The Members Guide: Sydney Grims’ Main Line

The fourth-generation restaurateur on hidden patios, iconic barns, and the standing appointment she never skips.

Photos: Alex Schon, du soleil photographie

Introducing The Member’s Guide, a new series devoted to the places our members return to, the things they love, and the recommendations they’re generous enough to pass along. Because one of the pleasures of belonging to a club is knowing exactly who to ask.

Some people simply know where to go. The restaurant worth the reservation. The garden that’s especially beautiful this time of year. The little shop you’ll wish someone had told you about sooner.

Sydney Grims is one of those people.

Hospitality is in her DNA. A fourth-generation Philly restaurateur, Sydney works alongside her father, Marty, at Fearless Restaurants—the family business behind White Dog Café, Autograph, Rosalie, Louie Louie, Triple Crown, Moshulu, and Testa Rossa. This fall, they’ll open Martini & Roz on the Main Line, named after Sydney’s grandparents, Martin and Roslyn.

Away from work, she’s happiest entertaining friends, cooking for family, walking her pups, Louie and Pip, or at the barn in Berwyn with her horse, Oscar.

Naturally, we asked her to share a few of the places she returns to again and again.

The place you always take out-of-town guests

Longwood Gardens, followed by lunch and an Aperol spritz at Testa Rossa, our newest spot.

Your favorite shop

I adore The Blue Beret. All my friends are in their baby era, so I’m constantly there buying baby gifts.

Your favorite place for home and design

Velvet Shoestring is my go-to for finding something for my own home, and the Little House Shop for gifts.

A beautiful place to spend an afternoon

Chanticleer. It’s right around the corner from my house, and I often bring out-of-town friends for an easy afternoon with snacks and wine discreetly poured into plastic cups.

Your favorite walk

Ockehocking Preserve in Willistown.

A favorite cultural stop

I’m a nerd for Winterthur at Christmas and completely obsessed with the china collection.

I also geek out over Barns & BBQ, my favorite event held by the Willistown Conservation Trust each year. You get to tour some of the most beautiful properties in Berwyn and see the most incredible barns. As a horsewoman, I love it.

The best-kept secret on the Main Line

Alfresco dining on the patio at Triple Crown, Monday through Friday.

One place everyone should visit at least once

The Barnes. It’s an absolute Philadelphia treasure. We’re so lucky to have such an incredible collection here.

Something unexpectedly great

Honestly, my Club House membership. It’s something I’ve done for myself every month since you opened a year ago. It’s time I get to myself, and it always makes me feel special and happy.

What does the Main Line get exactly right?

Family. This community is deeply focused on family life, and that’s incredibly important to me. Education, too. We have incredible schools here, and that education absolutely set me up for success. It’s a huge privilege that honestly changed my life. Shout-out to Churchmice!