I saw Blue Horse is out of business.

[Den]

I went by Blue Horse at the corner of 73 and Penlyn Pike yesterday and saw on the sign that they are now closed. Don't know whether it was the food or the economy. Being from the area, prior to Marabella's, that location has been a revolving door for many years. I guess being across from the BB Inn is what does it???

-----
Blue Horse
602 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422

[skardm]

I heard that Delmenico's opened this week.
Also heard that it is fantastic. Looking forward to trying it.

[givemecarbs]

Went past today and they were already in the middle of changing the sign. Didn't dare try to read it as the traffic was crazy. Must be dem Phillies!

[jujuthomas]

It says Delmonico's. had a red light this evening at the corner. ;)

[mitchh]

Juju,

It's actually Domenico's, but I can see how the sign could make it look like Delmonico's.

[jujuthomas]

Whoops! lol. :)

did you google Domenico's?

[jujuthomas]

found a hot jobs posting... no website tho.
Now hiring. New Restaurant in Blue Bell Area. All positions. Managers; Hostess; Bus-people; All kitchen staff; Chef; Servers; Pizza Maker. Experience a must!! At least 3 years experience necessary. Italian Mediterranean Cuisine
posted 10/24

[Jdbc]

In the Inquirer this morning it said that this owner has a restaurant by the same name in Ventnor, if anyone's been there.

[Den]

Yeah, I saw that too and googled. Looks like the Ventnor location got some good reviews. Nonetheless, I would have preferred something other than another Italian place.

[crazyspice]

I too was hoping for something other than Mediterranean Italian.

[AmblerGirl]

I am so bummed, though I feel like I was one of the few people who really liked that place. Which is probably why they went out...

[Jdbc]

AmblerGirl, your posts show you have great taste in restaurants, so our experiences at Blue Horse must have been very different. I know the bar experience is very important to me, and I always felt that we were overlooked at the bar because we weren't regulars. Maybe that was my perception, but we sure gave it enough tries, since we're very close. I'm always sorry to see a restaurant in our area go under, but look forward to seeing what comes next.

-----
Blue Horse
602 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422

Great Tastes Restaurant
5212 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131

[JanR]

The owners of Blue Horse-- at least the original owners--used to own Ravenna. Ravenna was a terrific northern Italian byob that I really miss. Does anyone know if the new Italian restaurant is going to have the same owners. Never liked Blue Horse. Especially didn't like the tv's in the bar area. Of course, I was comparing it to Ravenna which is apples to oranges.

-----
Blue Horse
602 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422

[Jdbc]

My understanding is that the original owner of Ravenna was gone long ago, and it'sbeen run by the other partners, who had nothing to do with Ravenna. In fact, when the owner and chef from Ravenna owned it, the food was really good. I think the beginning of the end was when he left.

[Hellolaura]

And I miss Ravenna!!!!

[mitchh]

No, the new restaurant has no ties to Ravenna at all.

My information is somewhat limited, but from the sounds it of it I believe the new place will be a bit more on the casual side that will also offer delivery. The current "bakery" will be converted into a space with a brick oven and will be the area to pick up take out orders.

If I learn anything else I will let you all know.

[jujuthomas]

delivery?!?!? omg! how fabulous! i hope they're good. :)

[crazyspice]

I have to agree with Jdbc on Blue Horse. After several visits, we crossed it off our list.

-----
Blue Horse
602 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422

[jujuthomas]

I checked out their menu a few times online, but it wasn't food DH would eat, so we never went.

[Jdbc]

Not a surprise to me, and although the economy may have had an impact, I believe the service and the inconsistency of the food is mostly to blame. Now I know why the bartender couldn't have been less interested in taking care of the few customers she had last week when we were there. I'm assuming she knew the end was coming. Unfortunately, that wasn't unusual at Blue Horse. My husband and I had just decided that was our last trip there. Ironic.

-----
Blue Horse
602 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422

[Chefpaulo]

Another one bites the dust! OUCH!

You're right about the revolving door status but I don't think the Blue Bell Inn is to blame. BBI and Frank and Eddies coexisted for decades across the street from each other. (As a kid, I remember the painted blue bell on F&E's and was always confused as to why THAT wasn't the Blue Bell Inn.)

After F&E's folded, I recall it being vacant for quite a few years before Mr. Ron's had a very short stint, and then Tokyo Japanese had an even shorter one (maaaaybe six months). I think Marabella's came in the mid-80s but can't rememember if there was anyone else there after Tokyo. Any recollections here from the Penllyn Pike Historic Hound Commission?

CP

-----
Blue Bell Inn
Skippack Penllyn Pks, Blue Bell, PA 19422

[Den]

I would think the township records could uncover what it's been in the past.

I also remember a short stint by Lasorda's backed by Tommy Lasorda.

[jujuthomas]

oh wow! i know they've been advertising specials each week on their board, as recently as Monday (I think).

[mitchh]

I have heard that it will be an Italian restaurant opening as early as mid-November.