Matines (early morning prayer bells) is now open in the former GSI Bath Showplace on Lancaster Ave. near the Whole Foods in Wayne.
No need for Frère Jacques to ring those morning bells – the Main Line is already making its way to Matines.
Talk about a new café hitting the sweet spot.
For starters, it’s authentically French. Husband-and-wife owners were born and raised in Paris and Chef Sophia Bourgogne hails from Montpelier in southern France. With 60 seats, Matines’ Wayne is triple the size of the Chestnut Hill original, a hit since its 2022 debut.
Matines’ owners are Parisian imports Arthur and Amanda Debruc. Each had a parent who loved to cook. Before emigrating to the U.S. 10 years ago, Amanda (à la Emily in Paris) worked for a top French advertising agency while Arthur worked in art galleries and sold Smart cars. “Amanda is down to earth; I’m the dreamer,” Arthur shares. “It’s a good balance.”
Second, the understated décor is delectable. Bistro tables, ornate gilt mirrors, plaster medallions and herringboned plank floors all evoke Gay Paree but feel homey. (Arthur Debruc was an art history major and it shows.)
“We want to be an extension of your house – that’s what I want people to feel when they come here,” Arthur explains.
To encourage chitchat, tables for two are close together. “You can meet your friends or you can meet new people,” Arthur explains. “If you’ve been to Paris, this will ring a bell.”
Everything is prettily presented.
Arthur Debruc pours Green Mango Peach Tea Forté tableside.
And finally, the food. It’s all scratch-made and cooked to order.
“We’re not a restaurant and we’re not a bistro,” says Arthur. “We want to keep it simple, good, well-presented and serve it fast.” Order at the counter et voilà, it’s whisked to your table – ideally in 10 minutes.
On the menu (Note to artistic eyes: the menu’s sections mimic formal French gardens.):
- Beverages: La Colombe coffee drinks, hot and iced Tea Forté teas, and gourmet hot chocolates $2.25 – $4.75, plus assorted waters, sodas and juices. Or do it up with $9 – $12 mocktails or “Bring Your Own Bubbles” for Mimosas and Bellinis – a carafe of juice, garnishes, ice bucket and champagne flutes – $14 for two.
- Breakfast sandwiches – oven-baked scrambled egg iterations on croissants, baguettes or surprisingly tasty gluten-free bagels – $12 – $15.
- Quiches (Lorraine or artichoke) $15 – $16; Sourdough tartines $15 – $16; Sandwiches (we tried and enjoyed the Versailles) $13 – $15; Salads, soups, small plates and boards from $12.
- “Sweet Corner” fruit, parfaits, croissants, crepes and Belgian waffles $8 – $12; Petite kids meals $9.
There’s a full catering menu and the Debrucs hope to open for BYOB dinners after testing the evening waters with pop-ups. The first is “An Evening In the Alps” Raclette dinner with live music on December 5.
For Francophiles, Matines also peddles a wide array of goodies, gifts and stocking stuffers très charmantes – a plus petite French version of the Eagle Village mainstay, A Taste of Britain.
A fresh touch: The Flower Mama’s floral stand:
Matines French Café & Market, 757 Lancaster Ave, Wayne, 215-866-4383, [email protected], is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. BYOB welcome. Prix fixe “Evening in the Alps” Raclette cheese-and-charcuterie dinner Thursday, Dec. 5. Four courses, a glass of wine and live music for $60pp. Reserve via email: [email protected].
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