous and bustling—business types on their lunch break slide into booths with colleagues and order massive salads, and families with a day off wrangle kids climbing over the backs of their chairs. Sure, part of the high traffic is that it’s Monday, and many other lunch spots are closed, but mostly it’s just the usual Market Street energy.

Our server, Anthony, doesn’t hesitate when I ask for the best menu item that comes on a roll. “The Liam,” he says and his whole face lights up. With an endorsement like that, there really aren’t any follow-up questions necessary.

The Liam is a Market Street staple. Its main attraction is a signature combination of chorizo sausage crumbles and sliced andouille sausage. The chorizo brings the kick and the smoky, salty presence, while the andouille fires up the Cajun flair that inhabits many of Market Street’s creations. A ribbon of chipotle mayonnaise and swath of provolone cheese mingle between the roll and the rest of the filling. Sauteed onions and green peppers—a requirement for any type of sausage sandwich, let’s be honest—blend with the sausage crumbles and discs, serving as the perfect bridge to the gentle zest of the chipotle mayonnaise.

Like all the sandwiches at Market Street, a choice of either chips or housemade pasta salad rounds out the meal. I chose the chips for a little less food on a busy afternoon, but their pasta salad is a treat when I’m not in a time crunch.

The Roll

The Liam comes on one of my favorite rolls of all time, which is Amoroso's Italian roll. (This is not hyperbole—I would probably choose a farm-fresh fried egg, spicy mustard, and hot banana peppers on an Amoroso’s long roll as my last meal, should the situation arise.) Since 1904, Amoroso’s has been turning out their signature

"hearth-baked" bread and rolls, which their website boast “never see the inside of a pan and are free to form their own individual ‘personalities’ in the oven.” With a hearty, chewy crust and pillowy inside that absorbs just the right amount of sauce or juice without getting soggy, this is a great choice to showcase how the creamy chipotle mayo melts into the provolone and sits between the meat and bread.

Not in the Mood?

Both our host, Ava, and Anthony enthusiastically endorsed the pickle-brined chicken sandwich, which my dining partner chose. It is a light, delicious spin on the ubiquitous breaded chicken sandwiches around town these days. The coating is delicate and toasty, with a smear of chipotle ranch. A sweet, delicate brioche bun sets off the flavors of the chicken without being distracting. Lettuce and tomato round out the fresh crunch of the sandwich.

And there you have it: a two-for-one endorsement at Market Street Grill.

Form & Function

Exploring

Jaco Taco

Jaco Taco, situated right in the center of town, specializes in Mexican food and has a deliciously fresh juice bar. The general manager is Sophia DelVescovo, who has been with Jaco Taco since her family opened their doors 10 years ago. I recently spoke with her and learned all about what makes this place such a popular spot to enjoy a meal, as well as the fun and festive atmosphere that makes it feel like home.

Right when you walk in you are greeted by friendly smiles from the staff, the buzzing of conversation and laughter, and that small-town vibe where everybody knows everybody. Sophia explains that their staff is like family, making it one of the most enjoyable aspects of being in Jaco Taco. The upbeat atmosphere and bright visuals are complemented by audio that will make you linger, including disco, 80s, or classic rock music playing; you can tell by the accompanying easy chatter of the staff that they enjoy the steady flow of fun.

The restaurant was designed by local (and Sophia’s stepmother) Kristen DelVescovo, who is a talented textile designer and artist. And that’s readily apparent. With its brilliant displays of fruit murals on the walls and the vivid colors in the restaurant’s art and furnishings, the place will transport you to a warm and tropical setting.

There is purpose put into all the beautiful and versatile textures in the space, from rustic wood surfaces, the bright tiles creating a border along the wall, and the metal accent along their bar front. Sophia explained their main goal was to have a variety of textures and elements that work together to give life to the homey environment of Jaco Taco. Stay and eat, with its multiple seating options for both large and small parties, or you can take it out. You can’t miss their bright orange awning above their popular street-side service window for easy ordering and take-out service.

As fun and colorful as the setting is, the food keeps people coming back, with everything prepared fresh daily. At the juice bar, the PBJ, Island in the Sun, and Brookehouse smoothies are big crowd pleasers, and the Mean Green, C-Baby, and Pineapple Express delicious juice favorites. As for the food, you can’t leave without having the chips and guacamole. Sophia recommends the BACO, Tinga, and Braised Short Rib tacos. There are so many delicious items to select from, it’s hard to choose. You can find a bit of everything here, from “healthy” to “treating yourself.” It’s a great balance that the Jaco Taco team prides themselves on.

This place is constantly bustling with locals and regulars on their lunch breaks. It’s also a great spot for a casual meetup with friends and family. Jaco Taco is open from 7am-4pm every day, with hours extended until 5pm in the spring and summer. Breakfast is served all day, and lunch starts at 11am.

Sophia told us their motto is “Make it with love, make it healthy, make it quick” which is so symbolic of what this place makes you taste and feel when you are visiting.

story andrea mason @andreamasondesign photo ERIK WEBER @westchesterviews