Vernick Food & Drink Coming to Rittenhouse Square
We first told you about Greg Vernick’s plans for a Rittenhouse Square restaurant last August. Before Spring is over, the Cherry Hill native aims to open his Vernick Food & Drink at 2031 Walnut Street. The restaurant aims to a vibrant European cafe featuring regional products to create a menu of globally-inspired dishes.
Chef and Co-Owner Greg Vernick
- Chef de Cusine at New York’s Tocqueville.
- Sous chef for Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at Jean-Georges, Nougatine and Spice Market.
- Trained Vongerichten’s restaurant chefs in Doha, Quatar, Tokyo, Japan, Vancouver, Boston and Park City, Utah.
- Eductated at Culinary Institute of America.
- Also holds a B.S. in Hospitality Administration from Boston University.
The Menu at Vernick Food & Drink
- Regional products will be used to create a menu of globally-inspired dishes.
- Menu will be split into several categories:
- Toasts, crostinis and bruschettas
- Vegetables, salads and side dishes
- Small Plates, appetizers and share-able snacks
- Large Plates, entrees
- Simply Roasted, platters that are served family-style with greens and herbs, ideal for sharing
- Menu Highlights:
- Charred Spinach and Leek Toast
- Beef Tartare with gaufrettes
- Marinated Artichokes and Ramps
- Ocean Trout with crispy skin and chili
- Market Lettuces with seasonal vegetables, seeds and citrus vinaigrette
- House-Made Mozzarella with rhubarb jam and sea salt;
- Steamed Mussels with cherry tomatoes in a basil broth
- Potato Ravioli with lamb ragu and English peas
- Braised Beef Cheek with fava beans, celery and a herb salad
- Hand-Cut Buckwheat Pasta with broccoli rabe, spring garlic and lemon
- Pork Blade Steak with onion marmalade, cherries and mustard
- Seafood and Shellfish Roast.
- Prices will range in price from $5 to $26.
Drinks at Vernick Food & Drink
- Homemade sodas, curated wines, craft beers and cocktails aim to make Vernick Food & Drink a place to linger.
- Wine will range from $8 to $14.
- Beer will include local and imported craft varieties.
The Design of Vernick Food & Drink
- The bi-level restaurant will straddle modern industrial accents and rustic decorative touches.
- Downstairs will feature large bistro windows that open out onto the street.
- Industrial 10-seat bar is made of natural slate with stained concrete top and high-top cocktail tables.
- Beyond the bar area, a rustic dining room with partially exposed brick walls and a seven-seat chef’s counter will give diners a close-up view of the open kitchen and wood-burning oven.
- The upstairs dining room will be decorated with personal photos of Chef Vernick and his wife Julie’s world travels over the past decade.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows offering views overlooking bustling Walnut Street.
- Maple wood tables and chairs, along with handcrafted benches.
- Seating for up to 45 guests upstairs.
Vernick Food & Drink’s Hours
Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Vernick Food & Drink
2031 Walnut Street
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