PHILADELPHIA

March 17, 2018
1. The Love
Seasoned Philadelphia restaurateurs and collaborators Stephen Starr and Aimee Olexy opened the Love in Rittenhouse Square in November. The sophisticated yet relaxed café celebrates creative and seasonal American cuisine, with dishes such as crispy duck salad, truffle gnudi, seared New England scallops, and rosemary-garlic lamb roast. The 2,500-square-foot, bi-level restaurant seats 100, which includes an 800-square-foot upper-level loft that fits 45 for receptions or 20 for seated meals at a communal table.

Seasoned Philadelphia restaurateurs and collaborators Stephen Starr and Aimee Olexy opened the Love in Rittenhouse Square in November. The sophisticated yet relaxed café celebrates creative and seasonal American cuisine, with dishes such as crispy duck salad, truffle gnudi, seared New England scallops, and rosemary-garlic lamb roast. The 2,500-square-foot, bi-level restaurant seats 100, which includes an 800-square-foot upper-level loft that fits 45 for receptions or 20 for seated meals at a communal table.

Photo: Kelly Smith
2. Royal Boucherie
Top Chef winner Nicholas Elmi opened Royal Boucherie in a restored Victorian building in Old City in November. The bi-level restaurant seats 150 in total and features several spaces that can be used for smaller events, including a 600-square-foot upstairs private room and bar that fits 55 guests for cocktail receptions and seats 40; a semiprivate, 150-square-foot downstairs dining area that seats 25; and a 500-square-foot outdoor space that seats 30. The American brasserie serves a French-inspired menu with a focus on charcuterie, shellfish, and classic cocktails.

Top Chef winner Nicholas Elmi opened Royal Boucherie in a restored Victorian building in Old City in November. The bi-level restaurant seats 150 in total and features several spaces that can be used for smaller events, including a 600-square-foot upstairs private room and bar that fits 55 guests for cocktail receptions and seats 40; a semiprivate, 150-square-foot downstairs dining area that seats 25; and a 500-square-foot outdoor space that seats 30. The American brasserie serves a French-inspired menu with a focus on charcuterie, shellfish, and classic cocktails.

Photo: Catherine Hennessy
3. Tuna Bar
Tuna Bar opened in November, bringing a bistro-style dining experience to Old City. The atmosphere is refined yet relaxed, with white marble, wood decor, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Offering a seafood-heavy menu, the kitchen churns out dishes like scallop crudo, creamy rock shrimp, lobster fried rice, and specialty sushi rolls. The 2,600-square-foot restaurant seats 81, and partial buyouts are available for groups as small as 30 guests.

Tuna Bar opened in November, bringing a bistro-style dining experience to Old City. The atmosphere is refined yet relaxed, with white marble, wood decor, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Offering a seafood-heavy menu, the kitchen churns out dishes like scallop crudo, creamy rock shrimp, lobster fried rice, and specialty sushi rolls. The 2,600-square-foot restaurant seats 81, and partial buyouts are available for groups as small as 30 guests.

Photo: Courtesy of Neff Associates
4. Clubhouse
As of February, Rittenhouse Square is home to Clubhouse, a sports bar and lounge with two themed escape rooms, the city’s only ice lounge, more than 30 TVs, classic bar games, throwback video games, and more. Nachos, tacos, mozzarella sticks, and other bar-fare staples comprise the food menu, while the drink selection includes wine, mixed cocktails, signature punches, and beer in cans, bottles, and on tap. The 10,000-square-foot venue can accommodate 225 guests for events. Six guests can participate together in each escape room challenge, and the ice lounge has space for eight.

As of February, Rittenhouse Square is home to Clubhouse, a sports bar and lounge with two themed escape rooms, the city’s only ice lounge, more than 30 TVs, classic bar games, throwback video games, and more. Nachos, tacos, mozzarella sticks, and other bar-fare staples comprise the food menu, while the drink selection includes wine, mixed cocktails, signature punches, and beer in cans, bottles, and on tap. The 10,000-square-foot venue can accommodate 225 guests for events. Six guests can participate together in each escape room challenge, and the ice lounge has space for eight.

