A Sneak Peek Inside Ella's American Bistro, Devon's New Restaurant With a French Flavor

The sign in the window says "coming soon." Patch has learned that "soon" will be December 19. Ella's Bistro is in the on the corner of two main parking areas, and in the same complex as the and .

Owner Cortright "Cortie" Wetherill, who also owns proudly showed Patch his new venture with a tour of the bar, kitchen and dining area Wednesday afternoon.

The first-time restaurateur says the menu will feature french and american classics, but with some twists. Boeuf Bourguinon (made famous in the U.S. by Julia Child) and Blanquette DeVeau will be among specials offered, but so will Lobster Mac&Cheese. Executive Chef Matt Schuler and Chef du Cuisine Pete Hess will lead the kitchen team.

But don't let the all fancy french cuisine names fool you. Wetherill says the menu is affordable and accessible. The menu includes "cheese souffle with a salad for lunch and you're gonna get out of here for 12 bucks."

The dinning room will seat 100. There's a private dining room and a spacious bar area. Wetherill says the bar will be a good place to go when you call your spouse or a friend to say "let's  meet for a drink after work." The custom built wood bar will be something to talk about... but the showman in Wetherill made it the only off-limits part of the restaurant for Patch's camera. The bar, and the entire restaurant, will debut during trial runs for invited guests prior to the grand opening.

Wetherill will open Ella's doors to the public on December 19. The restaurant will start taking reservations on December 16. A phone number is still to come.