Bobby Simone's Transforms

If you've meandered off E. State St and into the Market Way the past few months, you've likely noticed a lot of change.

On the left, Nuts Plus is no longer there, having relocated across to the other side of E. State; Bobby Simone's restaurant operation has taken over that old spot.

But more significantly, the bar side of Bobby's Simone's on the right shut down for a major overhaul. Additionally, they took over the space formerly occupied by Doylestown Transfer & Abstract Company.

Trōmpa Wine Bar & Café has now emerged at the site after weeks of teasing signage featuring an elephant holding a glass of wine in its trunk. The term means "elephant’s trunk in Spanish, [and] has also come to be known as the afternoon walk Spaniards habitually take through the local piazza, often stopping at a local tapas bar."

Trōmpa aims to emulate that with a tapas offering that co-owner Bobby Simone states "can be separately ordered and are reasonably priced", with the hope they'll be paired with one of over 30 wines available by the glass.

Chef Steve Wichert and co-owner Marty Roche have assembled a menu with a wide variety of choices, utilizing mundane ingredients like cheeses and olives, along with more fanciful choices like chorizo and squid. They've also come up with a wine list termed as "eclectic."

Believing that "wine without food is like Ferdinand without Isabella," they plan to offer wine courses hosted by Michael Conti, who has worked for the Penn State School of Hospitality Management.

So the next time you're down by the Market Way, stop by Trōmpa for a taste of life as they enjoy in Spain.