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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