Chef Jason Cichonski (recently on Bravo's Top Chef) and general manager Tim O'Brien set out to create an everyday hangout with extraordinary food when they opened the Gaslight in Old City in February. The elbows-on-the-table ambiance is unpretentious, and the cuisine incorporates seasonal, local, and homemade ingredients. At 3,700 square feet, it seats 225 guests. The dining room features warm tones, two handmade wooden bars, hand-upholstered seating, antique gaslights, and repurposed decor. Audiovisual equipment includes Powerpoint-compatible screens and a state-of-the-art sound system.
Jose Garces's highly anticipated restaurant Volver opened in the Kimmel Center in April. Its coveted location, which looks out onto Spruce Street, seats 34 or holds 100 for receptions. Event staff will work with planners to coordinate audiovisual needs.
Located inside the Loews Philadelphia hotel on Market Street, Bank & Bourbon opened in April. The American eatery exudes a modern-rustic vibe, complemented by decor such as exposed pipes and ceiling beams, tufted leather banquettes, and hardwood floors. The restaurant is about 4,000 square feet; the main dining room seats 100, the bar holds 26, and the lounge holds 50 people. Private dining and buyouts are available.
Formerly known as Chestnut Park, John F. Collins Park opened in late 2013 after a $500,000 renovation. The outdoor garden now features modern lighting, an updated fountain, sculptures, and lush landscaping. While the park is located in bustling Rittenhouse Square, within walking distance of major downtown hotels and offices, its recessed location creates a private feel. A wrought-iron gateway welcomes guests into the 2,700-square-foot urban space, which seats 40 or holds 100 for receptions. The Center City Business Improvement District is available to help planners with navigating the permit process, and space rental includes options like dedicated parking, security, cleanup services, and portable restrooms.
After extensive renovations, the Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia reopened its Wyeth Ballroom in February. The contemporary space incorporates the culture of Philadelphia by displaying the works of local artists. At 4,851 square feet, the ballroom holds 600 guests for receptions. State-of-the-art technology now accompanies chic decor throughout the hotel.
The casual, bilevel Treemont opened in April. The 800-square-foot space seats 62 guests. A café window opens to offer alfresco dining when weather permits. Warm hues, subway tiles, reclaimed wood, and other subtle touches create an industrial feel throughout the space. In the kitchen, James Beard-nominated chef and owner Chip Roman cooks New American cuisine ideal for sharing.
In Old City, Prime Stache completed renovations in March. The 1,700-square-foot space holds 175 people and now includes a private bar, a new pool table, a surround-sound system, and multiple flat-screen TV. The American-style bistro focuses on fresh ingredients, hearty sandwiches, and savory entrées. The bar serves 25 varieties of craft beer in cans, along with infusion cocktails and on-tap brews; an extensive appetizer menu is available for receptions.
Italy meets Canada at Noir Restaurant in East Passyunk, which completed renovations in May. With a romantic yet modern feel, the restaurant evokes the noir vibe of mid-20th-century Montreal. The intimate eatery features a new mural and decor, new lighting and bar fixtures, muted orange walls, and black-and-white photography. The space is 450 square feet, plus a sidewalk dining area, and seats 50 guests or holds 100 for receptions. A built-in sound system has iPod plug-in capabilities, and TV screens can be used during events.
The newest addition to the East Passyunk restaurant boom, Townsend opened in late April. At 2,200 square feet, the casual B.Y.O.B. space seats 50 guests. Acclaimed chef Townsend Wentz offers a French-inspired menu, featuring staples such as beef tartare and foie gras mousse.
Recent renovations to Philly Phaithful have enabled the Northern Liberties retail shop to be used as an event venue. Philly Phaithful installed a wireless sound system, a vintage pool table, a game system, and other event-friendly equipment. The 1,600-square-foot space offers an open, loft-style layout that holds 75 guests for receptions. Throughout the store, retail racks, which can be moved or removed, feature locally designed apparel with nods to Philly sports teams. A 16-foot screen can show video presentations, and sports fans can watch games while sitting in authentic seats from Veterans Stadium.
