Peeking their heads above the finally-warmed-up city landscape, several new and redesigned Philadelphia restaurants brighten up the local dining scene this season.
Townsend
Opening its doors in the former home of Sophia's in the East Passyunk section of South Philadelphia, Townsend began officially offering local patrons and visitors a quality French bistro restaurant experience on May 1, 2014. This new addition to the trendy Philadelphia neighborhood complements its current 12-item menu with an extensive wine collection featuring French selections, as well as choices from Spain and Italy.
The restaurant is the baby of owner/chef Townsend Wentz. He has worked in well-known kitchens such as The Fountain at The Four Seasons, and McCrossen's Tavern. Here, he settles in at a place he can call his own. Serving up such delicious starters as stinging nettle soup or broiled East Coast oysters with fennel, diners can then move on to options such as the wild striped bass or seared Icelandic cod.
Bank & Bourbon serves up barrel-aged bourbon as well as a host of American cuisine options — Photo courtesy of Bank & Bourbon
Bank & Bourbon
This spring also welcomed the new addition Bank & Bourbon, located adjacent to the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Executive Chef Thomas Harkins offers up season interpretations of classic American entrees such as steaks, seafood and chops in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.
The restaurant is a rare find for true bourbon-lovers, as it features the only custom barrel-aging bourbon program in the city. On-site lockers are available for those looking to house or age their spirits. Eat in the bar, the lounge or the dining room, or reserve a private dining space in this classic new addition to the American restaurant scene in Philadelphia.
Lolita
An area mainstay newly transformed and outfitted with a liquor license is Lolita. This local gem, situated on 13th Street in the Midtown section, features a new menu and a vibrant new look. The kitchen is open every day from 5 p.m. to midnight, and patrons can enjoy a Mexican street food-inspired menu.
Outdoor sidewalk seating adds to the flavor in warmer months, and the full bar ramps things up from their former bring-your-own-tequila option. Complement appetizer and entree selections with a margarita, cocktail, beer or wine. This restaurant has been in the city in this location since 2004, but a complete renovation has freshened its look and ability to satisfy local diners.
Volver
On Broad Street, a truly unique addition to the restaurant scene is Jose Garces' newest venture Volver, part of his partnership with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. This in-theater restaurant, a first for Philadelphia, offers a tiketed, pre-theater tasting menu as well as a grand-performance tasting.
No stranger to the Philly restaurant scene, Jose Garces bases his selections and offerings on his solid culinary and travel experience. Welcoming guests for the first time, Bar Volver debuted recently and features a huge wine selection, as well as champagne and caviar offerings and upscale bar snacks and small plates. Two nightly seatings are available in what promises to be a true pearl in this sea of city dining options.
Cafe Ynez
Rounding out the choices available as far as Mexican cuisine is Cafe Ynez, which welcomed patrons for the first time this April in Point Breeze. The work of husband and wife team Jill Weber and Evan Malone, the place features specialty breakfast options, Mexican coffee and other drinks designed to get diners up and out the door satisfied and happy.
Also featured are a whole rotisserie chicken with sides, as well as a lunch-time take-out corner for quick bites. Outdoor seating options make this a suitable choice for summer dining, and the option to bring your own alcohol rounds out the experience quite nicely.
