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$25.85 (as of December 29, 2024 22:25 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Step into the thriving culinary scene of Philadelphia, where the support for homegrown talent is celebrated. In this article, we will introduce you to four renowned chefs and restaurateurs who have left their mark on the Philadelphia restaurant scene. From Chef Marc Vetri, who has seven restaurants under his belt and still finds time to play the guitar, to Chef Michael Solomonov, who found solace and recovery through cooking after a tragic loss, these empire builders are reshaping the city’s dining landscape. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover the innovative flavors that Philadelphia has to offer.
Chef Marc Vetri
Chef Marc Vetri is a renowned chef and restaurateur in Philadelphia, known for his innovative and delicious Italian cuisine. He is the mastermind behind several successful restaurants, including Vetri, Osteria, Amis, Alla Spina, Pizzeria Vetri, and his newest venture, Lo Spiedo.
Vetri’s culinary journey began in a unique way. Originally aspiring to be a musician, he eventually discovered his true passion for cooking and decided to pursue a career in the culinary arts. In 1998, he opened his first namesake restaurant, Vetri, which quickly gained recognition and acclaim for its intimate ambiance and rustic yet refined cuisine.
In 2007, Vetri expanded his empire by opening Osteria, after winning the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic in 2005. Since then, he has continued to push the boundaries of Italian cuisine with each new restaurant he opens. Currently, Vetri operates a total of seven restaurants, all of which offer unique dining experiences.
The latest addition to Vetri’s restaurant portfolio is Lo Spiedo, located in the Navy Yard. This restaurant is centered around a custom-built wood-fired rotisserie and grill, which allows for the preparation of a wide variety of dishes. Marc recommends trying the rotisserie chicken, pork ribs, spit-roasted octopus, grilled chicken wings, and the cast-iron-baked apple pie for dessert. Additionally, Lo Spiedo is known for its excellent cocktail selection, with house-made tinctures, infusions, and syrups. One popular option is the Cotechino Milk Punch.
Opening a restaurant in the Navy Yard may have seemed like an unconventional choice, but Vetri saw the potential in this pioneering neighborhood. The Navy Yard is in close proximity to stadiums and arenas, attracting a different crowd of customers. This vibrant area offers a unique energy and a new audience for Vetri to cater to.
Chef Marc Vetri continues to push boundaries in the culinary world, constantly evolving and innovating with each new restaurant. His passion for food and dedication to his craft shines through in every dish he creates, making him a true pioneer in the Philadelphia restaurant scene.
Chef Michael Solomonov
Chef Michael Solomonov is another prominent figure in the Philadelphia restaurant scene, renowned for his creative and diverse culinary offerings. He is the mastermind behind popular establishments such as Zahav, Percy Street Barbecue, Federal Donuts, Abe Fisher, and Dizengoff.
Solomonov’s path to success has not been an easy one. He grew up in both the US and Israel and faced personal tragedy when his younger brother was killed while serving in the Israeli army. This heartbreaking event led Solomonov down a dark path, and he struggled with grief and addiction. However, through cooking, he found solace and recovery.
In 2008, Solomonov opened Zahav, a restaurant that draws inspiration from his Israeli heritage. Zahav quickly became a staple in the Philadelphia dining scene, receiving critical acclaim and numerous accolades. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience, focusing on traditional Israeli cuisine with a modern twist.
In addition to Zahav, Solomonov has opened several other successful ventures. Percy Street Barbecue offers mouthwatering barbecue dishes, while Federal Donuts has become a local favorite for its fried chicken and gourmet donuts. His latest additions to his restaurant portfolio are Abe Fisher and Dizengoff.
Dizengoff is a casual eatery that specializes in Israeli street food, with a rotating selection of hummus, fresh-baked pitas, Israeli pickles, and side salads. This restaurant provides a taste of the vibrant and dynamic street food culture of Israel.
Abe Fisher, on the other hand, focuses on the cuisine of the Jewish diaspora. The menu features gourmet versions of traditional Jewish dishes, such as gefilte fish and kasha varnishkes. Solomonov also incorporates fusion elements, creating unique dishes like veal schnitzel tacos and corned pork belly with Manischewitz mustard.
Chef Michael Solomonov’s culinary creations are a true reflection of his heritage and personal journey. His commitment to showcasing the diverse flavors and traditions of Israeli and Jewish cuisine has made him a trailblazer in the Philadelphia dining scene.
Chef Marcie Turney & Valerie Safran
Chef Marcie Turney and her partner Valerie Safran are a dynamic duo in the Philadelphia restaurant industry. Together, they have established a number of successful establishments, including Lolita, Jamonera, Verde, Barbuzzo, and Little Nonna’s. In addition to their restaurants, Turney and Safran also own several shops in the city.
Their journey began with the opening of Open House, a chic housewares store in Midtown Village. At the time, the neighborhood was riddled with issues such as crime and drug-related activities. However, Turney and Safran saw the potential in this area and decided to transform it into a thriving culinary and retail destination.
Their first restaurant, Lolita, drew inspiration from Mexican cuisine, offering a modern take on traditional dishes. Jamonera followed, serving Spanish-inspired dishes and specializing in the art of charcuterie. Verde, Barbuzzo, and Little Nonna’s were soon added to their repertoire, each with its own unique concept and menu.
One of their latest ventures is Bud and Marilyn’s, named after Turney’s grandparents who owned a restaurant in Wisconsin. This new addition to their restaurant portfolio serves as a tribute to their family legacy and offers a nostalgic American dining experience. The menu features classic dishes such as Friday Fish Fry, a lazy Susan platter, and a relish tray.
Turney and Safran’s impact on the Philadelphia culinary scene goes beyond their restaurants. They have also opened several shops within their 13th Street block, including Grocery, Open House, Vere, and Marcie Blaine Chocolates. This block has transformed into a vibrant hub of independently-owned boutiques, bars, and restaurants, thanks to their dedication and vision.
Chef Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran continue to make their mark on the Philadelphia dining scene, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity and flavor. Their commitment to revitalizing neighborhoods and providing unique dining experiences has solidified their place as true pioneers in the industry.
Chef Jose Garces
Chef Jose Garces is a renowned chef and restaurateur with an impressive portfolio of establishments in Philadelphia and beyond. He has made a significant impact on the culinary landscape with his innovative concepts and exceptional culinary skills.
Born in Chicago to Ecuadorian parents, Garces honed his skills in Spain and New York before settling in Philadelphia in 2001. He worked with restaurateur Stephen Starr at El Vez before venturing out on his own. In 2005, he opened his first restaurant, Amada, which quickly gained recognition and became a staple in the city.
Since then, Garces has expanded his restaurant empire to include a total of 17 restaurants across 7 cities. Some of his notable establishments in Philadelphia include JG Domestic, Village Whiskey, Distrito, Rosa Blanca, Volvér, Garces Trading Co., Tinto, and the Distrito Taco Truck.
Garces’s restaurants offer a diverse range of culinary experiences, from the rich flavors of Spanish cuisine at Amada to the creative American fare at JG Domestic. Each restaurant reflects Garces’s passion for food and his commitment to providing exceptional dining experiences.
In addition to his existing restaurants, Garces is constantly exploring new opportunities and expanding his culinary empire. He recently took over the historic Bookbinders and transformed it into an event space. He also has plans to open a new location of Amada in downtown Manhattan and a restaurant named Novella at Newark Airport.
Chef Jose Garces’s culinary prowess and entrepreneurial spirit have made him a prominent figure in the Philadelphia restaurant scene. His dedication to showcasing diverse flavors and creating unique dining experiences have solidified his place as an empire builder in the industry.
