'Dude Food' stars Vetri duo

The vino will flow a little more joyously starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15 as McCrossen's Tavern (529 N. 20th St., 215-854-0923, mccrossens.com) has a Beaujolais Nouveau Release Party featuring Domaine Dupeuble Beaujolais Nouveau, Christophe Pacalet Beaujolias Villages, Chateau Thivin Brouilly and Domaine Marion Pral Beaujolais Nouveau Rose. Pair with $5 small dishes such as Paté with Cornichons and Mustard and Duck Confit "Stuffing" with Cranberries.

As the 25th anniversary of Jake's Restaurant (4365 Main St.; 215-483-0444) approached last summer, chef/owner Bruce Cooper thought it was a good time to reconceptualize his formal dining room and menu. His vision was to have it be the final connection of Jake's and Cooper's coming together as one. And it worked! The major renovations utilize a warm palette consisting of fall colors, such as copper, brown, orange and red, which enabled the entire space to come alive. By revising the layout in the front area of the restaurant, it took on a fresh and open look with a new center banquette, offering more diversity in the seating.

Locally sourced, storm-salvaged Black Walnut trees were processed and fabricated into table tops, using skilled craftsmen from Provenance Architecturals in Philadelphia. To add to the dining experience, an enclosed glass wine room was created in the rear, to showcase the new boutique wine that is offered at far below regular marked-up prices. The wine room was constructed of reclaimed Hemlock floor joists (Pennsylvania's state tree) from a Germantown church that was constructed in the 1890s.

"Jake's is not just your parent's restaurant anymore," boasts chef/owner Bruce Cooper." "It's a whole new dining experience!"

The new menu features salads, small plates, pizzas, entrees and a raw bar. Guests can choose from Shrimp Cocktail, sous vide with barbeque mustard and jalapeño relish ($12); Charcuterie with select salumis and ham ($20); Grilled Octopus Salad with smoked paprika sauce ($15); Stuffed Quail with smoked bacon white bean puree ($16); Wild Mushrooms with creamy white polenta ($12); And House-Made Cavatelli with shrimp and root vegetables ($14). Old favorites like Jake's famous Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, the Prime Burger, and the Cookie Taco remain. Cooper's will continue to be first come, first served. But, diners can request reserved seating at Jake's by calling 215-483-0444.