Photo: Stephen Bondio
5. Porta
New Jersey-based mini-chain Porta opened a Philadelphia location in January. The Midtown Village restaurant serves authentic Neapolitan pizza in varieties that appeal to vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters, as well as pastas and shareable dishes. The venue includes a variety areas for events. The main floor measures 4,500 square feet and includes a “classic” side and a “fancy” side; the former seats 144 guests and features communal tables and mismatched chairs, while the latter includes smaller tables and seats 34 total guests with an additional 14 seats at the bar. A 2,200-square-foot mezzanine with seating for 78 overlooks the main dining room.

New Jersey-based mini-chain Porta opened a Philadelphia location in January. The Midtown Village restaurant serves authentic Neapolitan pizza in varieties that appeal to vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters, as well as pastas and shareable dishes. The venue includes a variety areas for events. The main floor measures 4,500 square feet and includes a “classic” side and a “fancy” side; the former seats 144 guests and features communal tables and mismatched chairs, while the latter includes smaller tables and seats 34 total guests with an additional 14 seats at the bar. A 2,200-square-foot mezzanine with seating for 78 overlooks the main dining room.

Photo: Andrew Holtz
6. Liberty Bell Gastropub
As part of its ongoing series of renovations, Parx Casino in Bensalem debuted Liberty Bell Gastropub in February. The farm-to-fork menu includes hearty dishes like chicken pot pie, truffle burgers, oyster shooters, and seared tuna. Guests can ogle the giant rotisserie in the middle of the dining room, which cooks meats such as chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb. Measuring 7,000 square feet, the restaurant seats 230 guests, and the decor includes organic and reclaimed materials, offering a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere for events. Sixteen 75-inch HDTVs, as well as an 11-foot-wide LED video wall and a built-in sound system, are available for planners’ use.

As part of its ongoing series of renovations, Parx Casino in Bensalem debuted Liberty Bell Gastropub in February. The farm-to-fork menu includes hearty dishes like chicken pot pie, truffle burgers, oyster shooters, and seared tuna. Guests can ogle the giant rotisserie in the middle of the dining room, which cooks meats such as chicken, beef, turkey, and lamb. Measuring 7,000 square feet, the restaurant seats 230 guests, and the decor includes organic and reclaimed materials, offering a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere for events. Sixteen 75-inch HDTVs, as well as an 11-foot-wide LED video wall and a built-in sound system, are available for planners’ use.

Photo: Parx Casino
7. Danlu
Danlu opened in December in University City. The restaurant offers a stylish space adorned with eye-catching murals, modern lighting and artful tilework. The menu includes eclectic, Taiwanese-influenced dishes like Peking duck, crispy edamame pot stickers, and citrus-cured salmon, alongside 20 rotating beers on tap. Measuring 3,500 square feet, the bi-level space accommodates 170 seated guests or 250 for cocktail-style events.

Danlu opened in December in University City. The restaurant offers a stylish space adorned with eye-catching murals, modern lighting and artful tilework. The menu includes eclectic, Taiwanese-influenced dishes like Peking duck, crispy edamame pot stickers, and citrus-cured salmon, alongside 20 rotating beers on tap. Measuring 3,500 square feet, the bi-level space accommodates 170 seated guests or 250 for cocktail-style events.

Photo: Eric Ashleigh
10. Oloroso
Oloroso opened in Midtown Village in December. The menu from executive chef Townsend Wentz includes Spanish tapas like blistered peppers, marinated tuna, and short rib croquetas, along with larger dishes like roasted sea scallops and braised lamb shank. Measuring 2,500 square feet, the chic eatery seats 100 guests and features a custom-crafted mahogany bar, vintage Persian rug upholstery, and a 35-foot hand-painted mural depicting the Conquest of Mallorca.

