New Agave not associated with Lewes eatery

The name has a familiar ring and the cuisine style is somewhat the same.

But while Agave Mexican Cuisine that opened Jan. 25 at 1620 Baltimore Pike in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, has a similar sounding name as the very popular Agave Mexican Restaurant in Lewes, the restaurants are not affiliated.

The new Chadds Ford Mexican restaurant is a BYOB and it's run by the group that owns the Spasso Italian Grill restaurants in Media, Pennsylvania, and on South Front Street in Philadelphia. Agave in Lewes, which opened in 2008, is owned by Chris McKeown. It's widely considered one of the most popular restaurants in the state. I can never resist the puffy tacos with grilled Mahi-Mahi or those awesome margaritas.

Agave in Chadds Ford takes over the space formerly occupied by Fellini Cafe in the shopping center at Baltimore Pike and Creek Road, across from Brandywine Prime Seafood & Chops at the Chadds Ford Inn.

The menu includes tuna tostadas ($14) made with tuna tartare "Mexican-style" on toasted tortillas, serrano peppers, red onions, avocado and chipotle aioli. Filet of Mediterranean sea bass with capers, jalapenos, olives and onion in white wine and a light tomato sauce ($25.50); chile relleno ($18); fried Mexican ravioli stuffed with chicken, tomatoes, onions and chipotle with crema fresca and queso fresco ($12.50); tacos de carnitas ($12.50) and short rib enchiladas topped with mole sauce and queso fresco ($17.50).

It's bring-your-own liquor, but a pitcher of margarita mix is $15. The eatery also has Mexican jarritos sodas ($3) along with Mexican Coca-Cola ($3) and Mexican iced tea ($2.50).

For more information, visit agavebyo.com or call (484) 770-8345.

Oh, and the Agave restaurant at 137 Second St. in Lewes closed for the season in early December 2016 and is currently undergoing renovations and an expansion. The eatery took over the former Habersham Peddler Interiors and is expanding the dining room and kitchen. (And isn't that good news, considering getting a seat at the busy eatery, well-known for its hour-plus waits for tables, sometimes feels like winning the lottery?)

The expected reopening of the Delaware Agave should be mid-March, according to the website. Visit www.agavemexicanrestaurant.net

Contact Patricia Talorico at (302) 324-2861 or ptalorico@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @pattytalorico