As chef at former Philadelphia seafood house Striped Bass, Christopher Lee was beloved by diners and critics alike. After several years overseeing kitchens elsewhere - including Charlie Palmer’s NYC showstopper Aureole - the top toque is returning to Philly to open Sophia’s on East Passyunk with partner Joe Massara. The first phase of the revamp of what was formerly Salt and Pepper will launch with a pop up New Year’s Eve dinner.
There are two seatings available for the four-course prix fixe at the New American: a 6 PM seating for $45 and a 9 PM seating for $75. Each includes a champagne toast, and wine pairings for either are available for $25 each. The bar will be open as well, offering a 10 PM-midnight package that includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for $35.
Extensive renovations have already been completed in the kitchen, and in late winter the restaurant will close again to complete a redo of the front of the house, including a granite bar for a first-floor lounge and a separate, second-floor dining room. Patio and rooftop garden seating are also planned. Lee will remain chef-owner at his Long Island gastropub (Huntington Social), so will be assisted at Sophia’s by chef de cuisine Oris Jeffers, who also worked under Lee at Striped Bass. Desserts will come from Jesse Prawlucki of Fond and Belle Cakery.
1623 E. Passyunk Ave.; 215-238-1920
There are two seatings available for the four-course prix fixe at the New American: a 6 PM seating for $45 and a 9 PM seating for $75. Each includes a champagne toast, and wine pairings for either are available for $25 each. The bar will be open as well, offering a 10 PM-midnight package that includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for $35.
Extensive renovations have already been completed in the kitchen, and in late winter the restaurant will close again to complete a redo of the front of the house, including a granite bar for a first-floor lounge and a separate, second-floor dining room. Patio and rooftop garden seating are also planned. Lee will remain chef-owner at his Long Island gastropub (Huntington Social), so will be assisted at Sophia’s by chef de cuisine Oris Jeffers, who also worked under Lee at Striped Bass. Desserts will come from Jesse Prawlucki of Fond and Belle Cakery.
1623 E. Passyunk Ave.; 215-238-1920