Oloroso opened in Midtown Village in December. The menu from executive chef Townsend Wentz includes Spanish tapas like blistered peppers, marinated tuna, and short rib croquetas, along with larger dishes like roasted sea scallops and braised lamb shank. Measuring 2,500 square feet, the chic eatery seats 100 guests and features a custom-crafted mahogany bar, vintage Persian rug upholstery, and a 35-foot hand-painted mural depicting the Conquest of Mallorca.

Photo: Punch Media
Franco’s Barbering in Moorestown, New Jersey, launched a mobile service that offers men’s grooming services from a custom-designed Airstream trailer. Franco’s On Location offers haircuts, beard shaping and detailing, shaves, facials, and waxing in a setting reminiscent of a 1920s-era barbershop. The trailer typically parks at designated locations in the Greater Philadelphia area, but planners can reserve it for private events.
Franco’s Barbering in Moorestown, New Jersey, launched a mobile service that offers men’s grooming services from a custom-designed Airstream trailer. Franco’s On Location offers haircuts, beard shaping and detailing, shaves, facials, and waxing in a setting reminiscent of a 1920s-era barbershop. The trailer typically parks at designated locations in the Greater Philadelphia area, but planners can reserve it for private events.
Photo: Courtesy of Franco’s Barbering
City Hydration, an IV lounge that opened in Center City in November, delivers intravenous hydration therapy to help clients feel their best. Services address specific needs and health goals, from hangover relief to jet lag recovery to energy boosts. The lounge also offers an off-site concierge service that meeting planners can reserve for private events. Either a registered nurse or a paramedic administers each IV. Treatments take about 45 minutes, and several guests can use the service at once. Pricing starts at $75 per IV, with a fee of $45 for concierge services within five miles of the Center City location and $75 for locations outside of the city.
City Hydration, an IV lounge that opened in Center City in November, delivers intravenous hydration therapy to help clients feel their best. Services address specific needs and health goals, from hangover relief to jet lag recovery to energy boosts. The lounge also offers an off-site concierge service that meeting planners can reserve for private events. Either a registered nurse or a paramedic administers each IV. Treatments take about 45 minutes, and several guests can use the service at once. Pricing starts at $75 per IV, with a fee of $45 for concierge services within five miles of the Center City location and $75 for locations outside of the city.
Photo: Courtesy of City Hydration
Big Red Pedal Tours has introduced a Philadelphia food tour. While riding on the company’s signature 15-passenger bikes, guests enjoy a two-hour tour of some of the city’s standout culinary destinations, including Reading Terminal Market, Barra Rosa, and Destination Dogs. Tours typically start and end in Philadelphia’s Historic District, but planners can reserve private group tours and arrange for pick-up at hotels, meeting venues, or other locations. The tour fleet includes four bikes, which can accommodate groups of as many as 60 people. Weekday tickets cost $46 per person.
Big Red Pedal Tours has introduced a Philadelphia food tour. While riding on the company’s signature 15-passenger bikes, guests enjoy a two-hour tour of some of the city’s standout culinary destinations, including Reading Terminal Market, Barra Rosa, and Destination Dogs. Tours typically start and end in Philadelphia’s Historic District, but planners can reserve private group tours and arrange for pick-up at hotels, meeting venues, or other locations. The tour fleet includes four bikes, which can accommodate groups of as many as 60 people. Weekday tickets cost $46 per person.
Photo: J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
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Kontrol, a “secret” bar, club, and late-night kitchen, opened in Midtown Village in September. The colorful, 1,000-square-foot underground space accommodates as many as 100 guests for cocktail-style events. The decor incorporates industrial elements like a polished concrete floor, exposed beams, historic brick and tile, graffiti from local artists, and a 25-foot granite bar. A glass wall showcasing the door to the original cellar vault honors the building’s heritage as the former home of Tradesman’s National Bank and Trust Company. The kitchen serves upscale bar bites like German pretzels, fresh-cut fries, and in-house smoked pork.
