Butcher & Singer, The Press Release
The first chunk of officially sanctioned info about Stephen Starr’s new old-school steakhouse Butcher and Singer in the former Striped Bass location has arrived at Foobooz World Headquarters, via the Cashmaniacs.
Other than some generic menu info with a few tantalizing mentions – lobster Newburg and steak Diane – it contains little in the way of specifics, like the projected exact opening date (we get ‘late October’ UPDATE: it’s tentatively scheduled for October 27th) or who the chef might be (although we hear that Jim LoCascio, the original chef of Barclay Prime and now a corporate chef within SRO, is supervising the as-yet-unnamed chef of Butcher, which bodes well for the steak situation). It also has a phone number: 215-732-4444, but no website yet. Now that’s retro!
We present it in its fluffy entirety to you, after the jump.
A TIMELESS RESTAURANT SERVING CLASSIC COCKTAILS AND QUALITY CUTS
PHILADELPHIA, PA (October 2, 2008) – Restaurateur Stephen Starr will open Butcher and Singer, a steak and chop house, in late October. Butcher and Singer will be an intimate and sophisticated dining experience in a relaxed clubhouse setting. The restaurant draws inspiration from such legendary institutions as 21 Club and The Original Delmonico’s Steakhouse in New York City, as well as the former glories of The Brown Derby in Los Angeles and Philadelphia’s Frankie Bradley’s. Low lights and dark woods evoke a feeling reminiscent of a bygone era when women donned full red lips, men always wore a suit and tie, and post-Prohibition liquor flowed freely.
Its historic location at the corner of Walnut and 15th Streets dates back to the early 1900s, when it was the site of the National Bank before becoming the Butcher and Singer stock brokerage. In 1994 it was converted to the popular restaurant Striped Bass, which Stephen Starr renovated and reopened in April 2004. The dramatic space is the ideal setting for a power lunch, after-work cocktail, high-stakes business dinner or romantic celebration.
Butcher and Singer was designed by Shawn Hausman (The Standard Hotel Downtown Los Angeles; The Standard Hotel + Spa Miami; Parc and Continental Mid-Town in Philadelphia) as a celebration of traditional steakhouse décor. Straightforward and self-assured, the design combines bold patterns and eclectic antiques to create a cozy, comfortable environment.
To the left of the entrance, an eye-catching dark wood bar welcomes guests with ice-cold martinis and hand-crafted cocktails. There is room for twelve at the bar and a small group in the lounge. Cocktails are true classics and the expansive wine list features over 200 bottles of Old and New World selections. Butcher and Singer specializes in original American cocktails, ranging from a perfect Manhattan or Gimlet, to a frothy Pink Lady and traditional Sidecar.
The 132-seat restaurant is divided to create three intimate sections: two elevated platforms flank the central dining room. Dramatic 28-foot ceilings, seductive leather Hollywood booths and velvet tufted sofas add a touch of glamour. White tablecloths, bold plaid curtains and houndstooth carpeting create an exciting interplay between pattern and texture. Dark walls and rose-toned furniture are complemented by crystal chandeliers rescued from the original Fontainebleau hotel in Miami.
Butcher and Singer offers a variety of raw and chilled seafood selections available a la carte or as a towering plateau. The menu will include classic appetizers and salads, such as Chopped and Caesar Salads, both skillfully prepared tableside.
Entrees include a variety of perfectly charred prime steaks and seafood prepared a la carte. Guests may select from a number of hand-cut steaks and chops including a Porterhouse for two, four or six persons; the now-famous boneless rib eye known as the Delmonico and domestic Lamb Chops.
The menu also features freshly-caught fish, coldwater lobster and iconic entrees like Lobster Newberg, Steak Diane and a classic Surf and Turf. Accompaniments include a number of vegetable sides and an array of potatoes.
Classic desserts like chocolate fudge cake, Grand Marnier cheesecake, a decadent ice cream sundae and fresh fruit crepes are a comforting end to the meal. All dishes are created from ingredients of the highest quality, the end result simple and satisfying.
The relaxed dining room suggests comfort and warmth, while still incorporating the energy of the bustling bar. A bull’s head overlooks the room from above the semi-enclosed kitchen, which is adjacent to the exclusive chef’s table for 12. A hand-painted mural adorns the western wall with a whimsical caricature of dogs at a bar. Lively and playful, the work adds drama and lightness to the room. Music plays a key role in setting the mood of the restaurant: jazz and blues will reign with Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald sharing the soundtrack with instrumental artists like Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonius Monk.
Given its high-profile history and time-honored offerings, Butcher and Singer promises to provide new tables for Philadelphia’s power dining set. Regular guests will know to call ahead for the six coveted Hollywood booths lining the central dining room. Entertaining guests makes a bold statement while simultaneously providing a sense of exclusivity. Butcher and Singer is a place to see and be seen while enjoying quality food and warm service. Timeless and fun, the restaurant will delight both the sophisticated epicure and neighborhood diner in the continued age of the American chophouse.
Butcher and Singer is located at 1500 Walnut Street (corner of Walnut and 15th Streets) in Philadelphia. For reservations, please call 215-732-4444. Butcher and Singer will serve lunch and dinner.