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Located on Avenue of the Arts, Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown Center City opened in March. The 223-room property includes multiple areas available for meetings or events. A 2,298-square-foot meeting room seats 120 guests theater style, 80 classroom style, or 48 conference style. The 510-square-foot boardroom seats 12 around a large conference table. Meeting amenities include a ceiling-mounted screen and projector, wireless microphones, built-in speakers, and HDMI-compatible hookups. The hotel also features a restaurant with views of the city skyline, Bluetooth compatible mirrors in each guest room, and in-room microwaves and refrigerators.
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New Jersey-based mini-chain Porta opened a Philadelphia location in January. The Midtown Village restaurant serves authentic Neapolitan pizza in varieties that appeal to vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters, as well as pastas and shareable dishes. The venue includes a variety areas for events. The main floor measures 4,500 square feet and includes a “classic” side and a “fancy” side; the former seats 144 guests and features communal tables and mismatched chairs, while the latter includes smaller tables and seats 34 total guests with an additional 14 seats at the bar. A 2,200-square-foot mezzanine with seating for 78 overlooks the main dining room.
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Big Red Pedal Tours has introduced a Philadelphia food tour. While riding on the company’s signature 15-passenger bikes, guests enjoy a two-hour tour of some of the city’s standout culinary destinations, including Reading Terminal Market, Barra Rosa, and Destination Dogs. Tours typically start and end in Philadelphia’s Historic District, but planners can reserve private group tours and arrange for pick-up at hotels, meeting venues, or other locations. The tour fleet includes four bikes, which can accommodate groups of as many as 60 people. Weekday tickets cost $46 per person.
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East Passyunk Avenue welcomed Barcelona Wine Bar Passyunk in July. In addition to an award-winning wine list, the menu offers dishes inspired by the bold flavors of Spain and the Mediterranean, including charcuterie and cheeses, tapas such as spiced meatballs and patatas bravas, and entrees like vegetable paella and squid ink noodles. The restaurant features an open kitchen and is divided into several spaces that can accommodate groups of varying sizes; the 2,206-square-foot dining room seats 156, the 215-square-foot bar seats 23, and the 739-square-foot patio seats 70.
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Walnut Street Café opened in the FMC Tower in University City in June. The modern venue offers both casual and fine dining areas, as well as a cocktail bar and a patio. In total, the 3,000-square-foot restaurant can seat as many as 130 guests or accommodate 200 for cocktail-style receptions, with room for 60 additional guests on the patio, weather permitting. The American menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with diverse offerings such as gourmet croissants, scrapple, pork belly sandwiches, pastas, and steaks.
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Known for serving health-conscious dishes with 500 or fewer calories, Philadelphia mini-chain Fuel renovated its Midtown Village outpost—called Fuel Center City—in April. The menu includes salads, juices, sandwiches, desserts, and more, all of which are made with locally grown produce. The 1,700-square-foot space now offers flexible seating options, Philly-centric artwork, a community table, and a second-floor private event space. Planners can book events for as many as 72 seated guests in the main dining room, 20 seated guests on the outdoor patio, and 20 in the private event space.
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Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Pocono Mountains will unveil an extension in March. The addition includes 520 guest rooms and suites, bringing the total number of accommodations to 977. The property will add two new dining venues: Double Cut Charcoal Grill and Sortino’s Italian Kitchen. The Africa-theme resort also offers 65,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including two ballrooms measuring 25,000 square feet and 19,000 square feet, respectively, and 18 different meeting rooms. Event space is equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, state-of-the-art lighting and audiovisual capabilities, and built-in HD projectors and monitors. Elsewhere on the property are amenities including the country’s largest indoor waterpark and a full-service salon and spa.
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